Fr Terry Rush to retire after 52 years of ministry

By Josh Low

After 52 years of priestly ministry, Richmond Parish Priest Fr Terry Rush OAM will be officially retiring next month on 26 January 2024.

Ordained on 6 August 1971 in Townsville, Queensland, his time as a priest in Tasmania has seen him serve as an army chaplain, at Launceston, Scottsdale, Kingston, St Mary’s Cathedral and Richmond parishes, as well as Chancellor of the Archdiocese for 25 years.

Looking back on his time as a priest, Fr Terry said he has felt blessed at each appointment along the way, living the priestly life among the people of each community.

“Every parish I’ve been to has been the best parish I’ve ever been to. That’s the way I’ve felt,” he said.

A moment that stands out in Fr Terry’s mind was when then Archbishop of Hobart, Guilford Young, appointed him as Administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral.

“He [Archbishop Young] said, ‘Oh, we’ll do wonderful things here for the liturgy and all that sort of thing.’

“But sadly, he died the next month and my first job [as Administrator] was to give him his funeral.”

Fr Terry said the highlights of his ministry have been those in which he was involved in bringing someone into the faith and the Church.

He added that through the sacraments, he has had a wonderful experience in his role of helping others to come into a greater understanding of God’s mercy and love.

“My idea is that the priest accompanies the people on their pilgrim journey.

“He’s there with them from beginning to end, baptism right through to the funeral.

“And it doesn’t matter what happens in their life or anything that they need guidance with -the priest is there for them.

“And all the sacraments are there to embolden them and strengthen them, bring Christ to them,” he said.

One of the most important things he has learnt along the way through his ministry is the importance of being available for people and leading them to Christ.

“Holiness; bring holiness into the lives of others [through the priesthood],” he said. “A priest should be the conduit to Jesus.”