I am the Farnan Spirituality Center (FSC) founder and director in South Kansas City, Missouri. I also serve as Pastor and Parochial Administrator for Saint Francis Xavier, Saint James, and Saint Therese Little Flower Catholic Churches, all part of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph.

I host the Upon this Rock Podcast each week. It features discussions with guests from all walks of life about spirituality and what matters in faith and all aspects of life. New episodes are available each Thursday. Please join us if you can.

I graduated from Rockhurst College, Kansas City, in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Secondary Education. I then received a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake—Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, and a Master of Christian Spirituality degree from Creighton University, Omaha. I was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1987, for the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph.

Since then, I have served as parochial vicar at Visitation Parish (1987-92), pastor of Saint Therese Little Flower and Saint Louis Parishes (1992-2001), Saint John Lalande (2001-2006), Saint Thomas More (2006-2016), and Saint Charles Borromeo (2016-2022), and in diocesan positions: director of Vocations (1991-96), Director of Priest Personnel (2005-2013), and College of Consultants (2004-2014).

In the mid-90s, I established The Upper Room, a nondenominational inner-city literacy program for youth and their families. I previously served on the board of directors for numerous educational and service institutions in and around Kansas City. My writings include At the Crossroads of Hope: A Priest’s Inner (city) Journey, This Bold Prayer: A Collection of Spiritual Essays, and A Parish for All Seasons: A Year in the Life of Saint Thomas More School.