Reverend Jeffrey F. Kirby
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Indian Land, SC
Sponsor: Rep. Ralph Norman, (R-SC)
Date of Prayer: 01/28/2020
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and nominate today's guest, Father Jeffrey Kirby, to serve as guest chaplain for the noon prayer.
Father Kirby, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in South Carolina
and the adjunct professor of theology at Belmont Abbey College, is a devout follower of Jesus Christ and lives his life as a light unto
others.
Father Kirby received his bachelor of arts and master's degree from
Franciscan University of Steubenville before receiving his doctorate in moral theology from Holy Cross University in Rome.
His selflessness led him to enlist in the National Guard during his studies, and he even served on a relief effort for Hurricane Mitch.
In 2002, he entered seminary in Rome and was ordained a Catholic
priest. He has since served parishes across South Carolina, from
Clemson to Walhalla to Seneca to Columbia and now Lancaster.
Governor Nikki Haley selected him in 2016 to receive the Order of the
Palmetto, our State's highest civilian honor.
In His word, and one that exemplifies Father Kirby's life, the Book
of Malachi 2:7 reads: "For the lips of a priest should guard
knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts."
In light of his many years of ministry, it is my honor to welcome
Father Kirby as the guest chaplain of the United States House of
Representatives.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Good and gracious God, You have ordered all things according to Your laws of goodness and righteousness.
You bless all Your children with equal dignity and endow them with talents to pursue happiness. In Your kindness, You inspire and raise up leaders for Your people.
We ask You to bless this House of Representatives, made up of these leaders, and to bless their work during today's session. Grant them prudence and fortitude. May they seek Your divine wisdom and give You due homage in all their deliberations and decisions. May they always seek the common good, the public benefit, and true justice and peace
for all.
We ask all these blessings from You, who are the Lord God and the giver of life, forever and ever.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory