Fr. Sean Mazary, YA: How Faith Started at Home
Fr. Sean Mazary places his hands in Bishop Michael Burbidge’s during the Promise of Obedience at ordination.
credit: Matthew Barrick
June 6, 2026 was a day filled with joy, anticipation, and trust in the Lord for Fr. Sean Mazary, YA. Fr. Sean is one of three Youth Apostles priests who were ordained in the Diocese of Arlington this June. This is a tremendous blessing for our community, and one that started with the ones who began instilling the faith in them so long ago - their parents.
Following is a discussion with Eileen and Dave Mazary, Fr. Sean’s parents.
On Celebrating His First Mass
“Seeing Sean at the altar seemed so natural,” said his father, Dave, when he was asked. “[It was] more than seeing, but experiencing and entering in the Mass at a deeper and personal level with him as he thrust his whole heart and soul into what God called him to do.” Dave continued to recount the tears of joy he had, seeing his son take plain bread and wine and turn them into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Sean’s mom, Eileen, reflected that she “wasn’t prepared for how it hit me that, through his ordination, my son is able to make Christ present to the congregation” at Mass.
“As a mom, I was thrilled to see the support he received from his now fellow priests! Five Youth Apostles priests and all three priests from Nativity, the parish he served at during his diaconate year, concelebrated with him.”
Fr. Sean giving a blessing to his parents after ordination.
credit: Matthew Barrick
Thoughts for Parents
When asked about what they would say to parents of children who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, Dave and Eileen urges them to begin with prayer. “Pray for yourself and your son… Pray for wisdom for him, openness to listening to God, and protection from discouragement,” said Eileen.
Dave believes that a strong example at home can also make a lasting difference. A life centered on prayer, fasting, frequent Mass and Confession, and service in the Church can create an environment where a vocation has room to grow. He also encourages parents to give their children opportunities to speak with priests and other faithful Catholics as they discern.
In Sean’s own discernment, a Catholic campus priest provided an important example and influence. For Dave, that experience reinforced the importance of surrounding young people with people who are living their faith.
Together, Sean’s parents point to a simple but important lesson: parents do not have to know where their child’s vocation will lead. They can pray, provide a faithful example, encourage good counsel, and trust God with the rest.
A Unique Call
Every priest is called by God in a unique way, bringing his own interests, talents, and experiences along the journey. We asked Fr. Sean’s parents to share a few details about his path to the priesthood, and his dad, Dave, shared some fun facts that might surprise you: “He is an Eagle Scout and he was the Senior Patrol Leader for the troop, he was offered a job as a train conductor, and he is an expert on the pogo stick!”
As we celebrate Fr. Sean’s priesthood, we give thanks for the many ways God worked through his family, his experiences, and the people who helped him discover His call.
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To hear more about the journey of another newly ordained priest in Youth Apostles, read Fr. Jim Harbour’s story through the eyes of his parents in The Apostle.
