This week, after two years and 107 episodes, I suspended weekly podcast recordings of Upon this Rock.  The final chapter, which you can listen to here summarizes what I and the FSC (Farnan Spirituality Center) Board hoped to accomplish by joining the webcast market.

There are many “godcasts” in the web world, an existence that we all share in modern times and a reality that will increasingly draw us in as time unfolds.  Such podcasts about spirituality, religion, faith, and other topics that explore relationships with God and spirits can help us discover deeper meaning for our limited corporate reality and the possibilities in life beyond this one.  It was fun to be part of it.  The recordings that we made focus upon Catholicism in Kansas City, though the conversations went beyond our religion and region.  The podcast’s tagline—where we discuss matters of faith and faith that matters—invited guests to discuss everything from religious practices to spiritual ideas to practical ways that we put faith into action through, or with, numerous local social agencies, activities, and programs.

Most guests were asked two questions.  The first was about their past, where and how they grew up, who influenced them, and what characteristics of faith they embraced and lived out as they grew through different stages of living.  The other was about the future, what they hope to leave as a legacy for those who follow, the impact that they want the Catholic Church to make on young people as they become adults, and the influence that religion can have on our city.  In between these questions, visitors spoke about how they spend their time as people of God.  You can listen to previous podcasts in which representatives from various organizations, like The Bishop Sullivan Center, Reconciliation Services, Operation Breakthrough, Nourish KC, Miracle of Innocence, The Upper Room, the Neighborhood Justice Center, and Journey To New Life, inform us about their mission to help less fortunate citizens.  Those interviewed also include representatives from area Catholic universities and other schools, experts in psychology, those who deal with death and dying, and those who offer funeral services and/or help grieving people through loss.

We also covered numerous topics related to faith: The Bible, Catholic Social Teachings, synodality, marriage and other sacraments, feast days and holy seasons, the sexual crisis of pedophilia and criminal oversight of ecclesial leaders, and ways that politics impacts religion.  At times, we focused on difficult topics like forgiveness and mercy, death of children and its devastation to families, and how conversations about tough subjects can bring growth.   We spoke with local leaders, priests, nuns, business executives, writers, artists, spiritual guides, and others who influence us or call us to higher levels of thought.  But mostly, the discussions were with ordinary people who spoke about their journey with the Lord.  The conversations were modeled after spiritual teachings that challenge us to reverence the views of others, presume their good intent, think critically, give conversation the time it needs (sometimes years), and commit to human dignity and the common good. 

In an age of social messaging, virtual communications, online streaming, and cyber interactions, the church must be actively engaged.  It was great to join in the godcast-podcast world for a while to consider if or how we might impact listeners in positive ways.  Meanwhile, in the spirit of Pope Francis’ culture of encounter, we’ll keep seeking avenues to share faith and enrich lives beyond the doors of churches.  Faith is realized in action just as prayer is manifested through works.  At the FSC, we will continue to help people search for God and connect the rich history of religion throughout salvation history with modern times and ways.