92-Year-Old Priest Inspires Through Faith and Resilience in Senior Living Community
CLEARFIELD, Pa. — At 92 years old, Monsignor Henry Krebs is proof that one’s calling doesn’t retire — it deepens.
When Monsignor Krebs arrived at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield in June 2023, the beloved spiritual leader was recovering from a health setback that affected his stamina and ability to stand for long periods. But instead of stepping away from his vocation, he embraced a new path, guided by faith, perseverance and the support of a compassionate senior living community.
“Monsignor Henry Krebs moved in with us two years ago and has worked diligently to not only strengthen himself again physically, but to also continue his life’s legacy as a priest,” said Calley Kephart, LifeStages Director at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield. “He was finally able to hold his first in-community Mass on Christmas Day in 2023 and has continued monthly since then.”
Through determination and practice, Monsignor Krebs found new ways to serve.
With assistance from the team at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield, he learned to use his left hand to handle the host and chalice during Mass. “I can’t stand on my own. My fingers don’t work that well anymore. But we’ve been able to figure out ways of doing it,” Monsignor Krebs said. “It’s gradually coming.”
For him, returning to the altar — even seated and adapting — meant everything.
“It just furthered my priesthood,” he said. “When I came here, I had 63 years of priesthood and now I’m at 65. It gave me two extra years of working with people, preaching and taking care of them spiritually when I can, and providing encouragement in other ways.”
In addition to leading Mass, Monsignor Krebs has become a comforting spiritual advisor to residents, staff and families.
“Through times of grief or struggle, he has been a calming presence,” Kephart said. “He is truly an amazing individual.”
His reach has extended beyond the community’s walls as well. Monthly Masses at Colonial Courtyard draw visitors from the area, with many coming just to hear him speak.
“Monsignor Krebs sees every day as beautiful and has encouraged both residents and staff to see the same,” said Brittany Gearhart, Executive Operations Officer. “He has a strong following in the outside community. He has embraced Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield as his home.”
That sense of belonging and purpose is mutual.
“I’d be lost without them,” Monsignor Krebs said of the team that helps him prepare for services. “They are very good at setting up for my Mass and they are encouraging.”
Monsignor Krebs is building on a spiritual journey with roots extending throughout western and central Pennsylvania. Before moving to Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield, he served as Senior Associate at St. Francis Catholic Church from 2003 to 2023. Earlier this year, Monsignor Krebs celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination and received the Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis, prior to Pope Francis’ death in April.
He served at St. Michael the Archangel Church in DuBois (1982 to 2003). Monsignor Krebs played an important role in education, serving at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage (1981-82), as headmaster at DuBois Central Catholic and Chaplain at Christ the King (1969-81), Elk County Christian High School in St. Mary’s (1966-69) and Cathedral Prep in Erie (1966-68).
Clearfield – and now Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield – each hold special significance to Monsignor Krebs.
“This is my hometown. I was born and raised here,” he said. “I was gone in the seminary. I came back and lived here in 2003. I worked the next 20 years at St. Francis Church helping the priest there when I could.
“When my health went, I came out here,” he said of his current home in the senior living community. “Some of the residents I’ve known from a long time ago, when I was a kid.”
Asked what keeps him going, his answer is simple. And, profound: “It is very rewarding. It just increases your life and gives you something to look forward to every day. Every day you ask, ‘Who are you going to be able to help today? Who is going to need you today?’”
In Monsignor Krebs, Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield has more than a resident. They have a beacon of faith, a symbol of resilience, and a priest still living his calling.
For more information, contact Calley Kephart, LifeStages Director, Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield, at ckephart@integracare.com or call 814.765.2246.