After 51 years of faithful service as a priest of Sandhurst, Fr Joe Taylor has officially put down his parish diary and stepped into retirement. 

As you read this, he is recalibrating in Italy, no doubt reflecting on his years of active ministry and contemplating his continued contribution to parish and community life in the years ahead. Because, as everyone knows, a priest never really retires, he just moves from “active duty” to what Fr Joe fondly calls his “relegation of lesser duties.”

The weeks leading up to Fr Joe’s retirement coincided with his 75th birthday, which naturally meant Shepparton, in true Shep-style, was up for a few celebrations – full of heart, humour and, of course, great food.

At the official parish Farewell Mass on Sunday, 28 September, St Brendan’s was packed to the rafters with parishioners and a strong contingent of Sandhurst Clergy. The Sacred Hall (Notre Dame College) luncheon that followed saw 350 people tucking into home-cooked meals and swapping Fr Joe stories – grateful for his faithful service, guidance and care.

It was clear that Fr Joe has left an indelible mark on St Brendan’s, the Shepparton Parish and the wider community. Deeply respected, he is the salt-of-the-earth kind of priest, who remembers names, turns up when it matters and brings reverence and wit to the altar. His ministry has shaped countless lives, and his absence will be keenly felt, even as his legacy continues to ripple through the parishes, he has faithfully shepherded.

At the St Brendan’s Farewell, Peter Chalkley spoke of Fr Joe the fisherman, the gardener, the walker and the cook. He recalled when, as a teenager at St Therese’s Kennington, he first met Fr Joe: “A young Assistant Priest, enthusiastic, warm-hearted with a ready smile and thick crop of fairly long curly red hair.” Some fifty years later, the warmth, enthusiasm and ready smile still remain, “But, the red curly hair disappeared many decades ago!” said Peter.

Fr Joe’s snowy white hair and beard could be considered his trademark, demonstrated by the students at St Brendan’s Primary School dressed up in white beards in a display of affection at their “Living Art Gallery” farewell to Fr Joe.

Over the series of celebrations, Fr Joe, ever humble, was visibly overwhelmed by the generosity of parishioners – their words, their presence, and their love. At his Farewell Mass, he could not express his thanks enough. In a Facebook video, the following morning, he addressed his flock as their Parish Priest for the last time. “I’m here having the last supper as we’re calling it,” he said, referring to his final breakfast at the presbytery before departure. After thanking people for their wonderful farewells, in typical Fr Joe style, he expressed his gratitude:

“Thank you over the years for your support and your care and your love. And, finally, keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in my prayers. So, let’s remember those words of St Paul, “Each time I think of you, I pray with joy. Thanks everyone, goodbye and God bless.“

Diane Teitzel, Parish Office Manager, who has worked with Fr Joe at St Brendan’s for eight years, said the farewell Mass was bittersweet.

“He was always a man of integrity, and when he saw others hurting, he hurt too. He had a great sense of humour and connected with people of all backgrounds. He always had time for you. Things will be different now as we won't see him every week, but I can only wish him every bit of good health and good times in his “relegation of lesser duties” (i.e. his way of describing his retirement). May God bless him wherever He leads him."

Raised on a dairy farm near Echuca, Fr Joe learned the value of family, hard work and a good sense of humour, traits that shaped his down-to-earth style of ministry. He was a boarder at Salesian College Sunbury, which he says prepared him well for the Seminary. He was ordained a Priest of Sandhurst in 1974. Over the decades, he faithfully served in Bendigo, Wangaratta, Kerang, Wodonga, Euroa, Heathcote, Dookie and, of course, Shepparton.

Fr Joe’s ministry also stretched to Papua New Guinea where, as young priest, he spent six years; four years ministering in Margarima Parish in the remote Southern Highlands and two years teaching Liturgy and Scripture to seminarians from PNG, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Back in Shepparton, Fr Joe’s farewell tour was a classic Fr Joe and Shepparton combo: full of laughter, prayer and some song.

• 4 September: St Brendan’s Primary School honoured Fr Joe with a moving “living art gallery” depicting moments of his life and ministry — a heartfelt                                 thank-you in true Shepparton style.
  
  
• 13 September: Parish staff shared breakfast and stories — the kind where everyone laughs and some try not to cry.
  
  
• 14 September: The Faith and Light Community celebrated with a birthday lunch, giving thanks for his friendship and joy.
  
  
• 20 September: The Shepparton Men’s Group gathered for a bacon-and-eggs farewell — complete with a song written and sung by one of the men.
  
  
• 24 September: The Syro-Malabar community offered a special Mass in thanksgiving.
  
  
• 28 September: The grand finale — the “Let Your Light Shine” Farewell Mass and Luncheon, attended by clergy, parishioners, and friends. The                                                    Shepparton Volunteer catering group catered for 350 with their all-homemade lunch – only in Shep!

Watch a slideshow of photos of FR Joe’s Parish Farewell Mass and Luncheon by Holly Daniel on Vimeo:

Thank you, Fr Joe, for your faithful service, your wisdom, your laughter, and your care. You’ve left an indelible mark on the hearts of those you’ve shepherded.
Go well, Father. We’ll see you back this way after your recalibration.

Return to Sandpiper 109 (17 October 2025)