Learn how to strengthen your
relationship with God and your
union with others.
Tonia Gilbert is the Executive Director of The Upper Room (or Upper Room KC), a nonprofit literacy center that helps thousands of urban children each year to excel academically, knowing that it starts with an ability to read and write. The center began at Saint Louis Catholic Church over twenty-five years ago and continues under Tonia’s leadership. Her background as a lawyer and educator assists in her administrative tasks now. She invites us to join her on December 17 for a holiday event where we can learn more about the good things happening in the center of our city.
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Listen to all the Upon This Rock episodes. #uponthisrockpodcast
Saint Thomas More (STM) Parish has a sister community relationship with San Andrés Itzapa, a rural parish in south-central Guatemala. STM Parishioners Phil Smith and Marla Byrne have visited frequently in recent decades, often leading groups on work retreats and pilgrimages of faith that support foreign friends. The STM group has escorted thousands of Kansas Citians, including over a thousand teenagers, to Central America to encounter brothers and sisters who struggle in ways that open their eyes and hearts.
Direct Link. Listen on Apple and Spotify. Download the MP3 file.
Listen to all the Upon This Rock episodes. #uponthisrockpodcast
"In the end, these things are only required: that you act justly, that you love tenderly, and that you walk humbly with the Lord."
— The Prophet Micah
Advent is a time to believe in impossible things. Prophetic writers foretell of a virgin birth, and scriptural passages that dominate our liturgical gatherings this month offer scenes in which wolf and lamb, lion and goat, leopard and calf coexist in peace. Though it is not impossible to conceive of a world where predator and prey live in harmony, the biblical scenes avail us to the Messianic kingdom that only exists for those who believe in impossible things. The image expands even further: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap with joy, the dumb speak, and the dead rise. It is difficult for those who do not believe in impossible things to imagine it.
"We are like travelers who have forgotten
the name of our destination. We must return from where we came to discover where
we are going."
— G. K. Chesterton
"I truly appreciate the use of musical references and other writings which you often use. I have been blessed to have attended small dinners and discussions where you have often used these same references to engage attendees. It always has left me with soul searching and a path to answering some very deep questions. Thank you for providing some more stepping stones."
- Helen V.
“Thank you, Father Don! Your good words help so many, and I love forwarding your encouraging message.”
- Peggy B
"Thank you for helping us see the connections rather than the differences in many faith traditions."
- Mary Jo C.
The Farnan Spirituality Center provides spiritual direction,
spiritual counseling, and spiritual guidance to everyone.
Farnan Spirituality Center
Kansas City, Missouri
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