Anniversaries of Ordination
There were a number of anniveraries of ordination in the past month. Three were 'notable' years. Fr Terry Stallard celebrated 55 years as a priest and Mgr John Grace and Fr John Daly celebrated their Golden Jubiliee of Ordination. Given the current restictions, celebrations were different from what would normally occur on such a milestone. Both Mgr Grace and Fr Daly have shared their experience of over 50 years of service to the Diocese of Rockhamption.
Monsignor John Grace
On Thursday 6th August, the Holy Spirit Seminary community, together with Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Bishops Brian Heenan, Kenneth Howell and Brian Finnigan, celebrated Fr John Grace’s 50th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination. This celebration was a surprise to Fr John – a pleasant one in the end, we hope – and a greatly joyous occasion for our Seminary Family. The evening commenced with Mass in Holy Spirit Chapel in ACU before we enjoyed a meal together in Xavier Hall in the Seminary. Members of our community were able to give words of congratulations and blessing to Fr John, which he received with gratitude, his characteristically sharp wit, and much grace. Fr Frank Jones, Vice-Rector, presented a portion of Fr John’s history of his activity in the Diocese of Rockhampton, his studies abroad, and the past 5 years of his life spent as Rector of the Provincial Seminary in Brisbane. Fr John responded with a reflection on his 50 years of Priesthood. We – especially those of us belonging to the Rockhampton Diocese – give thanks for Fr John’s presence which has forever marked our formation journeys towards the Priesthood; this milestone in Fr John’s life is a great encouragement to us as we continue our own vocational journeys in his graced company.
Ashwin Acharya, Seminarian
6 August 2020
Mgr Grace offered the following reflection.
Occasion of Golden Jubilee of Priesthood
Cassius Clay, a renowned American professional boxer, adopted the name Muhammad Ali when he converted to Islam. One of the significant sports figures of the 20th century, his memoirs contain several treasured quotes. This one caught my attention, causing me to reflect in the context of this Ordination Anniversary
“A man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
My pondering centres on “What am I viewing from this Ridge – fifty years of ordained priesthood – in my life?” Fifty is the figure for this occasion. A half century has passed since ordination. A quarter century preceded it. Three quarters of a century, therefore, have been notched up in my life producing little tangible evidence. That is both actually and factually true.
Fr Grace has also offered a list of the priests who have served in this Diocese over the past 50 years.
Fr John Daly
Fr John Daly celebrated 50 Years of Ordination to the Presbyterate on August 5th. Fr John had great plans to celebrate his milestone with a Mass, social, and musical concert. Unfortunately, these celebrations had to be cancelled and modified greatly. He’s hoping next year may be the Year of Celebration. In its place the parish acknowledged John’s years of ministry during each Mass, in the presentation of a scrolled version of “The Parable of Wisdom”, written by Norm Whyte, and in a feature-length Church Chat which can be viewed at
Fr John has retired to Bargara but is still active in his ministry. We are truly blessed to have Frs Terry and John in our midst.
Anne Sheehan, Bundaderg
Fr Daly offered the following reflection.
The Golden Anniversary - 50 Years of Blessings
On Wednesday 5th August this year I was ordained 50 years. The ordination took place in Holy Rosary Church, Bundaberg. It was planned that I would have a Diocesan Celebration in the Cathedral with John Grace who was also ordained 50 years ago on 6th August. Tom Martin was ordained on 7th August that same year.
A celebration with Mass and a concert was to be held in Bundaberg on 21/22 August when the parish, family and friends would come together. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions this could not happen. I have had a few small group celebrations including one with family members, another with men my age who went to school with me in Bundaberg. Many people, such as those celebrating 50 years of marriage, have been unable to celebrate their special milestones with family and friends in numbers that they would otherwise have done.
The Sunday after my 50th Anniversary the parish presented a power-point at the end of each of the Masses. It presented me in a good light. So much so it could be sent to Rome after I die for the canonization process to begin!
The Gospel of the day was very appropriate. It presented Peter and the other disciples in the boat during the storm where the wind and waves buffeted them. Peter was invited to come to Jesus across the water. He did so but began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. Many times in the past 50 years I have begun to sink. At times the journey has been a struggle and hard going. Yet at other times I’ve been able to walk on water with my friend Jesus.
I am here after 50 years because of a deep friendship with Jesus Christ and because of the love I’ve received from so many people over those 50 years.
The 50 years has been a wonderful adventure – One travelled with close friends amongst my fellow priests, the religious and laity I have ministered with, and, of course, family.
I have been fortunate to be involved in so many different ministries and been offered so many opportunities. I am so grateful for the trust placed in me especially when I was asked to study Spirituality. The time was a gift and helped sustain my enthusiasm as a priest and allowed me to develop skills I hadn’t realized I had.
My greatest love has been the people I have ministered with and to in the parish ministry. I particularly am still challenged and energized in Visitation – in private homes, institutions, hospitals etc. – and in preparing and presenting homilies. I feel a closeness to the sick and bereaved. I have always in my pastoral work received much more than I was able to give. I received a congratulation card from someone who has thanked me for ministering to her family for three generations. I have been involved with four generations in some families.
I am grateful for my ministry with youth (church youth and homeless); aboriginal communities, various chaplaincies. It has been an honour - a humble one – to minister to clergy as Diocesan Director of Clergy for about 25 years. Yet despite the storms of life the journey called “priesthood” has been a hope-filled adventure. I have heard many times the voice of Jesus “Courage, it is I.” I have made mistakes, but have tried to give my best. As the 19th Sunday Readings pointed out, “God has been present and close at hand.”
For this and the people in my life I say “Thank You.”
John Daly
Fr Terry Stallard
Fr Terry Stallard celebrated 55 Years of Ordination to the Presbyterate on June 29, the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. Fr Terry is an active retired priest in our parish and loves being out and about in the parish. He presides at daily and weekend Masses, visits the hospitals and nursing homes when asked, and takes a great interest in the happenings of the parish. He is a regular visitor to the office for a chat and a cup of coffee. We are so grateful Fr Terry “tested the waters” 55 years ago.
His story can be viewed on our Church Chat Youtube site at
Anne Sheehan, Bundaberg