40 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2024 Half a Century of Service Jubilarian “To love God and to love God’s people is at the very centre of a priest’s existence. To live that out in prayer and service, is the way that priests make sense of their life and find meaning.” Most Rev. Leslie Tomlinson 1974 Golden Jubilee Fr Joe Taylor In 2024 Fr Joe Taylor V.G. marked fifty years since he was ordained a priest of Sandhurst. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed a profound sense of “deep, deep gratitude” to God, and to the people he has the privilege to serve and minister alongside. Fr Joe’s service in Sandhurst has been shaped by ten appointments across eight parishes, including a six-year stint in the Diocese of Mendi in Papua New Guinea. He’s now enjoying his longest tenure yet, as Parish Priest in Shepparton, a role he’s held for twelve years. He credits the people of Shepparton for their vibrant energy and commitment to the mission of the Church. One of the most meaningful aspects of his ministry has been accompanying people as they grow in faith. Fr Joe takes particular joy in supporting adults through the RCIA Program and witnessing their embrace of the Catholic faith. The sacramental baptism of adults continues to be one of the most fulfilling parts of his priesthood. Like any walk of life, the path of a priest also brings challenges; Fr Joe humorously admits that his greatest challenge over the years has been crafting homilies. Although he is known for his insightful and heartfelt sermons, he confesses that delivering them was never initially easy. Yet, through dedication, he has grown more confident in this aspect of his ministry, particularly in sensitive situations like funerals. Fr Joe feels that transition has been a central theme of his journey: from a childhood on a farm near Lockington, then a move to Echuca, and later to boarding school at Salesian College Sunbury; from the introspective life of the seminary to the dynamic responsibilities of parish life; and from his missionary work in Papua New Guinea to returning to Australian parishes. He recalls the early struggles in the seminary, questioning his purpose but, in time, he found great relevance in his studies and a deeper sense of mission. His formative years in Papua New Guinea were particularly transformative. Serving in remote, diverse communities, he learned to navigate language barriers and adapt to a very different cultural context, an experience that deepened his empathy for migrants and refugees. The 50th anniversary of his Ordination was celebrated with multiple events, including a special diocesan Jubilee Mass at St Mary’s in Echuca, where Fr Joe had been ordained in 1974. As Fr Joe looks back on half a century of service, his gratitude and dedication remain strong; “I’d do it all over again”, he says. Optimistic about Pope Francis’ vision of synodality and a return to a more scripture-centred, community-oriented “village” Church; his optimism inspires those around him to feel at home in the Church. 1974
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