Upon This Rock

Tim and Jean Donaldson grew up in Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist) Parish on Broadway at Linwood Boulevard. They reminisce about their formative years in that Irish Catholic community and the lasting influence it made on them. Their daughter, Katie, the second of four sisters, had a similar experience growing up in south Kansas City at Saint Thomas More School and Church, where her (and her sisters’) children now attend. In this podcast, they share stories from their circle of friendships in the circle of life and faith.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish 
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Learn More About St. Thomas More Parish

Jim Kopp is the fifth of eleven siblings. They grew up in Visitation Parish during the 1950s and 1960s, influenced by the childhood priests and nuns. Jim was inspired to attend seminary high school and college for two years each before starting a family and working for the Kansas City Police Department, and later at various places in North America for petroleum companies. 

Along with his childhood friends, he now dedicates apostolic time and effort to helping inner-city churches while still being actively involved in his suburban parish. You’ll enjoy Jim’s story of faith and find a way to relate it to your own story of faith.

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

Barbie Farnan and Father Don continue their discussion from last week as the topic of forgiveness turns to mercy. They speak of Corporeal Works of Mercy and Pope Francis’ desire for the “mercification” of the world. 

Catholics, through the Penitential Act at Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation, are inspired to forgive the faults of others and accept God’s divine mercy. Perhaps their dialogue will encourage your conversations with friends or family and lead to acts of forgiveness.

Your input is welcome. We would love to hear from you!
Please post your questions and comments here.

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

An essential aspect of Christianity, highlighted during Lent, is the concept of forgiveness. Barbie Farnan and her brother, Father Don Farnan, discuss the forgiveness process that is introduced to children at a young age. 

As we mature and navigate more complex relationships and serious issues, forgiveness becomes an even more crucial component of living well. As you listen in, you may discover personal aid in offering and/or receiving forgiveness.

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

Sarah Jurcyk joins Father Don and Michael Sanem, Director of Kansas City’s Ignatian Spirituality Center and Director of Mission & Ministry for Saint Francis Xavier (SFX) Parish, to discuss social justice ministries within the church. Parishioners transform faithful prayer into impactful works by focusing upon the dignity of every human person; this spurs them to accompany migrant workers, asylum seekers, refugees, those who suffer from hunger, poverty, racial discrimination, unfair practices, and other forms of injustice. They invite us to join them.

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

Vincent Gauthier, urban planner, developer, professor of architecture and design, and parishioner of Saint Francis Xavier (SFX) Parish, discusses the history and beauty of the historic SFX worship space with Ann Sheridan, parish administrator, and Father Don. “The fish church” at 52nd and Troost tells an interesting story that includes such greats as Frank Lloyd Wright and Archbishop Edwin O’Hara. 

The seventy-five-year-old structure contains fascinating art and rich symbolism that once united architect Barry Byrnes and sculptor Alfonso Iannelli in a Kansas City structural masterpiece.

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

Learn More About Vincent Gauthier
St. Francis Building History

Kevin O’Rourke joins Father Mike Roach to reminisce about growing up Catholic in Kansas City’s northland and how their education, especially at Saint Pius X High School in the early 1970s, impacted their lives. Years later, they reconnected through parochial sports programs and have remained close friends for the past quarter century. Though they approach business, politics, and religion from different perspectives, they have great hopes for the church’s impact on future generations here and worldwide.

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

Rhonda Osborn moved from health care provider to spiritual director, life coach, and death doula. In these roles, she helps people reflect upon and create plans regarding important matters, e.g., advanced directives, financial insurance, organization of passwords and personal information, care of pets, celebration of life rituals, etc. Founder of This One Life, LLC, she assists and supports individuals and families in setting goals and clarifying plans.

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

Learn More About Rhonda Osborn:
Rhonda on Linkedin
This One Life

Father Don and his sister Barbie discuss retreat opportunities for people to review life, make plans for the remainder of life and secure wishes for the end of earthly life. Using some well-thought-out programs, the Farnan Spirituality Center will offer mini-retreats this Lent and Summer that help faith-seekers stabilize and better orient their lives while in good health and direct loved ones and caregivers as they age.

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

Yvette Tunley has been a member of Saint Therese Little Flower (STLF) Parish for most of her life, where she has served in many capacities, from participation in the youth group as a teenager to being youth director and pastoral council chair as an adult. A recently retired city worker, she has developed great organizational skills and uses them to help with many special projects at the parish.

On this podcast, she talks about the upcoming annual STLF Mardi Gras party to be held on Friday, February 28, at Pierson Auditorium on the UMKC campus, 5001 Holmes Road. You can reserve your tickets at stlfkc.org.

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

Learn More About St. Therese
& Their Mardi Gras Event:
www.stlfkc.org
Mardi Gras Event