Hello, and welcome to the St. Francis community.  I’d like to tell you a little about myself, my wife Michelle and our dog Mailee, and what brought us to St. Francis.  For many years I worked as a special education social worker in the Providence School System while at the same time serving as supply priest for parishes and missions throughout the Diocese.  In 2009, while assisting Fr. Bob Cummings at St. Francis, I accepted the call to be Vicar here and took over Fr. Cummings’ duties in 2010.

I am a graduate of Providence College and also studied at the Episcopal Divinity School in Massachusetts.  In 1984, I earned a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School, and was ordained by Bishop George Hunt in July 1985.  My career as curate began at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Bristol, Rhode Island.  Later, I served as Chaplain at Rhode Island College and then at the University of New Mexico.  It was during this ministry in Albuquerque, New Mexico that I met my wife, Michelle.  We were married in June of 1991, and then moved to Rhode Island a year later to attend our respective graduate schools.

Currently, Michelle works in the Warwick Public School System as a library media specialist.  Our dog Mailee wants you to know she enjoys walking in the woods and lying on her back for a tummy rub.  She is always warmly welcomed by St. Francis’ members; no doubt, this community lives out its patron saint’s care for their animal friends.

In addition to my work at St. Francis, I am also chaplain at Eleanor Slater Hospital and at Hallworth House.  During the week I also work as a psychotherapist, counseling a diverse range of people.  When not working, I spend as much time as possible with Michelle and Mailee; we enjoy bicycling, hiking, or canoeing together.

Finally, I am interested in the contemplative life and have lead Contemplative Prayer groups at St. Francis.  I have a daily practice of yoga and Centering Prayer, and I attend retreats regularly to revive myself for ministry and to deepen my faith and spiritual life.

I am honored to serve as Vicar of St. Francis Church and enthusiastically embrace the joys and challenges that lie ahead of us as a community within the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.

With joy and thanksgiving,

Sean+