Jeffrey Francis Kirby

The Reverend Fr
Jeffrey Francis Kirby
Diocese Diocese of Charleston
Orders
Ordination July 27, 2007
by Bishop Robert Baker
Personal details
Birth name Jeffrey Francis Kirby
Born (1975-05-13) May 13, 1975
Killeen, Texas
Nationality American
Denomination Roman Catholic
Residence Rome, Italy
Parents Alan and Frances Kirby
Occupation Catholic Priest
Profession Doctoral Student
Education Doctoral Candidate in Moral Theology; Master of Arts in Philosophy
Alma mater Holy Cross University; Franciscan University of Steubenville
Motto Zeal for Your House

Jeffrey Francis Kirby (born May 13, 1975) is a Catholic priest and author[1] most known for revolutionizing the process of recruitment to the Catholic priesthood and sisterhood through contemporary social media, web design, and videography.[2] He is seen as a leader in spiritual theology and retreat ministry.[3] Additionally, Kirby is recognized as one of the foremost experts on The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica in the English-speaking world.[4] He is also a new voice in the field of moral theology and Catholic bioethics.[5][6]

Early life

Jeffrey Kirby was born in Killeen, Texas, while his father was stationed on Ft. Hood. He was raised in a military family, son of retired First Sergeant Alan Kirby, Jr., and Frances Kirby. One of three children, he has an older brother and younger sister, Alan III and Melanie. Kirby’s childhood was principally in West Germany where his father served multiple tours. In 1989, with the anticipated fall of the Berlin Wall, the family returned to the United States and made their home in South Carolina.[7]

Studies

Kirby graduated from Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, SC, and attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville.[7] He majored in history as an undergraduate and philosophy as a graduate student. After completing his Masters in Philosophy, Kirby was planning to attend law school, but chose to attend seminary since the idea of the priesthood had been with him since he was nine years old. Returning to South Carolina, and while applying to the seminary, Kirby taught moral theology and New Testament at Bishop England High School. Since his time at the high school, three of Kirby’s former students have entered the seminary or convent.

In 2002, he entered the Pontifical North American College, the American seminary in Rome.[7][8] While at the seminary, he attended the Pontifical Gregorian University and earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology and began studies toward his License in Moral Theology at Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and a Masters in Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum.

While studying in Rome, Kirby developed a catechetical tour of St. Peter's Basilica. He gave the tour to countless people and groups, including Sister Nirmala Joshi, MC, during the festivities surrounding the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The basilica tour led to the publication of two books: Encountering the Lord in His Holy Court: A Walk Through St. Peter's Basilica (2009)[4][9][10] and 101 Surprising Facts about St. Peter's and the Vatican (2015).[11][12]

In 2006, Kirby was ordained a transitional deacon in the Chapel of the Chair of St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Edwin O’Brien. In 2007, he was ordained a Catholic priest at the Columbia Metropolitan Center in Columbia, SC. In the ceremony, six priests were ordained, the largest class of ordinations for the Diocese of Charleston since 1956.[13]

Ministry

Kirby began his priesthood in a three-parish circuit helping to cover Clemson, Walhalla, and Seneca, SC.[14] After this three month assignment, he was sent to St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken, SC.[9][15] While in Aiken, Kirby focused on Christian formation programs and care of the sick. Since his time at the parish, two young men influenced by Kirby have entered the seminary.[16][17]

In 2009, Kirby began working with Peggy Wertz, the principal of St. Mary's School in Aiken, S.C., in co-authoring a trilogy of children's books on the different Christian vocations. The project was inspired when neither Kirby nor Wertz could find any such books among Catholic publishing resources at that time. The two paired up with illustrator Alice Judd, who shared the vision of providing such books to Catholic families, schools, and parishes. In 2010, Becoming Father Bob was released,[18][19] in 2012, Becoming Sister Mary Grace was published,[20] and in 2016, Becoming Mr. and Mrs. Thomas was released.

Also in 2009, Kirby was sent back to Rome to complete his License in Moral Theology and his Masters in Bioethics.[21] He completed both while focusing on the natural law and conscience formation. While still in Rome, Kirby was appointed the new Vicar of Vocations for the Diocese of Charleston, the person responsible for finding new seminarians and postulants for the convent in South Carolina.[22] In over five years as the Vicar of Vocations, Kirby has been internationally recognized as a “revolution” in vocations work. The simple expressions “missionary to the cyber continent,” “discipleship to discernment,” and “believing needs belonging” have been hallmarks of his ministry.

In 2011, Kirby released a strategic plan[23] that called on all sectors of the church’s life to support and promote the priesthood and sisterhood. In his plan, he outlined extensive use of social media, web design, and videography.[24] These resources had not been used systematically in vocations work in most places in the United States. Also in 2011, Kirby also became the founding director of the Drexel House, a Catholic Residence for Men in downtown Charleston, SC.[25][26][27][28][29] The house would be a community of disciples aimed at growing in faith, prayer, and virtue. The house was open to all Catholic men, and not just those who were actively discerning the priesthood.[30]

In 2013, Kirby authored a book, Lord, Teach Us to Pray, which was presented as a guide on Christian discipleship and the spiritual life.[31][32] The book was a summary of his work in vocations. The book was hailed as a “saint’s playbook” by the National Catholic Register.[1] Kirby’s efforts were described by such newspaper headings as: “Tweeting a revolution in the priesthood”;[33] “Catholic diocese implements robust new strategy to recruit priests”;[24] and “Men's Catholic household fosters vocations."[25] Kirby’s work was featured on a segment by the British Broadcasting Company,[34] and he was invited to be a guest on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation.”[35] He was also invited as a guest on the Eternal Word Television Network’s “Life on the Rock.”[36]

Later, to emphasize his work on Christian discipleship, Kirby wrote the book The Life and Witness of St. Maria Goretti. The book illustrated how the young saint lived the Beatitudes and included a Workshop in Holiness segment that was intended to help others grow in their own faith and discipleship.[37][38]

In 2014, Kirby was accepted as a doctoral student in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and began research on his dissertation while still in South Carolina. In June, 2015, Kirby concluded his term as Vicar of Vocations and returned to St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken as a Temporary Administrator.[12][39][40][41][42][43][44] In March, 2016, Kirby returned to Rome full-time in order to prepare for the defense of his doctoral thesis.

In 2015, Kirby paired up with a production team from St. Benedict Press and began work on a national Christian formation program entitled Doors of Mercy.[45][46][47] The program was released in January, 2016, to coincide with the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis. Currently, over 850 parishes are hosting the program throughout the United States. In March, 2016, Kirby began work with the same team on a sequel program entitled Luke: The Gospel of Mercy.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Pronechen, Joseph (December 28, 2014). "A Saint’s Playbook". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  2. ↑ Hawes, Jennifer (17 February 2013). "From smoke to tweets, Catholics anticipate first social media conclave". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  3. ↑ "Twelve men attend discernment retreat". The Catholic Miscellany. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  4. 1 2 Knauss, Christina (20 August 2009). "Priest's book covers faith with a tour of St. Peter’s". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "EWTN Women of Grace - Life At The End: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly". YouTube. EWTN. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  6. ↑ Knauss, Christina (22 May 2014). "Bioethics and end-of-life talks teach people about dignity and respect". The Catholic Miscellany.
  7. 1 2 3 Knauss, Christina (July 19, 2007). "Finding the ‘write’ vocation". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  8. ↑ Pronechen, Joseph (19 August 2008). "Vocation Stories". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  9. 1 2 Stone, Suzanne (August 21, 2009). "Reverend to roam Rome for a year". The Aiken Standard. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  10. ↑ "Encountering the Lord in His Holy Court". YouTube. EWTN. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  11. ↑ Pronechen, Joseph (11 July 2015). "Newlyweds and Priest Team Up for St. Peter’s Basilica Book". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  12. 1 2 Novit, Rob (30 August 2015). "Father Kirby discusses books at St. Mary in Aiken". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  13. ↑ "Diocese ordains 6 as priests". The Post and Courier. July 28, 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  14. ↑ Knauss, Christina (August 7, 2008). "First Year: Newly ordained adjust to life as priests". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  15. ↑ "Father Kirby Farewell". Aiken Standard. February 14, 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  16. ↑ Novit, Rob (29 June 2014). "Young St. Mary parishioners choose religious life". The Aiken Standard. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  17. ↑ Novit, Rob (23 September 2013). "Will Frei celebrates his journey toward priesthood". The Aiken Standard. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  18. ↑ Parker, Adam (April 4, 2010). "Children's book about boy's path to priesthood". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  19. ↑ Wooden, Cindy (19 March 2010). "Priesthood: Children's book presents it as vocation for 'normal guys'". Catholic News Service. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  20. ↑ Novit, Rob (February 9, 2013). "New book describes young girl’s religious journey". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  21. ↑ "Official appointments". The Catholic Miscellany. October 1, 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  22. ↑ Fenelon, Marge (11 February 2015). "The gift of single Catholics". OSV Newsweekly. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  23. ↑ Kirby, Jeffrey (10 January 2013). "Vocations Strategic Plan is taking root". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  24. 1 2 Parker, Adam (May 13, 2012). "Catholic diocese implements robust new strategy to recruit priests". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  25. 1 2 Pronechen, Joseph (July 8, 2012). "Men's Catholic Household Fosters Vocations". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  26. ↑ Taylor, Amy (4 August 2011). "Drexel House is converted to a residence for young Catholic men". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  27. ↑ "The Drexel House". YouTube. Live 5 News. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  28. ↑ Kirby, Jeffrey (15 March 2013). "Catholic men’s residence celebrates feast day of St. Katharine Drexel". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  29. ↑ Pronechen, Joseph (19 June 2015). "Close-Knit Community Offers Prayerful Response to Charleston Tragedy". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  30. ↑ "Interview with Fr. Kirby - This is the Day". YouTube. CatholicTV. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  31. ↑ Taylor, Amy (12 March 2015). "Priests and religious pen influential books". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  32. ↑ Kirby, Jeffrey. "5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Prayer Life". Catholic Household. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  33. ↑ Click, Carolyn (June 16, 2012). "Tweeting a revolution in priesthood". Myrtle Beach Online. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  34. ↑ "Social Media and Catholic Priests". YouTube. BBC. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  35. ↑ "Amidst Church Scandals, Who Still Joins The Priesthood?". YouTube. NPR's Talk of the Nation. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  36. ↑ "Using Social Networking for Vocations". YouTube. EWTN. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  37. ↑ Pronechen, Joseph (2 November 2015). "New St. Maria Goretti Book Can Show You How to Live the Beatitudes". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  38. ↑ "Interview with Fr. Kirby - Morning Air". YouTube. Relevant Radio. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  39. ↑ Taylor, Amy (21 June 2015). "Father Kirby passes the reins to Father Good". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  40. ↑ Albenesius, Phillip (28 June 2015). "Letter: Community’s reaction laudable". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  41. ↑ Pronechen, Joseph (6 July 2015). "Charleston’s Powerful Faith". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  42. ↑ Novit, Rob (5 September 2015). "Priest at St. Mary in Aiken discusses pope". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  43. ↑ Biles, Dede (11 October 2015). "St. Mary’s Blessing of the Animals brings out creatures big and small". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  44. ↑ Brown, Dan (23 December 2015). "St. Mary’s Help of Christian Catholic Church in Aiken one of Pope Francis’ Holy Doors". Aiken Standard. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  45. ↑ Howell, SueAnn (4 February 2016). "'Doors of Mercy' program offered throughout diocese during Year of Mercy". Catholic News Herald. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  46. ↑ Pronechen, Joseph (21 February 2016). "Year of Mercy Aids and Tools" (PDF). National Catholic Register. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  47. ↑ Taylor, Amy Wise (4 December 2015). "Enter the doors: Rediscover and celebrate God’s mercy". The Catholic Miscellany. Retrieved 21 March 2016.

External links

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