In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Baptism – The Inner Life – January 9, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Eric Nielsen joins Patrick to discuss Baptism

· (3:30) Fr. Eric discusses the importance of the sacrament of Baptism and how it restores our relationship with God. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to conform our life to Christ.

· Fr. Eric discusses the history of Baptism including the proper matter and form to have a valid sacramental Baptism.

· (17:52) Dan – What is the Church’s opinion of the thief on the cross who wasn’t baptized, but Christ said would be in heaven?

· Fr. Eric shares that the thief needed the grace of Christ and needed an act of the will to accept his suffering, uniting it to the sufferings of Christ on the cross.

· (23:45) Barb – We celebrate our kid’s baptism day and burn their baptism candle. It is always a very special day.

· (25:20) Jen – At a Catholic school, many kids are not baptized, but interested. How should we deal with that if they are not Catholic and do not attend Mass?

· Fr. Eric discusses the criteria of when priests should deny the sacraments on a case by case basis.

· Cindy – Can I baptize high school students who want to be baptized but do not want to go through OCIA?

· Fr. Eric clarifies Church teaching on who can baptize and when it is appropriate.

· (37:11) Fr. Eric shares interesting stories of improper baptisms.

· (38:30) Carlos – The father of my daughter’s babies does not want them baptized. It is a high risk pregnancy. What should we do?

· Fr. Eric shares the importance of baptism, right after these babies are born in this case.

· Marco – Are baptisms of immersion valid?

· Linda I am going through RCIA. My husband and I are not married in the Church but he is Catholic. Does my baptism change anything?

· Fr. Eric clarifies why Mormon baptism is not valid.

· (48:03) Fr. Eric reflects on why Jesus was baptized.

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Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.