Sean Raftis, S.J. was ordained on June 4, 2005

Sean Raftis, S.J.

Where are you from and from what sort of family? What did your parents do for a living, how many siblings?

I’m from Spokane, Washington. I am from your classic Irish Catholic family. My father had a lot of brothers and sisters, so growing up we spent a lot of time with my aunts, uncles, and cousins, so we were kind of one big family. I have one sister and one brother.

What sort of education did you have before entering the Jesuits and from where?

I attended Catholic grade schools and attended Gonzaga Preparatory School and Gonzaga University. I earned a master’s in communication from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University.

What attracted you to the Jesuits?

The Jesuit’s priestly ministry. I really liked the way the Jesuits at Gonzaga Prep exercised their priestly ministry in many ways – through teaching, spiritual direction, informal conversation, and retreats. I really liked going to Mass every day at recess and hearing moving homilies and being able to participate in the Eucharist during the school day. That had a profound effect on me.

There was also an affirmation that God is at work in the world, through the arts, sciences, sports, and through every day activities. It was communicated to me without being explicitly pointed out that the world is ultimately God’s and that to assent to this fact was natural, and that all good things in this world are a gift from God.

During your discernment to join the Jesuits what was the one thing that most prompted you to enter? Was it a conversation with a particular person, a prayer experience, or perhaps a visit to the novitiate?

I had several conversations with Priests during high school and my life as a young adult that really influenced me, and cultivated my interest in the Society that eventually led me, in a gradual way, into the Novitiate. It was an ongoing experience of hearing and answering God’s call.

What do you like best about being a Jesuit?

There are a lot of things, but most importantly, I’m looking forward to being ordained to the priesthood and celebrating the Eucharist as well as administering the sacraments such as the sacrament of reconciliation. I like teaching very much. I like keeping in touch with those to whom I ministered during formation. The company of fellow Jesuits, the continual dynamic of learning, the ability to cultivate skills, are just some of the gifts that God has given for which I’m so grateful.