In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Supporting Priests – The Inner Life – July 23, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Carter Griffin joins Patrick to discuss Supporting Priests

  • (5:37) Who are priests?
  • What are some misconceptions about being a priest?
  • (15:02) how are priests called to spiritual fatherhood
  • Debbie – What about priests that are called through a conversion of some sort and not necessarily ‘groomed in’ Does it matter how old you are? Is there a certain limit that the calling doesn’t take place. I read early on in my conversion the Invitation of Christ talks about the beauty and power of a priest.

(21:09) Break 1

  • What are some other struggles priests might have?
  • Craig – How can people help priests? Organization for priests who have been charged with crimes, abuse, etc. and can’t serve anymore. Men of Melchisidek is the organization.
  • (31:46) Zach – If serving in the military and calling to the chaplaincy. Combined serving. Are they two separate things?

(36:08) Break 2

  • Ed – New pastor that has just been ordained. Thanked him for the sacrifices he’s made. I’ve been celibate for 25 years. Need to support priests and I understand how hard it is for them in this day and age.
  • (40:28) Margaret – Our priest serves 3 parishes. He’s elderly. I noticed whenever he comes down the aisle. His shoes are so broken down and old. My husband recently died. I don’t know how to ask the rectory, but would it be ok to ask if he could use them (shoes)? Would that offend him?
  • How can you help the priest in the confessional?
  • What gifts should you give a priest?

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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.