Father Terry McNamara, O.M.I. 

Born the youngest of four children in Timmins, Ontario where he completed his Elementary and High School education. He moved to Ottawa when his parents retired and returned to their family roots in the Ottawa area.  

While in Ottawa Father Terry was employed in the Federal Government in what is now Stats Canada working on the Monthly Cost of Living Index. In 1960 he joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in St. Peter’s Province as a Brother. In 1961 his first appointment was at the Oblate House in Ottawa as Circulation Manager for MAMI (Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate). Shortly after this he was called west to become a supervisor at an Indian Residential School on Vancouver Island -  Kuper Island.  

In 1964 he was appointed to the Mission Indian Residential School and for the next seven years he would fulfill the roles as Supervisor for the Native High School boys and then as Administrator of the Residence now called St. Mary’s Residence. In 1972 he was appointed to the Faculty at Camosun College in Victoria, now focusing his time and energy with adult Aboriginal Students who were enrolled in upgrading their education at a Community College level.  

After a period of five years Father Terry pursued his studies for the priesthood. On July 15th, 1979 he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Remi De Roo of Victoria in the Quamachin Long House in Duncan, B.C. Prior to this, in January 1977, Father Terry was initiated into the Coast Salish Nation as a Native Indian Dancer. After his ordination he was assigned as Missionary to the Saanich First Nation. While serving the First Nations People a year later he became parish priest of the entire Roman Catholic Community on the Saanich Peninsula.  

In 1986 Father Terry was appointed Rector of St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria. In 1992 he enjoyed a Sabbatical year studying in the Holy Land. In 1994 he was appointed parish priest in Prince Rupert. Father Terry was assigned in January 2000 as Director of the Oblate House in Vancouver. Shortly after he was appointed Provincial Treasurer of St. Paul’s Province, a position he held for seven years. 

Now the best part of Father Terry’s life begins. On August 1st, 2009 he was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Augustine’s Parish in Vancouver. It is a very welcoming community and Father Terry is looking forward to many years of service amongst its parishioners. 

Blessing to you all,