Dear ones,
I write to you today to share hard and sad news. Beloved community member and your beloved former rector, Dennis Tierney† died suddenly last night. There is no easy way to share this news. If you are someone who has known Dennis†, this comes as hard and heartbreaking news. Even if you didn’t know him as your priest, he and his beloved wife Grace returned to St Barnabas some time ago and are beloved in our community. Dennis†, without question, will always be a very special part of the fabric of this place.
I am holding you, each and every one of you in my heart and prayers as you take in this news. I would have preferred to have spoken these words to each of you individually and in person, but that sadly cannot happen. Dennis† has been a precious friend and colleague of mine for a very long time. But for some of you, Dennis† was your priest, the one who came alongside you in very difficult, joyous and “regular” times. Dennis† was the just right person at the just right time for St Barnabas, loving this community back into wholeness after a time of hurt, sadness and difficulty. And as one of you said to me earlier today, Dennis† was “tonic for St Barnabas,” just exactly who you needed when you called him. I am so grateful he was here. I know he and Grace are dearly loved, and I know Dennis† will be dearly missed. This is a lot of loss on top of what is feeling, for some of you, like a lot of loss. It’s an important time to tell stories, to connect with each other, to be grateful for all the goodness and humor and delight Dennis† brought to you, to St Barnabas and to the wider church.
As you care for each other in the sadness of this time, I ask you to care for Grace. While she welcomes your texts, emails and cards, phone calls right now are too much. As you can imagine, she is navigating the most difficult of times. Please hold her daily in your prayers. Be assured of my love and my prayers for Grace, for each of you, and for the repose of our dear Dennis’s† soul.
Father of all, we pray to you for Dennis† and for all the ones we love but see no longer. Grant them your peace. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May Dennis’s† soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done.
Faithfully, Karen†
P.S. As you might imagine, Dennis left very detailed instructions for his memorial service. Once those are known, we will let you know.
