A retention device for interconnecting a lash adjuster and a finger follower that supports a bearing of a valve actuating mechanism for an internal combustion engine, wherein the retention device includes a body having a lower member, an upper member spaced from the lower member, and an intermediate member interconnecting the lower and upper members. The lower member includes an aperture that is adapted to be received in a groove of the lash adjuster. The intermediate member is secured to the finger follower such that the retention device interconnects the lash adjuster and the finger follower. The upper member includes a bearing retention mechanism that limits movement of the bearing of the finger follower and retains the bearing relative to the finger follower prior to mounting the finger follower and lash adjuster as a part of the valve actuating mechanism of the internal combustion engine.