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Within the faith community, parishioners sometimes refer to common Catholics as “pips” or “people in pews.” Many pips are interested in what lies ahead for parishes, worldwide and locally, since the election of Pope Leo XIV.
In this Retreat, Fr. Don will lead a discussion about how our new pope is calling us to oneness in Christ Jesus, how we each have a role to play in advancing this mission, and how we can let go of some of our biases for the sake of the common good and greater glory of God.
This Retreat will be offered on multiple dates. Registration is free and limited to 12 per session. Donations are always greatly appreciated. You can register now by clicking any of these available dates: June 13th (9-11 a.m.), June 19th (5-7 p.m.), and June 20th (1-3 p.m.).
Within the faith community, parishioners sometimes refer to common Catholics as “pips” or “people in pews.” Many pips are interested in what lies ahead for parishes, worldwide and locally, since the election of Pope Leo XIV.
In this Retreat, Fr. Don will lead a discussion about how our new pope is calling us to oneness in Christ Jesus, how we each have a role to play in advancing this mission, and how we can let go of some of our biases for the sake of the common good and greater glory of God.
This Retreat will be offered on dates. Registration is free and limited to 12 per session. Donations are always greatly appreciated. You can register now by clicking any of these available dates: June 12th (1- 3 p.m.), June 13th (9-11 a.m.), June 19th (5-7 p.m.), and June 20th (1-3 p.m.).
Watch the May 8th 41 News segment featuring Father Don and Michael Sanem (Director of Mission and Ministry and Ignatian Spirituality) expressing their views on the election of Pope Leo XIV. This story was filmed at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, Missouri.
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.
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Welcome to the Farnan Spirituality Center (FSC) website! “Welcome” means to come and be made well. It is my hope that you will be made well—or that your life is enhanced—by a closer walk with the Good Lord. Spiritual encounters, from group retreats or discussions to one-on-one counsel or direction, are good ways to strengthen our relationship with God and, subsequently, with others.
I invite you to peruse the website and indicate your interest, sign up for the monthly newsletter, or sign up for an upcoming retreat. And let us pray for one another.
"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
Ninety-eight years ago, Max Ehrmann wrote the prose poem Desiderata. It begins with the memorable and soothing line, “Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.” This pensive starter gives contrast to the noisy chaos of our hasty world in which it is so easy for us to get captured.
I have a friend from Kenya who is a dual citizen though he spent most of his life in The United States. When I asked what surprised him initially about our country, he responded by saying, “I was most surprised by the lack of respect that citizens show leaders. It seems to impact a lack of respect and mistrust for others and ultimately for themself.” With the gift of free speech at the base of our nation’s Bill of Rights, people speak openly and often critically. This has both a positive and negative effect on our society; but lately, it seems that the noise—and disrespect—has increased, distracting from Ehrmann’s next lines: “As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others.” Read the Full Post.
"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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