Cinnaminson resident Daniel Kirk enjoys bringing God into others lives.
With the busy everyday schedules people have, going to church may not be the first item on everybody’s to-do list. Sunday church services may get pushed under the rug for sports, family events or the extra hours of sleep.
For the Rev. Daniel Kirk of St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson, being involved in the church was something he knew was important since a young age. The Delran native attended St. Casimir Parish in Riverside, and felt pulled into ministry by God.
“My family was very involved in church, and I knew going into the ministry was something that made sense,” Kirk said.
Kirk graduated from Delran High School and later attended St. Andrews College Seminary on the campus of Seton Hall University. Kirk continued his education at Pontifical North American College in Rome, and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. For the better part of two years, Kirk ministered with the Community of San Egidio helping to feed the poor. He also ministered at the U.S. Naval Base in Italy, where he learned about the challenges of being deployed overseas.
In 2012, Kirk was ordained at the Diocese of Trenton, and he celebrated his fifth anniversary in June. Other than serving in Monmouth County, Kirk took over at St. Charles Borromeo in July 2016.
“My favorite part is interacting with people and bringing God into the lives of others,” Kirk said. “I enjoy working with families and being able to go through life with them.”
While he and his friends were looking into colleges as high school seniors, Kirk felt going into the ministry was planned for him. The further he got into the process, the more he felt assured this field was for him.
Since taking over at St. Charles, Kirk has noticed the warm and welcoming nature the congregation has.
“St. Charles is very welcoming and open to everyone,” Kirk said. “The best part when visitors come to our church is hearing the compliments the visitors have about the members of the congregation.”
Kirk is inspired by Conventual Franciscan Father Dennis Mason, who was pastor of St. Casimir Parish for many years. Also, his parents were “always supportive” of him.
Other than the everyday life of being a spiritual leader, the 32-year-old remains active in several ways.
“I am an avid sports fan and always am rooting for the local teams,” Kirk said. “I also am a tall guy who enjoys playing basketball, while reading is a habit I also have.”
Kirk lives in the church’s rectory in Cinnaminson, and is always looking to help others in their everyday lives.
For more information regarding Kirk or St. Charles Borromeo, check the church’s website at http://scbcinnaminson.com.
