| 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 programs, an average of over 100 people each month. The desire for opportunities like these seems to grow, evidenced by the Center’s recent mini retreats introducing Ignatian Spirituality, where more than 100 participants registered in a few days, reflecting a strong hunger for spiritual formation and retreat encounters. Usually, we limit groups to twelve retreatants because of space and optimal interaction but, in this case, we expanded to twenty and added a couple sessions to accommodate the interest. |
| There are various book clubs and discussion groups that have formed from such retreats or clusters of friends that meet regularly at the FSC—often monthly—to pursue aspects of faith within a cohesive gathering of individuals who share similar values. One group of women, for example, created a mystics group in which they discuss the realm and reach of their spiritual experiences. One group of men discusses the lives of saints and how these heroes can impact us in modern religious endeavors. There are collections of college students, retirees, formators, and other more random clusters. Though many searchers are older than me (I’ll be sixty-seven next month), I have been impressed by numerous young people who investigate matters of faith. A twenty-two-year-old recently noted, “Young people are eager to gain better understanding of our purpose on earth in relation to the mystery of God and daily encounters.” |
| At my stage in life, I am invigorated by this apostolic work more than by parish ministry because it allows me to accompany people in ways that are personally meaningful to them and not tied to ecclesial structures. It is also rewarding when I can connect them to people or aspects of faith that strengthen their relationship with God and creation, e.g., scripture guides, prayer techniques, mentors in faith, and church sacraments. The FSC originated to assist those wanting to explore or deepen their connection to God without the confines of negative dogma or parameters into which they don’t fit. In our times, like in Jesus’ time, church officials often point out people’s sins, dismiss them, or reject their request; but Jesus challenged that. He forgave sins, accompanied people, and told them not to let the church block their faith. |
| Another important happening at the FSC is assistance to people in bad circumstances, scholarships, and counsel through The Angel Fund. This offering allows donors to transform their faith into acts that support others who are temporarily struggling yet eventually getting to a better place in life. I think this branch of the church that is less bureaucratic or corporate has an increasingly significant role to play in society. Our institutional church can be a great resource but, unfortunately, many people experience it as an obstacle. At the FSC, we’re just about individuals and their journey of faith. We don’t get bogged down by other things. |
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