CHICAGO (January 27, 2005) – Rev. Thomas M. McKiernan, retired priest and former associate and administrator of St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights, died January 26 of heart failure at Holy Family Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Des Plaines. He was 79.

Born on Chicago’s south side on May 8, 1925, McKiernan graduated from the former Visitation Catholic School before beginning his studies for the priesthood at Quigley Seminary. He completed those studies at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 3, 1951.

McKiernan began his priestly ministry at Holy Angels Parish in Chicago and went on to minister as an assistant or associate pastor in many archdiocesan parishes. After leaving Holy Angels (1951-52), he served as an assistant pastor at Epiphany Parish (1952-57), at St. Agnes Parish in Chicago Heights (1957-1966), at St. Simeon Parish in Bellwood (1966-67), at Transfiguration Parish (1967), and at St. Angela Parish (1967-1973). Fr. McKiernan subsequently served as an associate pastor at Divine Providence Parish in Westchester (1973-78), at St. Odilo Parish in Berwyn (1978-1982), and St. Edmund Parish in Oak Park (1982-88). He came to St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights as an associate pastor in 1989, and was named as the parish’s administrator in early 1997. McKiernan served as administrator at St. Alexander until his retirement from active ministry in July, 1998. At the time of his death, Fr. McKiernan resided at St. Benedict Home in Niles.

Visitation will be held from 3:30-9 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, at St. Alexander Church, 7025 W. 126 th St., Palos Heights.

Most Rev. Timothy Lyne, retired auxiliary bishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant at a funeral Mass for Fr. McKiernan at 10:30 a.m., also at St. Alexander Church. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip.