Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

Fr. Frank Timar, MSC celebrated his Golden Jubilee (50 years of ordination to the priesthood) on Sunday, July 13th with a special Mass at St. Mary's Parish in Sycamore, IL which was followed by an open house. 300 people showed up to celebrate with Fr. Timar and to show their appreciation for his ministry. St. Mary's Parish gave him a painting of the church done by a local artist, and soon the parish will also have a St. Francis prayer garden in Fr. Timar's honor.

Fr. Frank's first assignment was in Geneva, IL, where he taught several subjects at the MSC seminary, including Latin, German and Algebra. For the past 19 years, he has been pastor of St. Mary's Parish. He loves his work and wakes up happy every morning because, in his words, "it's a beautiful life, you get to know the people, their concerns, their hopes, their dreams. You're part of the whole thing." He sees a pastor as someone who helps guide people by celebrating the Mass, hearing confessions and preaching, and hopes he is helping to open people's hearts like Jesus opens his heart to us. In a way, you could say Fr. Frank is a salesman for the Lord. Part of his job is to tell people, "God loves you", because sometimes we have difficulty recognizing and accepting God's love for us.

Msgr. Robert Hoffman, a long-term friend of Fr. Frank, gives the following short reflection on his 50 years:

"I was a newly ordained priest assigned to St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Dundee, Illinois, when I first met Fr. Frank. He assisted on weekends at St. Catherine Parish. His main assignment was to teach at the minor seminary at Geneva. As a young priest seeking help in making a transition to ordained priesthood, I observed Fr. Frank. He was an inspiration for my priesthood. I picked up many clues as he demonstrated wonderful pastoral skills. He was very present to the parishioners, warm and quick of wit. Fr. Frank showed a great love and reverence for the Mass and was an engaging preacher. He was well-liked by the parishioners. He was never aware of his inspiration and influence in my priestly life but I am forever grateful for his good example.As I continue to observe him as pastor of St. Mary in Sycamore, IL, I see that he still manifests great enthusiasm for his priesthood. He has demonstrated in all that he does his priestly and pastoral heart. He has built up St. Mary parish community both spiritually and physically. While being a MSC priest, he has always been involved in programs of the diocese and is seen as a brother priest by the diocesan priests with whom he does priestly ministry. Fr. Frank has been a good team player and a great gift to the diocese. He has truly blessed many lives with his priestly wisdom and compassion. May he have many more years of inspirational ministry."

Congratulations Fr. Frank, and thank you for your many years of dedication and service to the Church and her people. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.