Upon This Rock

Mark McGonigle grew up in Saint Peter Church in Brookside in the 1970s amidst a large family and supportive neighborhood culture. Influenced by parents, grandparents, family members, and people of faith, Mark’s experiences landed him in a world where faith and personal growth intertwined. 

His vocation as a counselor and spiritual mentor inspires him to host contemplative prayer sessions on the second and fourth Sunday mornings of each month at Saint Francis Xavier Church. After listening, you may want to join him for these sessions.

Listen to Part 2 of this Series (Psychology & Spirituality Intertwined)

Listen to Part 3 of this Series (Therapy & Counseling For All in Today’s World)

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Follow Father Don:
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Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
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Learn More About Mark McGonigle:
Mark's Website
Mark on Linkedin

Father Don and Barbie discuss synodality, a term that's topical in the Catholic Church in the 2020s but is not well understood by many Catholics, and is even avoided by some because it’s such an unusual word. Hopefully, by listening to their conversation, you will gain a better understanding of synodality (essentially moving forward together, guided by the Holy Spirit) and its importance in our parishes. Pope Francis laid the foundation for the church to enter the process of being synodal, and Pope Leo seems committed to building upon this foundation.

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Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
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Father Don offers thoughts about the importance of putting faith into action as Catholic workers commissioned to live by the social guidelines of our religion. With the election of Pope Leo XIV, there is increased interest in them because of his predecessor, Leo XIII, who wrote an encyclical called “Rerum Novarum,” which set a foundation for the teachings of engagement in society to transform our world into a healthier, holier, and more wholesome place. It seems that Pope Leo wants us to take to heart this mission of the church.

Follow Father Don:

• Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
• Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
• St. Francis Xavier Parish 

#farnanspiritualiltycenter

#fatherdonfarnan

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As we approach the Feast of Pentecost, Father Don and his sister, Barbie, muse about the Holy Spirit as the promise of Christ and the gift of love. We feel this divine energy in numerous active ways, yet most often in quiet, pensive, or prayerful moments, even in times of darkness. We are reminded that God is always with us, and the Spirit of love is closer to us than we can know. 

Follow Father Don:

Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com

Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com

St. Francis Xavier Parish 

#farnanspiritualiltycenter

#fatherdonfarnan

#uponthisrockpodcast

Father Don offers a reflection for Memorial Day as we honor deceased Loved Ones in a directed way at the end of May. In doing so, we celebrate their lives and give thanks. “Opacarophilia,” refers to our attraction to sunsets; spiritualists suggest that we are drawn to sunsets because it helps us find comfort in our future death when the sun sets on our earthly life. The beauty of the sun setting, according to the nature of each day, helps us realize that human nature is to surrender ourselves in a like manner.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
#farnanspiritualiltycenter
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Ruth Dakotas grew up in western Kansas, influenced by family, farming, faith, and food. Honoring her past, she promotes a “kitchen spirituality” today that nourishes both body and soul. Driving a significant distance for church services and events, Ruth and her husband, Dan, find nourishment and sacred energy at Saint Therese Little Flower, 58th Street and Euclid Avenue, where she is currently co-chairing the community’s hundredth anniversary celebrations.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
#farnanspiritualiltycenter 
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

More About St. Therese Little Flower Parish:
Website
STLF Journey To 100

Steve and Nicole Pierce join Father Don and talk about their life together, which moves from their home as parents and spouses to their vocation as proprietors of Muehlebach Funeral Home. They encounter people at times when they are most vulnerable, such as when they lose a loved one, and, through that, they learn much about human care, emotion, and passion at crucial junctures in our earthly existence.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish
#farnanspiritualiltycenter
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Muehlebach Funeral Home:

Dr. and Mrs. Smith (Tim and Trish) continue the second half of their interview with Father Don as he reflects upon his pastoral assignments: Visitation, Saint Therese Little Flower, Saint Louis, Saint John Lalande, Saint Thomas More, and Saint Charles Borromeo before his return to inner city ministry. He plans to live out the remainder of his priesthood in the urban core because of the great need there.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
#farnanspiritualiltycenter
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

One year after our first interview at the end of their freshman year (episode #18), Avila students Hadley Price and Sophia Giorgio update listeners on their college experience. Still playing for the Eagles’ volleyball and baseball programs, they busy themselves as student athletes. Their housing situation changed from the first cycle, and they have broadened their circle of friends. Now they look ahead to planning for life after college.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
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#uponthisrockpodcast

Learn More About Avila University:
https://www.avila.edu  

Tim and Patricia Smith of Saint Francis Xavier Parish interview Father Don in this first of a two-part conversation about growing up in a large Catholic family from rural Missouri. Claiming that people who attend his three urban parishes want to know more about his background, they inquire about his life and formation.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
#farnanspiritualiltycenter
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast