Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Anthony John (Tony) O'Keefe, died 15 Apr 2007

Anthony John O'Keefe was born in Brisbane on 8th February 1958 the eldest of four sons to Brian William O'Keefe and Ursula Joy Clews.
His primary school education took place at Our Lady of The Angels, Wavell Heights, St Kevin's, Geebung and St Columban's Christian Brothers Albion, where he also completed his Secondary School Education.
In 1975 he commenced a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland and then completed a Diploma of Education in 1978. Tony commenced his teaching career at St Joseph's College in Toowoomba in 1979 and whilst there went across to St Mary's College a few times a week to teach French to the students. He was a very competent teacher and had a great rapport with the students.
After much discernment Tony entered Banyo Seminary in 1983 where he completed a Bachelor of Theology through the Brisbane College of Theology and was ordained to the Priesthood in St Patrick's Cathedral on 28th October 1988 by Bishop Edward Kelly MSC.
Fr Tony's first Diocesan appointment was as Director of Religious Education. He continued in that role until January 1994. In his final report as Director he said:
I continue to be disappointed about the outcome of the consultation concerning the place of Religious Education in the core areas of learning in the State School sector. Hopefully, the central issue in all this will not be lost; that is, the importance of spiritual formation for every human person.
His closing comment in this report sums up his appreciation of the place of Education in the mission of the church.
The ministry of Education, in whatever setting, is an indispensable means by which the church can make known the person of Jesus and his message. Education is a powerful means by which Faith can be nurtured to grow in the life of an individual.
During his tenure as Director of Religious Education Fr Tony was a member of the Diocesan Education Council/Board.
In January 1994 Fr Tony was appointed Associate Pastor at St Patrick's Cathedral and ministered there until December 1996.
In 1997 he took 12 months study leave and on his return in January 1998, was made Administrator of St Theresa's Parish and then Parish Priest, in October 1998.
Between 1990 and 1993 he filled the role of Chaplain to the Cursillo Movement, the Solo Parents and Diocesan Parents and Friends Committee.
He was the Diocesan Master of Ceremonies between February 1995 and December 1996 and was also a Diocesan Consultor between December 1993 and December 1998.
He held the position of Secretary of the Council of Priests from April 1991 to December 1998 and was still a member of the Council of Priests, The Diocesan Appeals Board, the Diocesan Finance Board and a member of the Executive of the Banyo Priests Association at the time of his death.
Fr Tony was the Chair of the Religious Education Committee of Queensland Catholic Education Commission between 1997 and 2004. Fr Tony was a man of deep and traditional faith and was a very spiritual person. He loved his priesthood and loved the Mass. He had a great rapport with his fellow priests and kept in constant contact with any who were ill or going through difficult times.
As a priest he always acted in a very professional manner and kept in touch with what was going on in the church. He was caring and understanding of people in their deepest need whether it be illness or other circumstances. His very strong character enabled him to be a good administrator whereby he expected high standards from staff and fought strongly for people's rights. He was always very appreciative and grateful to parishioners for the voluntary work done at the pastoral level in both the parishes in which he worked. His ability to empower people to become involved in the parish was rewarded with a dedicated band of helpers whom he trusted and supported in their various ministries.
He supported all pastoral works in the parish especially the St Vincent de Paul. He always gave freely of his time and was very hospitable and extremely generous.
Fr Tony had a sense of humour all of his own and related well to the young people in the parish.
His kind and compassionate nature enabled him to communicate well with the elderly, especially those in Nursing Homes, where he also established a great rapport with nurses and staff. He worked very well ecumenically in the nursing home situation. He loved his family and took a special interest in each of them. He loved his nieces and nephews and was deeply concerned for his mother's welfare after his father's death in February 2004. It was not long after this that Fr Tony began his own courageous battle with cancer. He always remained very positive and stoic throughout his illness but underneath it all he would have had a very heavy heart about what was going on with his own body.
St Irenaeus said "The glory of God is a person who is fully alive…persons who use their talents, their giftedness and their goodness." Fr Tony was such a person, a gentle man, not only a happy person but a happy priest which was uplifting to all those who knew him and worked with him. He was a bright spirit who will be greatly missed but his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone.
Fr Tony died peacefully at Lourdes Home on 15th April. His life was celebrated with a Vigil in the parish church of St Theresa on 18th April and his funeral Mass took place at St Patrick's Cathedral at 10.30am on 19th April and he was buried at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance.

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.