In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Final Preparations for Christmas – The Innr Life – December 23, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick to discuss Final Preparations for Christmas

  • (4:10) why is preparation for Christmas so important?
  • The O Antiphons
  • (17:46) Cindy – In preparation, I recently lost my pet of 17 years. I feel like this is a moment where I’m preparing myself because we love those loved ones. I prepare by knowing this is the first they will spend in heaven; I know they are no longer with us. That is just a joy.

(22:40) Break 1

  • (24:30) Nick – How to be grateful. Ever since I knew you from taking over for the Inner Life, you’ve been a loving figure. Maybe those who are starting late…it’s never too late as we hear from the Sunday reading at Mass. God is always with us. Life is an advent…a time for preparing for the coming of Jesus.
  • How can we prepare for Christmas?
  • (35:30) Yollie – Give the Christ child presents at Mass with our presence at Mass.

(37:27) Break 2

  • Maria – Preparation for coming of Christ is our whole life. Our journey. Every day we should be in his presence, not just Christmas. Strength to overcome our sorrows and love our enemies.
  • (43:24) The Gift of the Magi
  • Where can last minute stress help us grow in our spiritual life?

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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.