EPISODE 29: A LOVING AND EMPOWERING PRESENCE - In Conversation with Fr Kevin Bates sm

Kevin Bates sm is the Parish Priest of Holy Name of Mary Parish in Hunters Hill in Sydney. He was born in Geelong, Victoria and was ordained as a Marist priest in Melbourne in 1972.  Over the years he has been involved in a broad and exciting range of ministries. He has been a lecturer, a facilitator, a retreat leader and was the Director of the Marist Centre in Toongabbie and later the Aquinas Centre in Sydney. In the early 1990’s he lived in community at Holy Spirit in Bellambi (Wollongong) and travelled extensively around Australia and beyond conducting retreats for primary and secondary school students, staff groups and parish-based groups. Over these years Kevin has also composed, published and recorded beautiful music which has been shared at countless Masses, Weddings and Funerals.

Throughout the years Kevin’s ability to walk with others, to listen to their pain and to empower them to use their gifts has been so clearly evident. It is a story which reflects the power of offering others a loving and encouraging presence. 

"We need to have a listening heart together." Kevin Bates sm