After two years of faithful service, Father Zachary, the beloved Jesuit priest at Seattle Prep, is preparing to depart his community he has called home. As he reflects on his time at Prep, he does so with a spirit of deep gratitude, humility, and hope for what lies ahead, both for himself and for the school.
From the start, Fr. Zachary was “missioned” to Prep by the Jesuits, drawn by his love of education and desire to serve in a high school setting. Fr. Zachary has become the heart of Prep liturgies, retreats, and in the day-to-day spiritual rhythm on the campus. What he’ll miss most? “The maturity of the students,” he said, “and the deep care that faculty and staff have for one another. It’s a place where people are really invested.”
During his time at Prep, Fr. Zachary has grown in flexibility, learning to adapt and meet the community where it is. A key part of that journey has been his involvement in Kairos retreats, five of them, to be exact. He described those experiences as transformative, moments where “students and faculty show up in a different headspace.” The beauty of vulnerability and reflection on Kairos remains one of his most cherished memories.
In both classrooms and hallways, Fr. Zachary has seen the heart of the Jesuit mission in action. “Ignatian Identity is strong here,” he says. “Students and teachers live it out daily, through reflection, connection, and their care for one another.” One of the most vivid expressions of Cura Personalis—care for the whole person—he has witnessed the simple yet profound act of people checking in on each other, offering prayerful intentions, and walking with one another through life’s joys and struggles.
Fr. Zachary has also grown deeper in his own vocation. He’s become more intentional in prayer, often keeping a list of people and situations to pray for. This quiet habit has helped him stay rooted in compassion and presence, even amid the busyness of school life.
When asked what makes Prep students unique, he smiled and mentioned Collegio. “Students here are able to connect ideas across subjects, finding threads that bring everything together. It’s intellectually exciting, and spiritually rich.”
He hopes students remember him not just as a priest, but as someone who was genuinely present, someone who cared. And he’ll carry memories of laughter and collaboration with faculty, moments that made even hard days feel light.
Fr. Zachary is now headed to Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, his alma mater and former school where he once taught. “The sunshine will be nice,” he laughed, “but more than that, it feels like a full-circle moment.”
But he also reflected about his sadness leaving Prep, “It has been such a good time at Prep, and I am sad to leave this amazing community.”
As he leaves, he offers a final blessing to the Prep community: “Keep having initiative and drive to make our school better. It pays off.” His hope is that Seattle Prep continues to grow in its mission, nurturing thoughtful, faith-filled leaders who live with purpose and compassion.
Though Fr. Zachary’s chapter at Prep is closing, the legacy of his prayer, presence, and joyful spirit will linger long in the hearts of those he’s touched.
