Upon This Rock

Dr. Jim Whitaker and his daughter, Amy Whitaker Hodes, discuss what it was like growing up in separate generations while sharing the same family foundation of faith. Jim’s family of origin moved a lot before settling in Kansas City, while hers never went far. Topics they tackle include prayer, family traditions, religious education, gratitude for ancestors, hopes for children, church and family dynamics, and thoughts on how the Catholic Church might better spread Christ’s message of unconditional love in our time.

https://farnanspiritualitycenter.com    https://fatherdonfarnan.com   #farnanspiritualitycenter

Father Don Farnan and his sister, Barbie, discuss numerous aspects of their Catholic faith within their family and beyond. The series’ title reminds us that the church was founded upon the rock-solid ministry of Jesus, who named his disciple, Simon, to lead it, saying: “You are Peter (the rock), and upon this rock I will build my church.” This episode discusses family, parental influence, childhood foibles, birth order, spiritual encounters, maternal sacrifice, and how religious backgrounds can influence our society.

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Father Don Farnan interviews Father Justin Mathews, an orthodox priest and director of Reconciliation Services in Kansas City, Missouri. Their discussion reveals the history and mission of Reconciliation Services: to transform the Troost Avenue area from a place of division to a place of gathering.

Reconciliation Services has served the urban core community of Kansas City for 30+ years. Their programs address the need for affordable food, safe environments, and increased access to social and mental health services. 

https://www.rs3101.org/    https://farnanspiritualitycenter.com    #farnanspiritualitycenter

Dr. Rick Janet, longtime chair of the theology department at Rockhurst University, talks with Fr. Don Farnan about Catholic Intellectual Tradition and how religious educational institutions shape communities. He offers great insight into the importance of core curricular studies in theology, philosophy, and other humanities that lift collective minds and hearts to higher realms. This is one of the ways that Rockhurst impacts Kansas City and enhances richer dialogue and discernment through community interactions. #farnanspiritualitycenter

Father Don interviews David Brooks, renowned New York Times columnist, best-selling author, and regular on “PBS NewsHour,” NPR’s “All Things Considered” and NBC’s “Meet the Press.” The discussion reveals how to achieve true joy, purpose, and success in life by embracing God’s life virtues. 

Brooks is an American cultural commentator. His newest book is “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others.”   #farnanspiritualitycenter  farnanspiritualitycenter.com

Upon This Rock Episode 2 features a special interview with Alvin L. Brooks, former Kansas City, Missouri mayor pro tem, civil rights activist, and a lifetime community and public servant. Mr. Brooks speaks about his life’s work and Rockhurst University’s newly created Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice at 5401 Troost Avenue in Kansas City. 

In Brook’s new book, “Binding Us Together,” he shares a lifetime of stories that are heartfelt, funny, tragic, and inextricably linked to our nation’s past and present. Learn more about Alvin and get his book at https://www.bindingustogetheralbrooks.com.  #farnanspiritualitycenter

Upon This Rock Episode 1 features an interview with Kathleen Kennedy and Susie Roling from Journey To New Life in Kansas City, Missouri. Journey facilitates people reentering society from prison or other criminal involvement by providing emergency assistance, housing, reentry case management, and employment assistance. Learn more at: https://journeytonewlife.org. #farnanspiritualitycenter

Upon This Rock is hosted by Father Don Farnan and produced by Farnan Spirituality Center in Kansas City, Missouri. https://farnanspiritualitycenter.com.