To become a saint, be devoted to prayer

Father Daniel Kirk has been chaplain of Legatus’ Jersey Shore Chapter since 2015. He is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton and serves as pastor 
of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Cinnaminson, NJ.

What led you to the seminary?

I had a positive experience growing up in a religious household. I became an altar server in the fourth grade and remained one until I left for the seminary. At different times, I thought about the priesthood. Once, during the annual bishop’s fundraising appeal, for example, I remember thinking that I didn’t have much money to give, but I could give myself to the Church as a priest.

My hometown pastor, Fr. Dennis Mason, O.F.M. Conv., was also a great inspiration to me. He was a man of God, loved the liturgy, was relatable, and focused on God. 

While you were a seminarian studying at the North American College in Rome, you ministered at a U.S. Navy base in Naples.
 
Yes. As a third-year seminarian and transitional deacon, I would go to serve at Mass and teach religious education. It was very rewarding. I had the chance to see the challenges that those in the armed services face, maintaining a faith life in what can be a chaotic situation far from home.

What have you found most rewarding about the priesthood?

It is a beautiful life. I love offering the sacraments, as I am able to extend the grace of God into the lives of others, both in happy times and in trying moments.

The happiest day of my year is the day we have First Holy Communion, allowing little ones to approach Jesus and receive Him for the first time. I also find it a privilege to offer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to the dying, praying with them and their families.

What have been your greatest challenges as a priest?

Our time is one in which people think they understand the Church but often do not actively participate in her life. Many have stepped away from the faith, perhaps returning for Mass at Christmas and Easter but not on a week-to-week basis. Our challenge is to help them find their way back to God.

You hold a degree in spiritual theology.

Yes. It focuses on how we become saints, looking intently at the spiritual life, how to grow in prayer, and how to remove obstacles. It is a part of my ministry, and includes offering days of reflection, parish missions, and spiritual direction.

How does one become a saint?

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. Paraphrasing that, how do you become a saint? Prayer, prayer, prayer. Prayer is our way to holiness. Through it, we can fall in love with God. The more we can live in His love, the more it will change how we interact with the world around us.

That is how we become saints.
 
Some practical tips include staying close to the sacraments and dedicating a set time to pray daily. There is also prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, the rosary, and spiritual reading; these all help build up a person’s spiritual life.
In my priesthood, I would be lost without prayer. Finding the time to pray is always a challenge, but prayer is my bedrock, especially when I am feeling challenged and think I might not have the personal strength I need. It is at these moments that I have to rely on my prayer life to carry me through.
How have your experiences with Legatus been?

It is a wonderful organization. Most of my work revolves around the monthly meetings, offering Mass, and hearing Confessions. Its vision of providing business leaders with spiritual food and equipping them to meet the world with the shield of faith is having a marvelous influence on our society.