Celebrating Fr. Tim's 50th Anniversary

St. Augustine’s Parish in Taber was honoured to share with parishioners and guests a special evening recognising the many accomplishments, lasting friendships, and cherished memories that Father Tim Boyle has created over the past 50 years.

A bit of history explains why this celebration was held at, and is so special to, St. Augustine’s Parish.

In 1973, a young Tim Boyle arrived in Taber as a transitional deacon, serving the parish until his ordination to the priesthood a year later. On October 12, 1974, Bishop Paul O’Byrne came to St. Augustine’s and celebrated a Mass of ordination to the priesthood for Fr. Tim.​ 

​Fr. Tim continued to serve in Taber for a further 3 1/2 years as an associate pastor under the guidance of the Pastor, Fr. Donald O’Dwyer.  

Fr. Tim, originally a young man from Camrose, AB via Calgary, began a blessed priestly ministry in the Church that has spanned 50 years.

Throughout these years, he has continued to serve the Diocese of Calgary in various parishes. Now, having retired from active parish ministry, he serves as the Bishop’s Vicar for Clergy.​

​​The Celebration

Our evening on Saturday, Sep. 28, 2024 began with Fr. Tim celebrating Mass, accompanied by Fr. Philip Le and Deacon Brian Kinahan. The music was a collaboration from our three music ministry groups, featuring songs from both past and present. During Mass, Fr. Tim shared stories of the parishes where the sacred vessels, presented to him by his family at his ordination, had travelled over the past 50 years.

After Mass, a potluck supper was held in his honour, with an abundance of food to share. A spectacular cake was made by one of our parishioners, Brenda. The program began with Fr. Tim sharing a bit about his time in Taber—from helping farmers in the fields to driving beet trucks, and most importantly, building lasting friendships. His favourite story was about entering a float in the Taber parade with friends, celebrating their “accomplishment” of placing second in the T.L.D.M.A. Branch 451 competition. It was a hilarious spoof, with people cheering from the sidelines and wondering about the mysterious competition. The joke, of course, was on them, as T.L.D.M.A. simply stood for “These Letters Don’t Mean Anything.”

He shared a few stories about the Camp Columbus trips and the special van in which he drove the youth group around. Then, Mrs. Jolane Sekura, a parishioner from his time in Taber, spoke about her memories of Fr. Tim’s time there and presented him with a framed Papal blessing commemorating his 50 years of ordained ministry. To conclude the evening, there was an open mic, where parishioners shared more stories from his time in Taber, leaving all blessed with joyful memories.

All present were truly blessed.

Once you are ordained, you are a priest forever! We were so pleased to be able to celebrate this lifelong priestly ministry right here in Taber where it all began.
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May God continue to guide Father Tim and fill him with His grace as he continues the work of harvesting souls for Him. 

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Written by Linda Kinahan. Linda has been a lifelong parishioner in the Taber area, first at Assumption Parish, Grassy Lake which was a missionary parish of St. Augustine’s, Taber. She currently sits on the Liturgy Committee at St. Augustine’s and is responsible for Sacred Art. She is married to Deacon Brian Kinahan. 

​Photos courtesy of St. Augustine's Parish, Taber.