Discerning the Spirits – The Inner Life – January 12, 2026

Fr. Chris Walsh joins Patrick to discuss Discerning the Spirits

  • What is discernment of Spirits?
  • (15:42) Pamela I was going to Mass and Rosary every day when I was having health issues. Had a heart attack and ended up in hospital. Instead of listening to my body, I ended up in the hospital.
  • Patrick – I’m writing a novel. I feel inspired by God and I’ve been discerning it for years. I sometimes wonder if it’s a waste of time or not.

(23:24) Break 1

  • Called and Gifted and how knowing your gifts can help you discern your gifts?
  • (28:50) Richard – False pretenses. My experience of following Buddhism and dealing with depression, anxiety, etc. I feel like I’m turning my back on being a Catholic.
  • (35:52) Joanna – Holy spirit leading my life at work. Want some advice as a nurse with 3 kids. Don’t really like the environment there and it’s hard being around co-workers. Feel I’m being called as a teacher in a Christian school. Finances would be a huge cut though.

(40:19) Break 2

  • Why does the enemy often attack when a person is growing closer to God?
  • (45:06) Jeanne – My father is estranged from our family due to choices in the past. He’s back in town for a funeral. Molested me as a child. I keep hearing the holy spirit to reach out to him while he’s in town. Will this harm the family or not?

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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.