I am the founder and director of the Farnan Spirituality Center (FSC) in South Kansas City, Missouri, and Special Assistant for Faith-Justice. Mission and Ministry. at Rockhurst University, Kansas City. I also serve as Pastor for Saint James and Saint Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, both a part of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint. Joseph.

I graduated from Rockhurst College, Kansas City, in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Secondary Education, 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 this time, 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). I also served in diocesan positions: Director of Vocations (1991-96), Director of Priest Personnel (2005-2013), and the College of Consultors (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.