Malik Ashford is a graduate student at Avila University and two-time captain of the Eagles football team, where he is known as “preacher.” Growing up in Detroit, he gained a good work ethic and learned perseverance from his parents. Moving to the California desert at eighteen and enduring a period of gloom, he discovered his role as a man of God before coming to Kansas City. Today, he combines student mentoring and bible study to help younger co-eds find their way through academics and life’s challenging moments.

Follow Father Don:
Farnan Spirituality Center
Father Don's Blog
St. Francis Xavier Parish
#farnanspiritualiltycenter
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Learn More:
Avila University
Malik Ashford

Donnie Welsh & Vince Hodes are part of a men’s group that challenges members in ways of faith and acts together to help people in need. Years ago, they established an “angel fund” to support families in difficult situations that are trying to make ends meet: parents raising children in poverty, individuals facing struggles that seem unbearable, couples temporarily displaced, and students who want a good education through the Catholic school system.

Their group is hosting a fundraising event on Saturday evening, September 28, at the Southside Bar and Grille in south Kansas City.  We invite you to participate in person or online. Click here for more information and to give.

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

Sister Marie Joan Harris, CSJ, has served the Catholic Church in a broad capacity—much of her adult life in Kansas City.  She shares stories about how her faith was shaped by her Lutheran mother and Catholic father, as well as educators who influenced her, and suggests good ways to pass along the gift of faith to generations that follow us.

She discusses the impact of programs at Avila University, Journey To New Life, and The Saint Joseph Educational Ministries. You will also learn more about the Sisters of Saint Joseph and their care for their dear neighbor.

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

Learn More:
Avila University
Journey To New Life
St. Joseph Educational Ministries

Denis and Jenny Greene are an unlikely couple to be thought of through a stereotypic church lens. His life has been filled with adventure and international intrigue. Hers was altered when, as a young girl, she fell from a ladder and was caught by an older boy who told her that she was too young to go off the high dive.

They have been operating on a spiritual high dive much of their adult lives and share with us some stories, from teaching high school girls to studying brain patterns and habits of high achievers, from assisting parishes to exploring various spiritual avenues that lead to deeper faith. You’ll enjoy listening to this interesting Kansas City couple.

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

Learn More:
Church Development
Visitation Parish 

Keith (Bullhead) Allen, a longtime local high school literature professor, facilitates a book discussion group for men at the Farnan Spirituality Center. We read classical novels as well as modern and local authors.

Through discussion, we consider various levels of messaging, and we explore spiritual levels of God’s presence in everyday experiences and encounters. By identifying with characters from the Bible, fiction, local history, and other literature, we discover more about ourselves and our life’s purpose.

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

Darryl Burton was unjustly accused of murder in 1984 and served twenty-four years in prison, suffering torture and solitary confinement before he was exonerated for the crime he didn’t commit. Susie Roling, the long-time staff member of Journey To New Life, as well as Operation Breakthrough and an ardent activist to end the death penalty, now works with Darryl to advocate the release of prisoners who have been falsely accused and convicted of crimes.

Their work at Miracle of Innocence, in conjunction with The Innocence Project, will inspire you with new insights into the justice system across the globe and perhaps encourage you to join the cause to help those who have been wrongfully punished.

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

Learn More:
Darryl Burton
Miracle of Innocence
The Innocence Project
Operation Breakthrough
Journey to New Life
Resurrection Church Leawood 

At a very early age, Marilyn Gibson realized that she had a different sense of faith and reality than most people. As an empath, she possessed a keen sense of others’ feelings and spiritual matters. Both a curse and blessing, she embraces the intangible grace that she possesses.

In this interaction, she invites those on mystical paths through awakening, darkness, illumination, and union with God (and the spiritual world) to engage in conversations about their experiences as a means to a deeper understanding of the faith journey from this world to the one beyond.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
#farnanspiritualiltycenter  -  #fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Pat O’Neill, whose father was co-founder of the Kansas City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the early 1970s, along with his daughter, Keli Wenzel, is the founder of the annual Labor Day Irish Fest at Crown Center.

Father and daughter speak about the generations of Irish families in the Midwest and how Kansas City has developed a strong relationship with the Emerald Isle, often reflecting its charm through music, prayer, politics, and community care. Learn more about the 22nd annual Kansas City Irish Fest, August 30 to September 1—come and celebrate with us.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
#farnanspiritualiltycenter
#fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Learn More:
Kansas City Irish Fest

Since 2014, Ann Sheridan has served as the Director of Work at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church (SFX), located at 52nd and Troost, between the college campuses of Rockhurst and UMKC universities. “Director of Work” is a Jesuit phrase referring to the Chief Executive Officer, what diocesan sites usually call Parish Administrator; in other words, she runs the day-to-day operations of the faith community as SFX transitions from Jesuit to diocesan presbyteral leadership. Ann shares hope that the community can continue to grow in Ignatian Spirituality and spread the over 100-year influence of the Society of Jesus.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
#farnanspiritualiltycenter  -  #fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Learn More About St. Francis Xavier:
www.sfx-kc.org

Shawn Summe grew up in South Bend, Indiana, in the happy atmosphere of the Catholic faith, with a good education and Notre Dame football. An athlete deeply rooted in religious history, he played college baseball and was greatly influenced by coaches and role models.

His career in teaching and coaching took him to many parts of the country before settling here in Kansas City as athletic director at Avila University. There, he is an enthusiastic motivator who mixes fun with faith in teaching student-athletes about life through sports.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
#farnanspiritualiltycenter  -  #fatherdonfarnan
#uponthisrockpodcast

Learn More About Shawn Summe:
Shawn's Bio
Avila University Website