Meet Dcn. Sean Yates a transitional deacon for the Archdiocese of Hartford (Home parish: St. Junipero Serra Parish, South Windsor, CT), who will be ordained a priest later this year.
What was the highlight of your time at Sacred Heart Major Seminary?
My highlight of my time here at Sacred Heart has been the brotherhood we have established in the seminary. I look back over my years here in Detroit and one of my first thoughts is about the times we have had dealing with Covid. At first glance it might seem like a negative time, however, I am reminded of all the brothers working together to keep themselves and the community as safe as possible. I also recall how when a brother was sick, all the other brothers worked together to ensure they received everything that they needed, whether it was food or the Eucharist.
Another fond memory is the Dinner for Life. This large dinner was hosted by the seminarians and everyone in the house worked together joyfully to ensure a positive experience for our guests.
What has been one or two highlights of your time serving as a transitional deacon?
The highlight of my time as a transitional deacon would be the times that I have been able to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism. These celebrations have been full of joy and hope. It has also been very powerful to be present to the family and the congregation, and join in the family's joy.
How are you preparing for your priestly ordination?
I am preparing for my priestly ordination by praying with the prayers of ordination. I am also preparing by practicing my first Mass so that I will be more prepared to pray the Mass on my first Sunday of being a priest.
What kind of priest do you want to be?
Mainly, I want to be a holy priest and I pray that God will help me become more holy everyday. In a more practical way, I want to be a vessel that God can use to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus into the lives of people. I view my mission within parish life to reach out to the people in my community that are on the fringes of society — the homeless, hospital-bound, or imprisoned — I look forward to being able to reach out to them with mercy and love, and allowing them to experience Jesus in their lives.
What are you looking forward to after being ordained?
I am looking forward to being a holy priest for the people that I am assigned to. I am most looking forward to hearing confessions so I can bring the mercy and love of God to people that are looking for healing because God is our healer. I pray that I can be a holy priest for the people.
Please join us in praying for Deacon Sean Yates during his final months of preparation leading up to his ordination.