Mary & Richard Kearney Receive Diocesan Lifetime Achievement Award

St. Mark’s 2026 recipients of the David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Award were Mary and Richard Kearney. This annual event sponsored by the Diocese of Newark’s Commission on Aging recognizes long-standing members whose faithfulness, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on your church community.

This year’s celebration, which took place at St. Peter’s Church in Morristown, honored over a hundred individuals from more than 50 congregations. Each recipient was photographed with the Rt. Rev. Carlye Hughes, our bishop, who also preached about the significance of elders in the life of the church.

You may watch the service here:

Mary Kearney

Mary Kearney’s commitment to St. Mark’s is as broad as it is deep; she is a pillar of our community’s spiritual vitality; serving on numerous committees, navigating with steady hand and servant’s heart; in worship as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Choir Member, Healing Prayer Minister; a welcoming presence in Parish life.

What sets Mary apart is not just what she does, but how she does it. approaching every task with grace, joy, humor, kindness, compassion. Thirty years of service is a milestone of endurance; thirty years of service performed with Mary’s level of love and integrity is a miracle of commitment.

Richard Kearney

For over 30 years, Richard has been a dedicated steward to St. Mark’s, serving faithfully in numerous roles including Treasurer, Warden, Vestry member, and on the Finance Committee. He leads the ushers, serves on the Audio-Visual team, leads the Praise Band, and sets up and hosts St. Mark’s monthly Lion’s Den, a coffee house and open mic event for the surrounding community, creating welcoming spaces for all. Richard’s commitment is evident in his tireless efforts. His steadfastness and enthusiasm enrich our community, making him truly deserving of this recognition. Richard’s service inspires all who know him.