Monsignor Kirk called to Eternal Rest

Monsignor Raymond Kirk, who pastored several parishes in the diocese during his years of active ministry, was called home to God on July 1. Msgr. Kirk was ordained into the priesthood in the Diocese of San Diego in 1959. From 1969-1970, he served as pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Riverside; from 1970-1974, he served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Barstow; then from 1974-1976, he served as pastor of St. Francis de Sales in Riverside. Msgr. Kirk retired to the community of Sun City in 2003, where he frequently celebrated Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and occasionally at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Temecula. He was also a faithful participant in gatherings of our retired diocesan priests, usually accompanied by his labrador retriever service dog. A Funeral Mass for Msgr. Kirk was held on July 13 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church. A second Funeral Mass was held on July 15 at St. John of the Cross Parish in Lemon Grove, CA. Msgr. Kirk’s final resting place is at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in San Diego.