Upon This Rock

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: farnanspiri...

03-20

35:28

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 practi...

03-13

37:09

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 ...

03-05

42:54

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 ...

02-27

39:41

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: farnanspiri...

02-20

40:46

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: fatherdonf...

02-13

39:08

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, Fe...

02-06

41:03

Sheilahn Davis-Wyatt, originally from Blessed Sacrament Parish in the urban core, has been part of the St. Therese Little Flower (STLF) faith community since 1991 when her family’s church closed. She is co-chairing the “Journey To 100” as STLF, established in 1925, reaches its centennial during this holy jubilee year. There are various opportunities for Kansas Citians who were once associated with the parish and/or the Blue Hills neighborhood to participate in events or provide sponsorship f...

01-30

34:17

Restauranteur extraordinaire Mike Garozzo sits down with Fr. Don to discuss how the meal, the table, and the feast unite people—something that Jesus knew so well. An unmistakable voice in Kansas City, Mike speaks with authority and hearty enthusiasm about his Italian roots, his hometown of Saint Louis, his lovely wife and beautiful daughters, his role as grandfather, and his many friends in Kansas City. Though not always rich in money, he is rich in faith and faith in other people. Follow Fa...

01-23

37:02

Father Dan Reardon grew up in Chillicothe, Missouri. His parents and extended family provided a seedbed of faith that Dan embraced and took from his small town to every continent and the waters that connect them as part of the United States Navy. After formative years, he went to Philadelphia and developed an interest in both the military and the priesthood. He served our nation for twenty-six years overseas, helping sailors and other service men and women before returning to the Diocese of ...

01-16

34:34

Father Mike Roach has served as a parish priest throughout the Kansas City-Saint Joseph area for over forty years, primarily in the northland. His compassion for those who are on the fringes of the church and of society reminds many people of the ways in which Jesus operated. His welcoming attitude, as well as his understanding of the human condition, draws people to him and the church. As he advances in age, he reflects here upon his numerous and varied assignments and his hopes for the chu...

01-10

38:26

Michael Sanem is the director of Kansas City’s Ignatian Spirituality Center and director of Mission and Ministry for Saint Francis Xavier Parish. Educated in the Jesuit tradition and inspired by incredible mentors, he embraces a broad sense of faith that he applies as an author, teacher, and pastoral leader. Husband and father to three young children, he discusses the Catholic presence in our urban core and what it means to witness our religious beliefs. This conversation introduces listener...

01-01

42:56

Kevin Collison has roots in Omaha and nearby Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota regions. He studied journalism in New York City, and his wife was a news anchor in Buffalo. They came to Kansas City earlier this century, where he first wrote for The Star and later founded CityScene KC, which muses upon topics crucial to our city’s well-being. A member of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, he articulates well the many challenges we face to make our city more reflective of the City of God. Follow Father...

12-26

37:06

Dave Mehl and Jim Harris, along with Jim’s wife, Carol, talk about the importance of music in their lives and how it has played a central role in their worship of God and relationships with others. Carol grew up in Saint Elizabeth Parish, where she was taught by Fr. Bill Bauman, a renowned liturgist and musician. Jim and Dave grew up in now closed parishes on the east side of KC (Immaculate Heart of Mary and Saint Louis), where Sisters of Charity educated them from Leavenworth and enco...

12-19

49:41

American artist John Bukaty grew up in Kansas City, yet he painted his way around the world and made his home in New Orleans. He has also traveled far in his faith life, including difficult challenges, recovery from addiction, strong friendships, and great inspirations, starting with his parents, Fred and Rita. He offers interesting insights for listeners to follow their heart and the call of a higher power that beckons us to greater heights and deeper understandings. Follow Father Do...