Father Dan Kirby of Saint John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk joins Deacon Mark Campbell on the Catholic Morning Show to discuss the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the U.S. Bishops' national consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, taking place on June 11th. Father Kirby shares how his parish is celebrating this special June — from a dedicated Sacred Heart Mass and consecration to home enthronements, novena prayer, and adoration — all tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He also offers an inspiring update on the first year of the Norwalk Deanery and the power of priestly fraternity and parish unity in the Diocese of Des Moines.
Father Dan Kirby, pastor of Saint John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk, Iowa and Dean of the Norwalk Deanery in the Diocese of Des Moines, joins Deacon Mark Campbell for a wide-ranging and uplifting conversation about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and parish life.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – Special June 2026: The U.S. Bishops have called for a national consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, timed to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Father Kirby explains the meaning of consecration — opening ourselves to be drawn closer to Christ, growing in holiness and becoming instruments of his mercy to others.
At Saint John the Apostle in Norwalk:
The Norwalk Deanery: July marks the one-year anniversary of the Diocese of Des Moines deanery structure. Father Kirby — who serves as Dean — describes the deanery as stretching from Norwalk to the Missouri border and over to Creston (Holy Spirit Parish) and Sheridan. He reflects on how deanery life has fostered priestly fraternity, broken down competitive parish mindsets, and built genuine unity — echoing Pope Leo's recent call to solidarity and unity. Father Kirby also confirmed he is remaining at Saint John the Apostle and Assumption Parish following this year's priest assignments.
Listen to the Catholic Morning Show weekdays at 7:00 AM Central on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network at IowaCatholicRadio.com or on the Iowa Catholic Radio app.
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