Continuing to Love Father Dennis

 
In many ways we are blessed - I know I am blessed - to be part of these parishes of St. Martha and St. Mary. One example is the way our communities have lovingly welcomed Father Dennis Loomis from the LaSallette Missionaries. Sadly though, because of his declining health, the LaSalette Community recently had to transfer him to their provincial house in Hartford where he can  receive more “assisted living” type support than can be provided at the Shrine in Attleboro.
 
The very reason this is sad for us also shows one reason I am particularly proud to be your pastor: because you have welcomed him not just as a priest to celebrate Mass for us, but as truly a member of our parish families! I used to be a “weekend assistant” priest in various parishes, and it is sometimes hard to feel connected with parish life. Fr. Bill and I encouraged Fr. Dennis to be with us each weekend and invited him to be part of our special occasions. Fr. Dennis’ joyful personality and sincere desire to foster community within and among our collaborative parishes have been a perfect fit for us! In addition to spiritual and social activities,  Fr. Dennis also showed he felt a part of our parishes by significant contributions to the Grand Annual in both of our parishes. His stewardship of his limited means as a religious order priest to discretely help us and others is so inspiring.
 
As it gradually became clear that he was suffering from a form of memory loss, I was impressed with how patient the parishioners and staff were with him. Even as he became confused during the Mass, I never heard anyone speak ill of him - every comment I heard centered around, “How can we help and support him?” We are indebted to our Deacons for their patient assistance, drivers from our parishes, as well as Brother Anthony and Fr. Ted of La Salette for helping to keep Fr. Dennis a part of our families as long as possible.
 
Fr. Dennis always described both St. Martha and St. Mary as “really great parishes” and he was so happy to be involved in Plainville and Wrentham. He commonly spoke of the “three amigos” when referring to himself, Fr. Bill and I, and it was almost embarrassing how vocally supportive he was of us as your parish priests. Fr. Bill and I both had an opportunity to spend some time with Fr. Dennis shortly before his move, to thank him for all he has done for us and assure him of continued prayers from all of us.

I know he would really appreciate receiving a note or a card from you, so here is his new address: The LaSalette Community in Attleboro continues to provide priests to assist us, especially Fr. Bernie Barris who (like Fr. Dennis) is building relationships with our parish families as our regular weekend assistant. As a former pastor himself, Fr. Bernie has a wonderful way of connecting with parish life and people of all ages. We are blessed to have known and loved Fr. Dennis and are grateful to Fr. Bernie for his new role as our weekend assistant.