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Father Don Farnan

"Upon This Rock Blog"

By Father Don

The Direction of Perfection

As we approach the annual feast days of all saints and all souls, we recognize reminders of our journey from earth to heaven, from here to eternity. Just as particular saints inspire us personally, so have certain saints made an impact upon Catholics in Kansas City. Among them are Teresa of Avila and Ignatius of Loyola. They beckon us to seek God in all things and to follow the path of perfection.
The path is a little different for everyone, but it contains common steps for all. It begins with the desire-to-desire God and to have a stronger, more intimate relationship with the spiritual side of our existence. With that desire, we carve out time to spend in prayer; novices might do well to engage with God once each day, usually at the time of waking or preparing for sleep; those farther along the journey might faithfully devote time with the Lord each morning, midday, and evening. Read the Full Post.

In 'nun girl summer,' a thank-note
to the sisters of Journey House:
'I wouldn't have made it'

A thank-you note to two specific women, longtime nurses who recently left Kansas City. Sister Rose McLarney co-founder of Journey to New Life, and Sister Fran Voivedich, who lived with women who’d just gotten out of prison at

Journey House, along with Rose and three other sisters. Read the Substack feature article.

A photo of Sister Rose McLarney as a young nurse.

Sister Rose McLarney 

A current day photo of Sister Fran Voivedich.

Sister Fran Voivedich

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Listen to the Upon This Rock Podcast with Father Don Farnan. Find inspiration and direction as He and his guests explore spirituality and faith in all aspects of life and how they inspire, support, and strengthen your relationship with God and your union with others. Listen on the podcast website, Apple, or Spotify. #uponthisrockpodcast

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Episode 97 of the Upon This Rock Podcast with Father Don Farnan

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.

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"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

Spiritual Resources

Saint Teresa of Avila.

"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

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