STORY - "It's Never Too Late"

Newly ordained Fr Kevin Kiem, 63, describes himself as someone who “likes to be part of a system and doesn’t mind some pressure” being placed on him. His years as a teacher of mathematics and science, and as a school principal reflect this, although being father to four sons may at times have challenged his love of order and structure!

When his children had become young adults and at an age when most men are looking forward to putting their feet up and slowing down after a demanding career, Kevin found himself at a crossroads. His marriage had ended and so it was natural to take stock as he faced the future.

Rewind to Kevin’s early years and it is clear that an attachment to church was central to his life, along with family and eventually, teaching. Kevin grew up in Mayfield and was educated by Dominican Sisters at Corpus Christi Waratah and St Columban’s Mayfield and the Marist Brothers at St Pius X Primary School Tighes Hill. Aged 11, he headed to La Valla, Bowral, to enter the juniorate of the Marist Brothers. His secondary education proceeded and he moved to the Hermitage, Mittagong, as a postulant, then novice, where the regimen was robust, to say the least! After several formative years, Kevin felt that religious life was not for him, although he valued his Marist experience.

He continued the teacher training he had begun with the Brothers, eventually beginning teaching with the Department of Education at Woodenbong in northern NSW. He taught at a number of schools, beginning a pattern of not staying too long in one place. Reflecting on his life, Kevin said, “I feel that seeking, searching and moving on are metaphors for my life.” By now Kevin had married Christine, the first of four sons had been born and he had begun teaching at Darwin High School. His move from the Northern Territory to Canberra was hastened by a certain cyclone…

In 1985 the Kiem family arrived in our diocese as Kevin had been appointed principal of St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen. Since his teaching had mostly been in country areas, Kevin and his family had generally belonged to the same school community. This changed when Kevin became principal of St Paul’s High School Booragul in 1989, as the city offered greater choice of schools.

Integral to Kevin’s involvement in school was a parallel commitment to church, most often lived out in the parish context. In fact, when he spoke to his sons about the attraction priesthood had for him, one said it came as no big surprise! Practical involvement was combined with study to equip him to teach Religious Studies, which he found satisfying.

Approaching what is conventionally termed retirement age, Kevin found himself in ‘what now?’ mode. His sons were independent young men, and an associate gently suggested that it was time to reinvent himself. Kevin’s experience of priests and religious had been invariably positive, and the notion of pursuing priesthood was supported by a priest-friend.

He approached Bishop Michael somewhat tentatively, and was warmly received. Kevin secured an annulment, paving the way to begin studies at Pontificio Collegio Beda, a seminary in Rome for mature men. As well as the spiritual, human and pastoral formation, Kevin also received a Bachelor of Divinity degree and Licentiate in Theology.

The Roman experience was “truly enriching” and gave him time and space to consider what the future might hold, what he had to offer the diocese, and vice versa. “It was interesting to meet other men, of different cultures, and to hear their story.” He missed not only his family, but the Australian culture. There is a view that preparation for diocesan priesthood ought to happen in the diocese where one hopes to minister, and while Kevin understands this, he knows that he benefited greatly from engaging with the church at an international level, and taking time out for a ‘desert experience’.

Pastoral placement enhanced this, first in Greenwich, England, then closer to home in Chisholm Region and finally Kurri Kurri. “I’m always interested in seeing things done differently, seeing new ways of responding to new challenges.” Kevin is very comfortable with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s openness to finding other ways to minister, to move forward, to be church.

He brings to priesthood a life experience different from the vast majority of clergy: “Since the year 2000 I’ve been on a very steep learning curve, and I hope that all of that and my earlier life experience will contribute to this next stage.” He began ministry in the parishes of Kurri Kurri and Cessnock shortly after ordination in July.

Kevin hopes that others may begin to think differently about priesthood, as the number of priests grows ever smaller and the demands placed on them increase. As he says, “It’s never too late”!

Tracey Edstein

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