Father Jeffrey Kirby: Catholic Priest, Moral Theologian, Author, and Papal Missionary of Mercy

Introduction: Meet Father Jeffrey Kirby

Father Jeffrey Francis Kirby (born May 13, 1975) is a distinguished Catholic priest, respected moral theologian, and author currently serving the Diocese of Charleston in South Carolina. Appointed by Pope Francis as a Papal Missionary of Mercy, Father Kirby is known for his clear teaching, pastoral leadership, and innovative use of media in ministry.

He currently serves as the Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina, a vibrant and growing faith community. Alongside his pastoral duties, he shares his theological expertise as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College. Father Kirby holds a doctorate in moral theology and is a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto (2016), South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his service to the state’s communities and young adults.

A sought-after conference speaker and retreat leader across the United States, Father Kirby has authored numerous books and developed digital formation programs exploring the rich moral and spiritual traditions of the Catholic Church.

Key Roles and Recognition

• Pastor: Our Lady of Grace Parish, Indian Land, SC (Appointed Pastor 2018, Administrator from 2016)
• Papal Missionary of Mercy: Appointed by Pope Francis (2020)
• Moral Theologian: Doctorate from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome
• Adjunct Professor of Theology: Belmont Abbey College, NC
• Author: Multiple books and digital programs on Catholic faith, prayer, and morality.
• Order of the Palmetto Recipient: South Carolina’s highest civilian honor (2016)
• Former Vicar of Vocations: Diocese of Charleston (2010-2015)

Education and Theological Foundation

Father Kirby’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his ministry.

• Early Studies: A graduate of Lower Richland High School (1994), Hopkins, SC, where he was later inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame (2017).
• Undergraduate & Graduate: Attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville, earning a bachelor’s degree in History and a graduate degree in Philosophy, focusing on human dignity and spiritual identity. He received the university’s Bishop John King Mussio Award for Faithful Service (2017).
• Seminary Formation: Studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
• Theological Degrees: Earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) from the Pontifical Gregorian University, a License in Moral Theology (STL) from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and a Masters in Bioethics from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum.
• Doctorate: Awarded a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (2016). His dissertation focused on conscience formation among medical personnel.

Ministry Journey: Parishes, Schools, and Vocations

Father Kirby’s priesthood has involved diverse ministries:

• Early Parish Assignments: Served as parochial vicar in Clemson, Walhalla, Seneca (Summer 2007), and St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken, SC (2007-2009, Temporary Administrator 2015).
• High School Apostolate: Taught moral theology at Bishop England High School, Charleston (2001-2002) and later served as Chaplain there (2011-2014). Also served as Chaplain at Cardinal Newman School, Columbia (2010). He remains a popular speaker for youth events.
• Vicar of Vocations (2010-2015): Led vocations recruitment for the Diocese of Charleston, gaining international recognition for his innovative use of social media, web design, and videography to promote the priesthood and religious life. He developed a comprehensive strategic plan and founded the Drexel House, a Catholic residence for men in Charleston.

Author: Books on Faith, Prayer, Morality, and Saints

Father Kirby is a prolific author, making complex theological concepts accessible. His notable works include:

• On Prayer & Discipleship: Lord, Teach Us to Pray (2013), Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life (2017), Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Father Jean-Pierre De Caussade (2019), God’s Search for Us (2018).
• On Moral Issues: We Are the Lord’s: A Catholic Guide to Difficult End-of-Life Questions (2019).
• On Saints & Vatican: The Life and Witness of St. Maria Goretti (2015), Encountering the Lord in His Holy Court: A Walk Through St. Peter’s Basilica (2009), 101 Surprising Facts about St. Peter’s and the Vatican (2015).
• Catechetical Resources: Always Have An Answer Ready: A Question-and-Answer Catechism (2019).
• Children’s Vocation Books (Co-authored): Becoming Father Bob (2010), Becoming Sister Mary Grace (2012), Becoming Mr. and Mrs. Thomas (2016).

Digital Ministry, Media, and Writing

Recognizing the importance of modern communication, Father Kirby has engaged extensively in digital and traditional media:

• Digital Formation Programs: Developed award-winning programs with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, including Doors of Mercy (2016, ACP Award Winner 2017), Luke: The Gospel of Mercy (2016, ACP Award Winner 2017), Jesus Revealed (2017), and a Bible study on First Samuel (2020). Also contributed to Queen of Heaven (2016).
• Radio Apostolate: Hosted shows like Pathways to Rome and others on Mediatrix Radio, and currently hosts Of First Importance on Radio Maria USA (since 2023), focusing on Sacred Tradition.
• Periodical Writing: Served as a spirituality contributor and later senior contributor for Crux (starting 2016). Authored a Q&A column for The Catholic Miscellany (2016-2018).

Current Pastoral Ministry: Our Lady of Grace Parish

Since late 2016, Father Kirby has led Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, SC, serving as its first resident priest and later its first canonical Pastor. Under his leadership, the parish community has grown significantly.

• The parish was established canonically in December 2016.
• Designated a pilgrimage site during the diocesan Year of Mary (2017).
• Recognized as one of “Lancaster’s Best” Places of Worship (2020).
• Father Kirby served as Guest Chaplain for the US House of Representatives (January 28, 2020).

Papal Missionary of Mercy

In April 2020, Pope Francis appointed Father Kirby a Papal Missionary of Mercy, entrusting him with a special mandate to preach and practice God’s mercy. This role underscores his commitment to confession, spiritual guidance, and embodying the compassionate heart of the Church.

Early Life and Military Service

Born into a military family in Killeen, Texas (May 13, 1975), Jeffrey Kirby spent part of his childhood in West Germany before settling in South Carolina. While studying at Franciscan University, he served in the Army National Guard, including deployment for Operation New Horizons in Nicaragua (1999). He received several military honors and an Honorable Discharge after his six-year enlistment.

Tours with Jeffrey Kirby:

Pilgrimage to Greece and Greek Isle Cruise with Fr. Kirby

Thessaloniki · Philippi · Kavala · Kalambaka · Meteora · Delphi · Athens · Corinth · Cruise (Celestyal Cruises) · Mykonos · Kusadasi · Ephesus (Mary’s House) · Patmos · Heraklion · Santorini

Duration	Destination	Dates
11 Days	Greece, Turkey	June 8 – 18, 2025

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El Camino – The Way of St. James: The Spanish Route with Fr. Jeffrey Kirby

Madrid · Foncebadon · Iron Cross · O Cebreiro · Sarria · Portomarin · Palas de Rei · Arzua · Arca do Pino · Monte do Gozo · Santiago de Compostela (St. James)

Duration	Destination	Dates
11 Days	Spain	June 14 – 24, 2026

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