Mons. Kerry Bayada

Monsignor Kerry Bayada reflects on his 53 years in the priesthood. PHOTO: Alphonsus Fok

Monsignor Kerry Bayada is one of our retired priests who has served the Sydney Parishioners as a Parish Priest, Vocations Director and friend. 

The following is an interview, and we hope you enjoy the transcript.

Where has your priestly ministry taken you?
I became a priest 56 years ago and had been in the seminary for 13 years. I did all my secondary schooling in the minor seminary and then went on to my priestly studies. In 1960, Cardinal Gilroy ordained me. My first parish was Earlwood. From there I went up to Lake Macquarie to Belmont and had 16 months there. I then came back to Sydney to Darlinghurst and was there for two years. Later on, I had the great privilege of becoming a Vocations Director. So for 17 years, I promoted the whole concept of priesthood and religious life in the schools around Sydney. In 1984, Cardinal Clancy asked me to go to Caringbah as Parish Priest, and that’s where I retired from 30 years later.

What does a typical day look like as a retired priest?
They say you retire, but we go on to lesser duties. I have Mass three times a week. I anoint all those that need to be anointed in the complex, and the funerals start coming in. One of the things that I appreciate very often is how families contact and me and thank me and being there for them. 

How has the Priests’ Retirement Foundation impacted you?
I feel very privileged that the people in the Archdiocese are helping me in my latter years of life to continue to live in a that I was used to living in a presbytery. I feel very privileged to be a part of the Priests Retirement Foundation which has made it so much easier for us to have security.

Is there anything else that you would like to tell the Parishioners of Sydney?
The message I would have for all those who have given so generously to the Priests’ Retirement Foundation is one of gratitude for their generosity to care for the priests in the Archdiocese of Sydney. It’s an inspiration to know that you are there and that you appreciate what we are able to do for you. So I just thank you, and I ask you to continue to support those who serve you so generously and courageously. 

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