In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Preparing for Death – The Inner Life – August 14, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick to discuss Preparing for Death

  • Who was St. Maximilian Kolbe?
  • (6:09) What happens when we die?
  • (19:17) Jolene – My husband died before I could get the priest to anoint him. Did he still receive the last rites?

(24:07) Break 1

  • What does it mean to have a happy death?
  • (31:22) Robert – My mother told me a story about when her dad was passing away, he saw demons climbing outside the window and had a hard time dying. My mom and uncles witnessed that and said he said odd things when dying.
  • Email – Can you go to heaven if you know Jesus but still reject him?

(38:24) Break 2

  • What is the importance of a funeral Mass?
  • (45:14) Nicole – I need to add this in my will. My children and siblings are not participating in having Masses said for loved ones. I wonder if my children will have Masses said for me and I need to put this in my will before I pass away. If it wasn’t for me, there wouldn’t be Mass intentions for those loved ones. Visit aunt and uncle often and they’re not prepared spiritually. I fear they’re missing that. What should I say to them to understand the importance?

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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.