Very Rev. Gregory Kirsch J.C.L., V.F.

Very Rev. Gregory Allen Kirsch, J.C.L., V.F., 55, currently serving as Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Houtzdale and at Immaculate Conception Parish in Madera, died on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Clearfield Hospital.

Fr. Gregory Kirsch was born on May 29, 1955 in Clearfield, a son of the late Clair Joseph and Ruth Ermina (Feighner) Kirsch. He attended St. Francis School from 1961-1969. He then attended St. Francis High School graduating in 1973. Fr. Kirsch attended the Pennsylvania State University from 1973-1975 and then entered St. Mark Seminary, Erie. He graduated with his bachelors’ degree from Gannon University in Erie, PA. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY.

Fr. Kirsch was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1981. He served as assistant pastor of SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Punxsutawney from 1981-1987. He served as assistant pastor of St. Peter Cathedral Parish, Erie from 1987-1991. In 1991 he was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Bishop's Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese of Erie. He continued in this capacity until 2000. During this time he received a Licentiate degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Fr. Kirsch served as pastor of St. Agnes Parish, Morrisdale from 2000-2008, after which time he became pastor of Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale and Immaculate Conception Parish, Madera. Fr. Kirsch also served in the Erie Diocesan Office of Matrimonial Concerns, the Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, and as Dean of the Clearfield Deanery. He was a member of the Canon Law Society of America and the Knights of Columbus.

Fr. Greg had a love of gardening, be it planting and raising vegetables for canning or nurturing flowers.
He was fascinated by meteorology and astronomy.
He thoroughly enjoyed family vacations, especially at Ocean City, NJ and cherished visiting his relatives at picnics and reunions.
He also was an avid reader and dabbled in photography.

He is survived by two sisters and six brothers, Suzanne Ross of Tyrone, Darrell Kirsch and his wife, the former Pat McNamee of Falls Creek, Dan Kirsch and his wife, the former Charlotte O'Daniel of Dayton, OH, Barry Kirsch and his wife, the former Terry Moore of West Chester, Richard Kirsch and his wife, the former Sally Gailey of DuBois, Frank Kirsch and his wife, the former Lizz Kerr of Clearfield, Marion Shirey and husband Greg of Indiana and Thomas Kirsch of Clearfield. He is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two nieces, Bridget Kirsch and Caroline Kirsch, and a brother in law John Ross.

Fr. Greg will lay in state at St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield on Saturday from 7-9:00 PM.

He will be received at Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale on Sunday at Noon and will lay in state at the parish until 8:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Parish, Houtzdale on Monday at 11:00 A.M. with the Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, Bishop of the Erie Diocese, as celebrant.

On Monday at 3:00 PM Fr. Greg will lay in state at St. Nicholas Parish, Nicktown. He will then be transferred to the grave for committal services at 4:00 PM. Interment will follow at the St. Nicholas Cemetery, Nicktown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Father Gregory Kirsch Scholarship Fund for the youth of Christ the King and Immaculate Conception Parishes, 123 Good Street, Houtzdale, PA 16551.