‘Feed My Sheep’: Father Sean McGrath’s 34-Year Legacy of Love

(Photo by Neil McDonough)

By Pat Tomko

After more than three decades of faithful priestly service to the Archdiocese of Denver, Father Sean McGrath will retire on June 30. Known for his joyful spirit, compassionate heart and unwavering dedication to Christ and his people, Father McGrath leaves a legacy of love that has touched countless lives — both within and beyond parish walls.

Currently serving as pastor of the Shrine of St. Anne in Arvada, Father McGrath was ordained on June 8, 1991. He studied at Conception Seminary College in Missouri and Sacred Heart School of Theology in Wisconsin.

Over the course of his 34-year ministry, he served in many parishes across the archdiocese: St. Vincent de Paul in Denver, Risen Christ in Denver, Light of the World in Littleton, Guardian Angels in Denver, St. Francis Cabrini in Littleton, and twice at Shrine of St. Anne. He served as pastor at Guardian Angels, St. Francis Cabrini, and most recently, Shrine of St. Anne, where he returned in 2017.

“When he came back to St. Anne, it was like a reunion with an old friend,” said longtime parishioner Jean Klene. “We were so happy to have him back — and even better, he seemed happy to be with us, too.”

A native of New Jersey, Father McGrath brought with him a deep love for the Church — and for Notre Dame football, often delighting parishioners with his self-deprecating humor about the "Fighting Irish." His blend of pastoral sensitivity and approachable humor made him not only beloved but relatable.

Father Nathan Goebel, who began his priesthood under Father McGrath’s mentorship at St. Francis Cabrini, recalled early advice he received from him: “You need to learn how to be a priest before you learn how to do priestly things.” Father Goebel added, “He believed the priesthood isn’t just about function — it’s about presence, identity and offering oneself fully to those entrusted to your care.”

Father McGrath’s ministry extended far beyond the pews. Early in his priesthood, he served as both counselor and director at Catholic Charities’ summer youth camp and was involved in AIDS ministry. He later joined the board of Catholic Charities and served on the board of Urban Peak, a nonprofit serving youth experiencing homelessness.

For 25 years, he also served as chaplain to the Denver Police and Fire Departments, providing pastoral support to first responders facing immense stress. He brought the same compassion to his work as state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, and to his role on the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council and the Continuing Education for Priests Committee.

A gifted homilist, Father McGrath was known for preaching the Gospel in ways that resonated across generations. One parishioner described his homilies as “full of information, inspiration and joy,” noting that Mass attendees left feeling like Father McGrath had shared something special with them.

He was a familiar face in the halls of Shrine of St. Anne School in Arvada, greeting students most mornings and involving them in school Masses. Long-time friend and parishioner, Frank DeAngelis, noted that Father McGrath was the right person to spiritually shepherd the parish and school community with his characteristic love and presence.

In recent years, Father McGrath turned his focus toward ministry in addiction recovery — a cause close to his heart. He founded a Catholics in Recovery group at St. Anne, offering spiritual support for those struggling with addiction. He also served on the board of STEP Denver, a local residential recovery program. In his preaching, he often spoke of surrendering to God’s mercy, much like those in recovery must surrender to find freedom.

That same pastoral heart was evident in personal moments, Klene recalled. The night her mother, Mary, had died, she called Father McGrath to ask if he would come pray with her family — a request he dropped everything to fulfill. Only as the family walked him out did they discover that, in his haste to be present to the family in difficulty, Father McGrath had left his car running. That haste to be present to his people shows just how enthusiastic he is to bestow the sacraments on those in his care.

Another parishioner, recovering from a life-threatening illness that left her with a physical impairment, once asked him if her suffering was punishment. Father’s reply was full of tenderness: “No, God isn’t punishing you. He’s giving you an opportunity to show his love in how you live now.”

Whether preaching at Mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick or offering quiet counsel, Father McGrath’s ministry was marked by fidelity and joy. Through him, many encountered the mercy of Christ.

Now stepping back from parish life, Father McGrath said he hopes to spend more time “getting to know Jesus the teacher and Jesus the physician.” While he may no longer be preaching every Sunday, his priesthood continues in witness and prayer.

+++

Shrine of St. Anne Parish in Arvada will host an open house reception in Father Sean McGrath’s honor on Saturday, June 7, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the parish center.