ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, Father Sam Martin talks with newly ordained Deacon Patrick Conley about his June 6 ordination for the Diocese of La Crosse at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, what those first weeks of preaching, hospital visits, and assisting at Mass have been like, and how formation built deep brotherhood among the men and their wives. Conley also shares his and his wife’s conversion story, from Anglican seminary studies at Oxford and a growing hunger for history, tradition, liturgy, and sacraments, to reading the Catechism, going through RCIA at the Cathedral of St. Paul, and entering the Church at Easter 2010. He then explains how unexpected doors in ministry led him into radio, eventually becoming host of The Inner Life, and the episode closes with Father Martin and Father Steven Weller reflecting on the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings—God’s whisper to Elijah and Jesus meeting the disciples in the storm.
01:07 Meet Deacon Patrick
02:31 Ordination and Formation Journey
06:09 Ordination Day Reflections
07:27 First Weeks as Deacon
10:46 Conversion Questions Teed Up
12:22 Seeds of Catholic Curiosity
15:23 Oxford and The Catholic Question
18:50 No Mans Land and Ready to Convert
22:37 RCIA and Entering the Church
23:58 Faith Leap and Evangelization
27:42 Anger at God and Trusting Providence
31:20 Ministry Jobs and Radio Beginnings
32:51 Two Show Trial Run
33:26 Falling for Radio
34:22 Father Rocky Vets Him
35:23 Guest Hosting Inner Life
36:52 Becoming Permanent Host
38:00 Conversion and Callers
39:15 Formation Brotherhood
43:06 Closing Blessing
45:09 Sunday Readings Setup
46:53 Elijah Whispering Voice
48:24 Jesus in the Storm
52:21 Peter Walks on Water
54:25 Silence and Strength
