Father Kirby
Photo: George Waldron
 
Plans are underway by organizers to present a fundraising reception on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 3 pm at the Irish American Community Center, 9 Venice Place, East Haven to support New Haven native, The Rev. Mark Daniel Kirby, in his rebuilding efforts for the Silverstream Priory, a Roman Catholicmonastery in County MeathIreland. The objective of this new monastery is to pray for the sanctification of priests and to be a welcoming place for priests who are spiritually wounded or those who desire new zeal in their priestly life. The Catholic Church in the United States is indebted to the thousands of Irish priests who left home to bring the Faith to America. That love is now being repaid by Father Kirby and his small group of American monks who have moved to Ireland following God’s call. However, organizers note they need financial help to purchase the monastery and refurbish it.
 
Father Kirby is the eldest of the five children (four boys and one girl) of Dan and Emma Barbato Kirby. Father Kirby grew up in the Fair Haven section of the city, attended St. Francis Parochial School and is a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School. He attended Southern Connecticut State University before entering the Abbaye Cistercienne de Roguemont in Quebec, Canada. After his ordination, Father Kirby continued his studies at Providence College and Catholic University, where he also taught. Father Kirby holds a Doctorate in Theology from Oxford University.
 
Among the entertainers at the April 14th Fundraiser are the popular DJ’s Pat and Joan Kennedy, performers Liz McNicholl, Tommy Yourell, Damien Connolly, Jodie Heeran and Friends, The Emerald Pipers and The Lenihan School of Dance. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served all afternoon. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door or by mailing a check made payable to “Silverstream Priory” to George Waldron, 145 Corbin Road, Hamden, CT 06517. More information is available from Finbarr Moynihan 203-272-0118or from Kathleen O’Donovan 203-281-3563. To learn more about the monastery and view photos, visit their website at http://cenacleosb.org/