The Inner Life

On today’s show, Fr. Eric Nielsen joins to discuss The Parable Of The Sower. Nick - I love this parable. It reminds me of my conversion. Break 1 Carol - I try to evaluate myself sometimes where I am with this. Break 2 Sean - Talk about the sin of coveting.

On today’s show, Fr. Phil Hurley helps us get to know St. Ignatius of Loyola and The Spiritual Exercises Who was St. Ignatius? What are the Spiritual Exercises? Break 1 Camille - I have had a positive experience with the spiritual exercises that I'd like to share. Break 2 More on consolation and desolation. Fr. Phil goes on to explain these terms in light of the conversation with Camile. Show Notes: Popes Prayer Network USA (Fr. Phil's Organization) popesprayerusa.net "Carry You" by Jesuit Tracks (Full version of Fr. Phil's song we played on the show) On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0PgRoHrUjQMgQVg4tPhIOV?si=1bb517bd04cf405e On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRVToeBhJ6U

On today’s show, Fr. Michael Hurley, O.P. joins to discuss Focusing In On Prayer. Steve - I've always been raised on God's plan. What is the point of praying of the plan is already in place? Break 1 Stuart - suffering can be a trigger to pray, when you hit rock bottom you need to pray to get back up. Patrick - Can I share my journey of prayer from being an agnostic to becoming a Catholic? Break 2 Ed - When I say Rosary, my mind keeps going different places. How do I take care of that? Sheila - I am impressed with Carla that she is teaching the children their prayers because it is super important to do this as a community.

On today's Inner Life, Deacon Patrick Conley has Fr. Elliot Zak on to give guidance on having a relationship with God through the lens of Saints Martha, Mary, And Lazarus. Theresa - I've been widowed 41 years. Confidence in God’s goodness is foundational Justin - AS in any relationship, we need to learn about Jesus and our faith. There are so many resources such as Relevant Radio. We need to take the initiative to learn more and that has increased my faith. Break 2 Jonathan - Eucharistic adoration and experiencing the Lord there. I struggle sometimes with it even though I believe He is present. I find that having a relationship with God is difficult. Email – Thomas: How will I know that I have quote on quote made it with my relationship with God?

On today’s show, Fr. Chris Walsh j­oins to present overcoming attachment to comfort. Can Convenience become something we are too attached too? Greg - When would a person discern? Break 1 Email – Robert – I think comfort is connected with safety. Liz - I've experienced this with AC this summer. We don't have it and have been able to deal with it. Charles -Without a car it's difficult, and I've been without a car for some time. I'm in the best physical shape of my life because I'm walking everywhere! But...I can't help people as much. Break 2 Email - Connie – I used to get hangry but since becoming Catholic God has helped me overcome this through prayer and fasting. Tina - I lost my son. I got too attached to him. Now that he's gone, people say, 'Oh, God is with him.' How do you overcome that? I feel like since I lost him, I can't get attached to anything else. I loved him more than anything. Email – Mary: It helps me to imagine Jesus on the Cross and my little inconveniences suddenly become bearable.

On today's Inner Life, Fr. Marcel Taillon joins to help us in reconciling with God. Janet - I currently go to the parish near my house. I have a hard time going to confession there. I find myself going somewhere else because I'm embarrassed and they might judge me since I know the priest. Break 1 Theresa - Going to confession when you have mortal sins. Confessing the same things over and over. My experience, it gives you the grace to not do that anymore. Going to confession gives me that grace. Don't wait until it's mortal sin. Saskia - I'm new, not a Catholic, but going to start OCIA soon. I went to confession once and told the priest I didn't know what to do. I almost committed a mortal sin. Would I have to confess that? What about sins that are hard to confess like abortion? How do I get over this fear? LJ - Do parish priests recognize your voice or even a medal hanging on your neck?

On today's show Fr. Kris Stubna joins to discuss tithing and a spirit of generosity.

On today’s show, Fr. Nicholas Federspiel joins to reflect on winning the battle for your mind. Break 1 Lupe - What can we do to move our minds towards God? Break 2 Francis - I am 80 years old and have thoughts that I have not been good enough in my life and don't know if I will make it to Heaven. Ashley - I have family history of dementia. What are mind exercises to lower risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer’s in future? Notes: Prayer - Jesus, I invite you to interrupt my self-defeating, God-dethroning self-talk. Amen.

On today’s show, Fr. James Kubicki joins to talk about St. Mary Magdalene. Break 1 God meets us in our grief and walks us into this wonderful revelation. Joshua - Could you give some encouragement for someone who like St. Mary Magdalene was in despair? Break 2 We are disciples and also missionary disciples like Mary Magdalene was.

On today’s show, Fr. Allan Hoffa joins to discuss “what is heaven”? Gary - Why do you believe God will give you a glimpse of heaven while you're still here on earth? Break 1 Will I see my family members in heaven? When we die, do we wait until the end of time to go to heaven or hell? Where are we when we actually die? God doesn’t decide whether we go to heaven or hell. Those who have died have chosen heaven or hell. God has just honored their decision. Break 2 What is purgatory? Margaret - Based on what's been said, different people are going to experience God on a different level on how their life was. Why doesn't purgatory bring everybody up to the same level? Rose - If you go to confession before you pass, why do you still go to purgatory?

Fr. Tom Wilson joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss the joys of finding God in nature (2:56). Topics/calls: nature as a tool & care for creation (8:55), God spoke to me through nature (14:13), the beauty of Maui (18:30), living on 14 acres (21:26), the beach (25:54), mountains (29:50), find God in the open water (35:31), the destructive tendencies of nature (40:22), desert life (44:18), and the Redwood forest (47:31).

Father Bobby Blood joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Keeping the Faith in Dry Seasons What is Spiritual Dryness (7:59) Importance of routines in our spiritual life Why would God let us go through dry times in our life? (12:16) Elias - If I feel like I am doing well in prayer life, how do I best prepare for when the dry season comes? Juan - I am enduring a heavy cross, and how to carry it. (17:49) Break 1 (19:15) Wade - A few months after Lent I lose my spiritual drive. Why is this a consistency every year? What can I do to alleviate this? (24:45) How are the Sacraments important or times of Dryness? What do you do when you aren’t getting anything out Mass? (30:59) Email from Dylan – I have been dealing with dryness for years now and I don’t know what to do. Email from Rose – How do you deal with the accusing voice of the Devil? (34:44) Teresa - I get very melancholic for no reason, accusing myself of sloth, and I am wondering if it is because God is trying to prepare me for a blessing? (37:40) Break 2 Email from Adrian – How does dryness relate to how we perceive God? (41:36) Maria - Spiritual Dryness: There are moments, I say, 'is there all there is to it?' What will happen? (44:03) Bonnie - Shame, regarding your life situation and shame as opposed to guilt and not feeling close to God b/c of shame. (47:54) Gianna - One thing that could help refresh the faith is something new, something different

Father Michael-Joseph Paris joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Carmelite Spirituality (7:25) origins of the Brown Scapular. Giacomo - I was in Israel a few years ago at Mt Carmel at an Equestrian event. Home parish was Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Melrose park. Bishop asked me to read one day. I was moved to be in the real Our Lady of Mt Carmel that day. (16:51) Rose - Wanted to know if Father believes that just by wearing the scapular when you pass, the virgin of Mt Carmel would take you out of purgatory the following Saturday. Is that true? (20:19) Break 1 (25:16) Sarah - I had fallen away from church. Hadn't worn a scapular for years. My mom came to see me and brought me a scapular. Threw it on the counter. Months later, put it on a cabinet and went to bed. Sunday, I heard, 'Get up and go to church.' Heard it twice. Put pillow over my head, but heard again. Finally got up and heard 'put the scapular on.' Burned around my neck. Went to church. During benediction, heard St. Michael prayer. Landlord met with me, dog bit me at his house, doctor said scapular saved me from the bite (jugular). (33:09) Paulin - Sabbatine privilege. I believe you have to be invested in the scapular, is that correct? Shirley - I was enrolled with the scapular by a priest and I consecrate myself to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel daily. Just want to share that. (37:22) Break 2 Elements of Carmelite Spirituality. Great saints of the Carmelite order. Third order Carmelites. (47:24) Carmel - My mom called me Carmel because I was born July 16th. She couldn't have children and was devoted to our lady of mt Carmel. Always wore scapular. Finally expecting a baby and it was me. I was Christened on St. Ann day. After hearing this program, I was thinking...wow, maybe I should start wearing it again. Resources: Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapular

IL – Father John Paul Erickson joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Why We Laugh (5:43) How is laughter a uniquely human trait? (20:09) Nick - Appropriate laughter and why we laugh. Altar server trying to light a candle. All of a sudden, people were laughing after he tried so many times. It has to be tempered with the appropriateness of the situation. (24:38) Break 1 Did Jesus have a sense of Humor? (30:58) Rose - Humor. I'm 87. Humor has helped me in my last stages to continue without having to complain so much. (38:04) Break 2 Pauline - Joke: Pastor and bus driver. Both die at the same time. Bus driver gets ticketed first. Pastor waits and finally to gates. I thought I'd be the first in line. St. Peter said why was I first? When you preached everyone slept, when he preached, everyone prayed. (43:47) Joe - Joke: Jesus and Moses on a golf course. At this dog leg of a hole. Jesus says, 'I'm going to get above par on this. Jesus hits the ball, goes into water. He walks on water to get the ball. Asked Moses if it's Jesus, and said no, it's Jack Nicholas. (47:04) Carol - When I think about laughter, I think why it's important to have a merry heart. It does good like medicine. Laughter is the best medicine you can have. Juanita - Years ago, God showed me his sense of humor when I was upset over my grandson's mom keeping us from seeing him. I unexpectedly received a gift of a small meat cleaver. It just made me laugh. It keeps us grounded in our sense of humor.

Father Rob Kroll joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Making Good Decisions What is free will? (15:01) Email – Can God work with mistakes in our major decisions? (17:58) Thomas - I'm confused how everyone is being assisted by God in making decisions. What communications are being made with callers and receiving messages from God? I don't know how God is communicating with them. (23:26) Break 1 Does God care about every decision we make? (29:53) Carol - Does the holy spirit ever allow you to make a bad decision to teach a lesson? (34:53) Ethel - Someone gave me 20 thousand dollars for helping them remedy a situation (sell a property). Sold it, and I received the $ and now the person wants it back. should I give it back? They made a report that I stole the $. (38:55) Break 2 (40:14) Veronica - Decision on whether to get married or not. We were engaged and going through the process. Asked friends to pray for me to discern God's will. That weekend, we found that the Lord put it on our hearts that, no, we weren't meant to marry. I ended up years later entering the convent. Importance of prudence in making good decisions. (47:12) Anna - I want to know why people make bad choices. If they know something is bad, why do they still choose it and those horrible decisions?

Father Lawrence Harlow joins to talk about the Charismatic Renewal St. Elena Guerra wrote about the Church being in need of renewal by the Holy Spirit Mark - I've always felt a connection with the Holy Spirit. Miles – I became part of the Charismatic Renewal in 1976. How do I know or have the gift of interpretation? Break 1 Steven - Interested in the renewal. Anita - I've had a personal experience. The Holy Spirit used me so profoundly and helped bring a man back to God. God and Mary have something special for us. Break 2 James - What is the relationship between the baptism of the holy spirit and the sacrament of confirmation? A sacrament is always greater than any charismatic prayer

Father John Eckert joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Why you Want to Avoid Hell (7:17) Joseph - For Catholics who don't confess and go to the priest to get their sins absolved, is it in the church's norms to proclaim they are in hell? (15:32) Margaret - I think people don't understand the definition is love. When you cut off from God, you're cutting off eternally. (25:05) Break 1 Fatima’s vision of hell. (34:24) Prescott - Fires of Hell...spirits...how does that affect us? (37:46) Email - Is the Fire of God’s love the same as the fire of Hell? (41:32) Break 2 (43:16) Tessa - Thinking about hell...wondering if it's a fair thing to talk to somebody who is walking away and telling them they're choosing to walk away and out of a state of grace. (48:15) How to be aware of hell without falling into despair?

Fr. Joseph Illo of Star of The Sea Parish in San Francisco joins to talk about Eucharistic Adoration and blessings you can receive from making adoration a frequent part of your life. (5:28) What is Eucharistic Adoration? Go to adoration and you will find out wat God wants you to do (11:17) Break 1 (19:04) John - Most who go to adoration have something to ask. I'm reminded about the scriptures saying that you have not because you ask not. The reason they don't get it is because they're not asking. Prayer is 98% consistency. Every prayer is answered. (31:59) I find that silence is difficult to maintain during adoration, how do I overcome distractions? (35:50) Carlos - I had colon cancer 8 years ago. In adoration and had my conversion. I'm still here! Break 2 (42:05) Angie - I am an adorer that has a late-night/overnight adoration shift. I have never felt worried at all. I wanted to talk about why it's so important in my life. (45:27) Olivia - I'm a cradle catholic, but new to adoration. I haven't experienced anything very emotional when going or 'aha' moment. Am I doing something wrong?

Check out this show from June 9, 2026 Father Robert Ryan joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss the Mystical Body of Christ (3:50) Why is the Church known as the mystical body of Christ? (11:42) What is Paul talking about when he mentions the body of Christ? (20:01) Herb - when Jesus asked Paul, 'why are you persecuting me,' was he talking about him specifically or the Church? (25:20) Break 1 (27:51) Jesus’ prayer for unity in the Church. (38:14) Tom - How does the family have a role in the broader Church? How can clergy better form the family? (43:27) Break 2 (46:10) Missionary work as a Body of Christ.

Father Tom Wilson joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Confession Why is Confession Important. (6:08) What is the process of confession? (17:00) How do priests feel about people coming to confession? (20:14) Break 1 (21:40) Denise - Sometimes hard to confess. I feel the more I go, the easier it gets to confess the sins. Just being vulnerable and saying the sins...just feel better like a weight has been lifted. Really encourage all to go to confession. I don't want to be in mortal sin. (35:12) Diane - I suffer from scrupulosity. 2 years ago I came back to the church after being away for 30 years. How do you determine difference between temptation and actual sin? Something in the news recently aroused me and I don't know if it was temptation or sin. It wasn't pornography. (38:50) Break 2 (39:55) Patrick - How does Father feel about receiving communion when you are aware of a minor sin, not a major sin? Email – What is the relationship between venial sins and confession? (44:50) Marie - How do I clarify for a friend that confession is about confessing sins and not a counseling appointment? Also, I have some very protestant relatives and couldn't understand the value of confession. How do I answer that question?

Father John LoCoco joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Purity: Lessons from St. Maria Goretti Story of St Maria Goretti. (5:44) Why is St Maria Goretti so important to our lives today? (13:25) Jerry - I am an attorney. Had a young lady come to me asking for a name change so she could no longer be tailed by the guy who was violating her. The name she chose was Maria Goretti. We got her name change 6 years ago on the feast of Maria Goretti. Thought it would be interesting given what you're talking about today. Difference between Purity and Chastity (21:01) Break 1 (22:40) Donna - When Maria Goretti was murdered. Locals were mad at him. When Maria appeared to him in prison, he eventually repented. He took care of her mother. He would have probably been in hell, but repented and was forgiven. Important to keep in mind with capital punishment. (32:23) Email from LJ – How can we bring back our daughter to come back to the faith? (35:18) email from Connie – I find that having more time alone was really helpful to bring my husband and I together first. (38:17) Break 2 How does Lust lead to anger? (45:56) Sonya Maria - How do you convince a mother-in-law that pornography...just looking at it...is wrong? (48:17) Custody of the eyes. Resources: Painting of Maria Goretti saint-maria-goretti-artwork-shrine-our-lady-guadalupe-church-la-crosse-wisconsin.jpg (400×948)

(7:58) Who was Venerable Bruno Lanteri? (14:36) Craig - Peace is important for us to understand. We lose so much in the translation of peace. We don't quite grasp it. Knowing the Lord is instrumental to understanding peace. How does fear and discouragement take away our peace? (22:42) Break 1 How do we have peace eve in the midst of sinning? (27:37) how do we get out of discouragement in our lives? (30:27) Flo - 10 years ago, I had depression, got a peaceful moment and I had a holy spirit moment. It changed my life. 11:38 How to find peace through tragedy? (38:53) Break 2 Carol - I understand the forgiveness of God. My children are taking a bad road. How do you get beyond that and find peace and not fear for the future? Resources: Ignatian Discernment Institute https://www.discernment.institute/ If You Want Peace in This Life https://www.discernment.institute/product-page/if-you-want-peace-in-this-life Oblates of the Virgin Mary https://www.omvusa.org/

Father Peter Pomposello joins to discuss Catholic patriotism. Theresa - I've designed a crystal red, white and blue rosary. How do I go about giving this to our military veterans? Nick - We have to distinguish ourselves as Catholics before we're Americans. God comes first. Everything belongs to God. Look at the precepts of church. Break 1 More comments on Catholic patriotism Walter - It goes straight to the gospel. In John, he says the light of God is the life of man. God is guaranteed to give light. Evangelizing. It takes faith. Break 2 Dave - Patriotism and the Convention of State. We the people would propose amendments to the constitution. This has never been used. Educating people about this and getting involved by petitioning state legislators is essential. I think this is part of the Catholic cause. Tony - I'm a retired engineer who worked on radar and missile systems. I have had my doubts because I didn't want to work on weapons that kill. Glad to be part of it and in service to our country.

(1:48) Father Michael Hurley joins to discuss the particulars of going on a pilgrimage and all that it entails. (10:09) Joseph - I was in Rome at the Santa Scala. Break 1 (28:38) Terri - I went through the Holy Land, and it was an amazing trip. I first thought since I received Jesus, that I didn't need to go there. (35:16) Email – Mary went on a pilgrimage to visit St. Padre Pio’s relics and received a healing. (38:09) Pauline - What about someone who cannot travel like the infirm or elderly? How do we do retreats or pilgrimages? Break 2 (43:23) Elia - I went on a pilgrimage to Portugal, Spain, France recently. How wonderful they were.

Fr. Chris Walsh joins to discuss meditating on Sacred Scripture with Lectio Divina. (6:53) How do I get started with Lectio Divina and where is a good setting or place to practice it? Break 1 (32:22) Lucy - Reading the Psalms has helped me. (37:10) Dale - Today's Magnificat has a meditation from a saint in the 400's. He goes through analysis of Lectio Divina in today's gospel. (38:32) Rob - I'm part of a group that meets weekly to review the Sunday Gospel as Lectio Divina. We have been doing this for 20 years. (42:05) Rick - I am a deacon and the practice you are talking about is wonderful. I do it myself. I teach homiletics. Also, I tend to be a more visual person. Contemplating great artwork is a good thing to do as well. Father Chris Walsh recommends In Conversation with God by Francis Fernandez-Carvajal, The Catechism of The Catholic Church, the writings of the Saints and even Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict 16 for Lectio Divina.

(8:24) Fr. Alan Hoffa joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss freedom in the spiritual life. Break 1 (20:05) Tom - In Russian, the word for freedom connotates no restraint whatsoever. I believe that the Soviet Union had people living out this view. St. Peter and Paul were free because of how they lived their lives in Christ (28:04) Email – Bonnie – In the spiritual canticle St. John calls wandering thoughts nymphs. Is it a sin to have these thoughts? Break 2 (39:38) Justin - Freedom of sin led to me to prison but now I'm following the Lord. I tell students in OCIA that we need to follow rules placed by the Church and our Lord allowing us to travel the road of life safely and freedom is gained through that. (44:53) Email – Robin – what are the differences between religious freedom and spiritual freedom. Father Hoffa also addresses how does serving others help us become more free.

On today's Inner Life, Fr. Eric Nielsen discusses how to share the Gospel in a hidden way and shares about the life of St. Josemaria Escriva. Fr. Eric Nielsen joins the show. The life of St. Josemaria Break 1 Morgan calls to discuss Evangelization through the parish men's group that he and his brother started. Break 2 Anne wants to know how she can evangelize and answer the questions of her non-Catholic friend.

Msgr. Jason Gray joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss How to Become a Saint: Through the Lense of Bishop Fulton Sheen (4:20) How does the case for veneration start in the Church? What does the Church look for when a saint is canonized? (16:58) what virtues did Fulton Sheen have that we can imitate? (19:57) Break 1 (21:39) Marybelle - Clarification between beatification and canonization. What are the differences? Kathy - I have a recent interest in FS. Have a book about him and St. Therese. Praying for his intercession for a grandchild who is sick. How do you know if it's him when you're praying or another saints...especially when you're doing a lot of novenas. (27:33) What was he process like in doing the canonization process? (33:24) Dean - Wanted to express my admiration for FS. Grew up as a protestant. Addressed difficult subjects when Catholics were supposed to remain quiet. Always impressed me. (38:47) Break 2 Christopher -FS has inspired my life. Made a trip to Peoria. Went to Cathedral and spent time in front of the altar where he is buried. Felt his presence and I've now been drawing closer to him. Huge inspiration. (43:33) Nicole - My personal relationship with FS...growing up and now as an adult. Listening to him. My mom, grandma, we were only an hour from Peoria and very familiar with him. Grown into a closer relationship with him. Mom's funeral card had his pro-life prayer on it. I'm going to the beatification and taking my granddaughter. Resources: https://www.celebratesheen.com/

Father Ryan Brady joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Compassion (2:45) what is compassion? (18:07) Bob - I have a person in my life (sister) that gambles. She gambles up to 100k per year. I don't want to be involved in it, but she buys dinners for her friends every Friday. I asked her if I could say grace, she said she doesn't do that. I make the sign of the cross over myself. It has a hold on her bad. Am I being a hard liner or unloving/uncompassionate for her and what she's enslaved with? (23:09) Break 1 (24:26) Melissa - I feel like there's a lack of compassion toward me when I try to do as the church and Jesus guides us to do. If I voice that, I feel a great deal of rejection. I don't feel the compassion. Am I to be compassionate to their misunderstanding of the truth? How do you be compassionate without being condescending? (35:52) Email about compassion shown while at a seminary. (38:32) Break 2 In what ways can we practically show compassion to others? (47:41) how can we grow in compassion?

Father Matthew Widder joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Overcoming Sin Resolving to sin no more in confession? (4:43) What is sin really? (11:34) The saints were very aware of their sins. Why was this? (17:50) Mary Jane - When I go to confession, I am confessing that I am wishing that I am not taking care of my parents and wishing that I’m not here. I really miss my grandchildren, being free from working but can’t visit my family. Is that a sin? (23:21) Break 1 (26:21) Enrique - Maybe I am being overly guilty and overly scrupulous according to my confessor. Perhaps some of the Saints were guilty of scrupulosity even with minor sins? (30:23) Mary - When unwanted thoughts enter my mind, what should I do with those? Sometimes they come from nothing, or they come from past anger. (38:35) Break 2 The importance of replacing sin in out lives with something else. How to battle against the sin of gossip? (43:25) Katie - My current husband is seeking an annulment. I go to confession regularly, as of a month ago, all my confessions have been invalid said a priest so I've stopped. They say it was because I'm living with my husband while he is going through annulment. Is this true? Jean - Wondering about a sinful pattern of watching movies, staying up late, and eating too much all at once. How to overcome that?

Father Dave Heney joins Deacon Patrick Conley to take any listener question about the Faith and Church (6:45) How does knowledge translate to faith? (11:22) Martin - In Ezekiel 1:1-28, God revealed himself to Ezekiel. Why did God reveal himself to Ezekiel? (14:13) George - We hear everyday about the possibility of life from other planets etc. What is the stance of the Church on this, and that other life could be visiting us? Joseph - Why in the gospels does Jesus refer to John as 'the disciple whom he loved?' (21:04) Break 1 Mary - I'm a Eucharistic minister, and distributing at a wedding Saturday. Pretty sure someone will come forward as a Lutheran. What to do? Email – How do you help someone who has an addiction? (29:36) Jeff - About the apostolic pardon--my priest friend wants me to have apostolic pardon at death. Other priests say it is redundant. Which is true? Email from Robin – How can AI help with our Spiritual life. What do you think? (37:06) Break 2 Ayni - If Catholicism is a monotheist religion, how can they say that Christ is also God? (41:41) John - Deacon Patrick: What was it like for you going through the diaconate? I am considering being a deacon myself. (44:31) Connie - Liturgy of the Hours: How do you do priests do them? The word on Fire one has extra songs. Email from Sue – I was asked to babysit so I can’t go to daily Mass. What should I do? Email from Adrian – My wife doesn’t want communion anymore. What should I do?

Check out this great show from June 16, 2026 Msgr. Robert Dempsey joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Faith and Reason (3:26) Do Faith and Reason contradict Is Faith really blind? (15:01) Where do all problems come from philosophically? (20:06) Break 1 (21:46) What does doubt have to do with Faith and Reason? (29:05) Martin - What do you think Jesus meant on the cross by saying 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' Mary Alice - There is a movie that came out recently: 'The Story of Everything'. Even debunks Darwinism, physicists backing up intelligent design. What position should you take when starting Philosophy? How do you not get frustrated when talking with people who don’t believe? (40:33) Break 2 How is the Catholic Church doing today? (47:11) Best help book for the ordinary Catholic. Some great saints who help us grow in Faith and Reason. Resources: Books by Peter Kreeft Books by Peter Kreeft (Author of Handbook of Christian Apologetics)

Father Ramil Fajardo joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Marriage and Divorce: Building up and mending the Church Why is Marriage important for the Church? (12:31) what happens to marriages that don’t work? (16:58) Bai - I run an organization that helps people with marriage after divorce. We teach divorce is a great offense. What about no-fault divorce? Distinction between way state views it vs church. Seems to be a silence about this in the public arena. John - I'm married 60 years this October. Quality in and quality out. Until you find that quality person, you're probably not ready for marriage. Negative comments...cutting remarks...when we do that, it hurts them and not a good way to start a marriage. Build each other up not down. (25:07) Break 1 (27:10) Michelle - My husband an I celebrating 40 years. His family thought it wouldn't last. Love (caritas) change a couple of letters and it becomes charity. Be forgiving, gratitude, establish traditions, patience. Laughter...it can be witty, silly, between the 2 of you. Look for the positives. There will be challenges. (30:42) Patrick - Vocations crisis. Any thought if there's a parallel between that and divorce rate in broken families? Divorce rate equals vocations crisis. John Farrell on X - How can *any* divorce be natural? (39:02) Break 2 Can separation ever be a good idea among Married Couples? (44:03) Olga -My parents divorce when I was 18. We moved to the US. After I got married, having trouble coping with this divorce. How can I overcome what my parents did? I'm trying to keep my marriage alive.

Father Tom McCarthy joins Patrick to discuss the Importance of Rest Why is rest so important (8:35) Anxiety in our church today (17:39) Steven - Truck driver. For people having a hard time in traffic, put a note up that says it's his road too. He's another person. (21:04) Mateo - Does the rest always have to be on Sundays? Some have to work that day and how they supposed to rest? (23:49) Break 1 Our Hearts are restless until they rest in you. (32:30) Silence (37:55) Break 2 Mary – the importance of giving the priest time to prepare before Mass. (42:22) Can taking time to rest lead to sloth? (47:12) If you want to rest but you can’t.

Msgr. Robert Dempsey joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Faith and Reason (3:26) Do Faith and Reason contradict Is Faith really blind? (15:01) Where do all problems come from philosophically? (20:06) Break 1 (21:46) What does doubt have to do with Faith and Reason? (29:05) Martin - What do you think Jesus meant on the cross by saying 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' Mary Alice - There is a movie that came out recently: 'The Story of Everything'. Even debunks Darwinism, physicists backing up intelligent design. What position should you take when starting Philosophy? How do you not get frustrated when talking with people who don’t believe? (40:33) Break 2 How is the Catholic Church doing today? (47:11) Best help book for the ordinary Catholic. Some great saints who help us grow in Faith and Reason. Resources: Books by Peter Craft https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/17860874.Peter_Craft

Check out this great show from June 8, 2026 Father John Eckert joins Dcn. Patrick Conley to discuss Discerning your Vocation (5:24) what is a vocation? Going even deeper into your vocation. Email from Rob – How do I get over past sins that haunt me? (24:50) Break 1 (26:37. How do you know when you should start discerning your vocation? How is the will important when entering your vocation. (37:34) Break 2 (39:20) Can you miss your vocation?

Father Marc Lenneman joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Devotion to the Sacred Heart The importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 11:09 Imagery of the Sacred heart 11:17 What is the History of the Sacred Heart? Break 1 11:29 The 12 promises of Jesus. 11:39 Walter - God has given us intellect and the Sacraments. If we do not also have faith in our Sacraments can't fully understand. Jesus VERY heart of the Sacraments. Break 2 What is the Catholic perspective about reparations? Sacramental life and connection to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Father Michael Hurley joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Consecration to the Sacred Heart (5:30) why is today a significant day? The Mercy of God through Confession. (15:10) Karina - I'm a returning Catholic, and feel I need to make a General Confession. What should I do about sins I forgot and now remember? (23:46) Break 1 (25:22) Sr. Maria Francesca - Do we know why the USCCB decided to the consecration today instead of tomorrow on the Feast of the Sacred Heart? (32:08) Robin - My brother is one of the bishops going to be at the consecration!! I am very excited. (34:02) Damon - I returned to the Church 5 years ago. Mass and adoration. Is there a 'starter kit' for doing a novena or consecration. (40:39) Break 2 (42:43) Nicholas - How can we relate this consecration to the line in the Pledge 'one nation under God'. What is the Churches' interpretation on this line? (47:21) Sharon - I'd like to talk about my consecration to the Sacred Heart.

Father James Kubicki joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss Holiness through Service Why is service important? (9:52) Humility in service. (17:34) how do we put love where there is none? (19:48) Elizabeth - Instead of going to college, is there a kind of service that our kids can learn humility from? (24:01) Break 1 Rudy - Comment: When i worked at Disney I used to do the potlucks for the employees. I opened it up to all departments. It was based on the idea that 'what you do for the least...' (35:01) Adrian - I participated in a group trip to western north Carolina after Helene. And I helped an elderly woman with her shower and bath tub. She said, 'not until the day I day would I ask for this.' I told her 'it's OK'. She said I will never understand. I am Lutheran. (39:26) Break 2 Mary - I have found that when I'm at Wal Mart, I make it a point to see people who look dejected. I make it a point to connect with them. What do we do when our service is not recognized? (47:29) Tim - We've been working on a project at our parish, and we learned that everything had already been decided. The priest said he would pray for our internal conversion. How do I deal with anger in the context of service?

Father Robert Ryan joins Deacon Patrick Conley to discuss the Mystical Body of Christ (3:50) Why is the Church known as the mystical body of Christ? (11:42) What is Paul talking about when he mentions the body of Christ? (20:01) Herb - when Jesus asked Paul, 'why are you persecuting me,' was he talking about him specifically or the Church? (25:20) Break 1 (27:51) Jesus’ prayer for unity in the Church. (38:14) Tom - How does the family have a role in the broader Church? How can clergy better form the family? (43:27) Break 2 (46:10) Missionary work as a Body of Christ.

Father John Eckert joins Dcn. Patrick Conley to discuss Discerning your Vocation (5:24) what is a vocation? Going even deeper into your vocation. Email from Rob – How do I get over past sins that haunt me? (24:50) Break 1 (26:37. How do you know when you should start discerning your vocation? How is the will important when entering your vocation. (37:34) Break 2 (39:20) Can you miss your vocation?

Check out this great show from April 21, 2026 Father Peter Armenio joins Patrick to discuss Finding Joy in a Life with Christ (8:06) Joy the midst of suffering. (18:29) Break 1 Janet - Person who I find joy from...Right after Vatican 2, she helped prepare laity what sisters couldn't help with. Did it so peacefully. Loved to talk about the Lord and catechesis. (24:32) Angelo - Dealing with mother who has dementia. Trying to find joy in this. Looking for some inspiration. It's been difficult. (33:05) Matt - My dad's side is from Denmark. Grandffather had a tough life. settled in small town. A lot of these people have had difficult lives. When you struggle and suffer with Christ, you find great joy and community and unity. It's a beautiful thing. (37:42) Break 2 Ann - When I was doing work with husband in the missions, we met a lady who made a pie, so kind and sweet. One day, I went to her house and I noticed how messy her house was. I found out later she suffered from back problems. She was always doing such good things for others. I felt bad for being judgmental. She radiated Christ. (42:27) Joy lived out in a deep way. Prayer brings joy. (47:07) Email from Lisa about her mom with Parkinson’s Encounters with true Joy in evangelizing.