Father Jeffrey Kirby, STD, is a papal Missionary of Mercy, the pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Indian Land, S.C., and a senior contributor to the Crux Now.

Father Kirby holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome, a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He serves as an adjunct professor of theology at Belmont Abbey College, N.C.

In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley with the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults.

Father Kirby has authored several books, including Lord, Teach Us to Pray; Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life; We Are the Lord’s: A Catholic Guide to Difficult End-of-Life Questions; Thy Kingdom Come: Living the Lord’s Prayer in Everyday Life; the award-winning Doors of Mercy: Exploring God’s Covenant with You; plus several children's books.