I was informed yesterday that there are lots of conversations around the parish that I am being transferred: someone heard it from a chancery employee, someone else heard it from another priest, still someone else heard it at the beauty parlor. I will share with you what I know from inside the transfer portal with as much transparency as I can while also respecting the discreet nature of assigning priests. It is possible that I will be transferred from Saint Charles Borromeo this summer, even likely; but it is not certain. I am very happy at Saint Charles and very proud of how we have come together and rallied over the past six years to revitalize this faith community. I would love to stay and participate in further growth; in some ways, we’re just getting started in realizing our potential and celebrating tremendous realities and possibilities ahead. There is no other parish where I would rather serve as pastor now.
Having stated that, in mid-January outgoing Rockhurst University president, Father Tom Curran, SJ, contacted me and asked if I would consider taking a position there at my alma mater; the job would focus on the surrounding community, the university’s mission for faith-justice, and Catholic Social Teachings. I was intrigued but responded as I always did when someone asked me to consider a job, i.e., that I could only take a position to which the bishop assigns me. He, of course, knew that and was willing to present a proposal to our bishop, who was also intrigued by the prospect. For several months, those of us involved thought it over, discussed it, prayed about it, and considered its possibilities. The short story is that Bishop Johnston was immediately open to the prospect, especially since the post at Rockhurst can be coupled with work in nearby parishes where I could provide sacramental and administrative services. There would be a natural overlap and solid link where I might spend most of my weekdays at the college and most of my weekends at the churches.
I attended Rockhurst College between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. As much as at any other time or anywhere else in my life, I grew up there. My college experience was eye-opening and mind-expanding; I will always treasure it. I have remained close to the university ever since. As Kansas Citians know, Rockhurst has a strong desire to make a positive impact in the urban community where it sits, and our diocese wants to be an encouraging presence for Catholics and others living there. At this point, neither I, nor the university, nor the diocese, know what shape this effort would take, but we are all interested in giving it “the ole college try.” The university plans to build the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice on its campus to advance our Judeo-Christian mission of cooperating with God to bring justice in our times. In naming the site, Father Curran wanted to honor Mr. Brooks, a lifetime Kansas City humanitarian who has worked tirelessly for justice through civil service and Catholic social principles. This center will become an anchor in our urban core to remind us of justice, not in the modern American sense of getting even but, in the biblical sense of getting right—with God and with one another. In conjunction with the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph and Rockhurst, I would be honored to help advance that ministry.
If it materializes, this venture will be a great challenge and tremendous opportunity. To me, it gets at the very heart of our faith in the very heart of our city. By helping college students along with their families, neighbors, alumni, friends, and metropolitan residents put faith into action, we might all become more solidly and lovingly aligned with God’s hope for us. Though I haven’t been to college for a long time (and I might have to face some of the foibles of my younger years) it would be good to return to The Rock and accompany others in discovering a firm foundation upon which we can build up God’s kingdom.
Whether I stay or go, I feel happy and am extremely fortunate to get to stand before two such wonderfully life-giving paths for the next steps of my earthly journey. Having served as director of priest personnel, I realize that there are lots of puzzle pieces to fit, moving parts to pin down, and last-minute variables to accommodate. So, the portal is still swirling; I could get spit out or shot through. When I receive word, one way or the other, I will let you know.
UPON THIS ROCK 
Dear Fr. Don, If the Rockhurst opportunity come to fruition and you need help, let me know. It would be an awesome assignment.
Best wishes, Jim
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Thanks, Jim. I will keep you looped in.
Fr. D
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Fr Don – wouldn’t that be wonderful to have you back at Rockhurst! (Don was my orientation leader MANY years ago at Rockhurst!) Only sad that my daughter missed the opportunity to be there at the same time. Whereever you land, they will be very lucky to have you, and if you leave St. Charles, I know they will miss you!
Donna Schnieders
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Great . . . I have asked St Ignatius to look into this possibility for all concerned.
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While I did not grow up in Kansas City, my wife and I moved here in 1970 and have fallen in love with the community and the values of Mid-Westerners. Our family and I personally have been blessed to know so many people as we raised our children, started and built several businesses, and worked with a number of local non-profits here in Kansas City over the years.
One of the first non profits I got to know in Kansas City was Rockhurst University during the Presidencies of Father Weiss and Father Savage, the development efforts of Father Van Ackeren and the teaching skills of Dr. Tom Lyon. I spoke to the students in his classes interested in business/entrepreneurship upon Dr. Lyon’s invitation on many occasions and got to see the young people in his classes. up close.
I’ve also served as a Trustee for 20 years at Bucknell University and am currently an Emeritus Trustee. In that capacity, I’ve interfaced often with the students there and of course have seen first hand the challenges presented at the Presidential and administrative level in higher education particularly as they have evolved over the past decade.
I cite all of the above as background regarding my following comments about Father Farnan and the consideration being given for him to lead Rockhurst in the coming years. While we were parishioners many years ago at St. Thomas More, my family has been in the Nativity Parish since its formation in 1985. However, my wife and I often attended Mass at St. Thomas More when Father Farnan was the Parish Pastor and got to know him a bit at social gatherings as well. In my opinion, there can be no better candidate to serve as Rockhurst’s President than Father Farnan. His strong faith, his charismatic leadership, and his ability to unite everyone within the realm of his leadership make him uniquely qualified to win the hearts and minds of all of the University’s constituents, including its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and admiring supporters in this day when doing so takes the special gifts that God has bestowed on Father Don. And while I realize those charged with the responsibility to make the selection are eminently more qualified than I, please accept my strong endorsement of Father Farnan in the spirit of one man’s opinion trying to be of help in which it is given.
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Donald My opinion is that not only did Your most meaningful work in the years in this neighborhood, it is also truest to whom You are . Whatever the decision I am certain You will do continue to do care for the community that You serve Andrea >
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Kansa Citibank’s a
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Many thanks for the update….I will certainly be praying hard for you and everyone involved with this very important decision whichever ways it turns out 🙂
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You have truly blessed so many of us in every parish you have been a part of. We are all lucky to have had you a part of our lives.
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God bless you in whatever path you are directed!
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Wow, Father Don… I read your blogs every time you write one. I’ve been so sad about Fr Curran leaving Rockhurst because of his great belief and compassion for the Urban core. I pray you are the answer to Fr Curren’s legacy. You would/ will be wonderful in this position.
As you said, we’ll pray for the answer. Wishing you the very best. Peggy Baker
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It all sounds exciting as you mentioned. Prayers for the right thing to happen!
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Father, which ever, we support you in your priesthood and the mission of the church. Where you are called will be a gift of the Spirit for our diocese and the city’s faith community. You are in our prayers.
Mike & Margaret Heringer
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Father Don, I am so appreciative for all you do at St. Charles Borromeo to build community spirit within our parish and Borromeo Academy.. You bless our parishioners with heartfelt homilies at every special occasion. You write many one-of-a-kind poems that touch the hearts of your audience. Father, you have a gift of embracing the people in your care. You have been influential in so many decisions and changes in our parish. You will always be part of our lives. We will pray for you. I ask that you continue to pray for us.
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Fr. Don Can you let me know when you might be available in the next week or two for lunch or dinner. It’s been too long since we’ve gotten together so let’s try to make something work. Bill and Marsha
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Pmatthe
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I saw this! Michelle said Saturday she thinks he’s going over to Saint Francis… Isn’t that the one by Rockhurst University? Will be good to have them close. I’m ready to defect
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Whoops I’m sorry I did not mean to reply to you! Anyway congratulations on your new frontier. We will see you there!!
Have a great day! Nancy
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