Jim Bates resides in Danbury, CT and entered Pope St. John XXIII after a 15-year IT career with Pitney-Bowes, and 25 years’ experience in industrial electronics and software development. He has served St. Joseph Parish in Danbury as a lector, catechist, and as a member of the parish choir and handbell choir.  He also is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.

“As a convert, the single greatest influence for me was, and remains, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I have also been blessed with many people in my life who have encouraged and supported me in my discernment of a vocation to the priesthood. In addition I have been blessed with the example of many good priests, particularly the priests of my parish, St. Joseph in Danbury.”