Those who attend lots of Saturday weddings are familiar with the Catholic Wedding Gap; it refers to the time between an early afternoon church ceremony and evening reception. The two-to-three-hour frame has become part of our Catholic culture. During that afternoon time, guests usually assemble in small groups at bars, hotels, homes, or Airbnb’s until […]
Congratulations to the national soccer teams of Spain and Argentina, finalists in the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Many of us are not international travelers so it was an incredible Odessey to have the world come to us for this amazing multi-faceted futbol event over the past month. Though I have been blessed to travel to […]
Some people who read this blog but are not very familiar with the Farnan Spirituality Center (FSC) asked me to write something about what happens there. I offer this summary. Over the past four years, the FSC has engaged nearly 5,000 individuals through retreats, spiritual direction, pastoral counseling, sacramental preparation, discussion groups, book clubs, and faith formation […]
Among the most tender scenes of the World Cup is when players take the field, or walk onto the pitch, holding hands of children. Often a youngster is also chosen to lead the referees and deliver the game ball. It is a tradition that goes back a quarter century when the FIFA World Cup collaborated […]
Perhaps the greatest birthday gift that our nation could receive this year comes from the ten million visitors who are roaming coast to coast, participating in World Cup festivities, and sharing experiences of how wonderful it is to be here. Evidently, the news they receive back in their homelands portrays our country as dark, gloomy, […]
“Bring me my bow of burning gold, bring me my arrows of desire. Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold. Bring me my chariot of fire!” Those words from William Blake’s 1804 poem, “Milton,” reference the famous biblical story in 2 Kings where the Prophet Elijah, instead of dying, was taken up to heaven in […]
Each summer the church commemorates the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola on his feast day in late July. In conjunction with the memorial, and as pastor of Kansas City’s Ignatian parish, I will offer a two-hour mini retreat (or introduction to Ignatian Spirituality) in the next month to any interested faith-seekers. My primary target […]
In the final analysis, the Catholic Church exists in a place of mystery in between two worlds: one that we live in now and one that lies beyond earth and awaits us after death, where God resides, and that we, periodically, sacredly touch. Some people, because of their heritage, age, preconceived condition, spiritual proclivity, empathic connections, or […]
While in our nation, the month of June is known for numerous causes: National Safety, LGBTQ-Pride, PTSD & Men’s Health, Gun Violence Awareness, etc., in the Catholic Church, June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This ecclesial devotion focuses on Christ’s boundless love depicted in His exposed human heart, often artistically displayed with […]
The month of May is packed with activity and growth. Over the past century, from Kentucky Derby to Indianapolis 500, we have witnessed horsepower increase immensely. From May Day, that highlights the passing of seasons and atmospheric pressures, growth and fertility of earth’s blooming, to Memorial Day that contemplates passing humanity and honoring those who gave […]
