In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Evangelization in Modern Times – The Inner Life – March 23, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Father Elliot Zak joins Patrick to discuss Evangelization in Modern Times

  • Father shares a little bit about himself.
  • (5:03) what is evangelization?
  • (10:13) Nick – Love how you started the show. Key is finding where they’re at and listening in. The greatest thing we can do to evangelize is give our witness. Lord gives us the inspiration to evangelize. We have to pray on those inspirations.
  • Philip – I evangelize. I was able to continue this mission since 2000. It’s entering into the unknown and not being afraid. Mine was nursing home care. Finding out if anyone is praying the Rosary. So many assisted living/nursing homes. Bring your rosary and bring it up with permission (activities coordinator).
  • (17:48) Dana – Choosing a particular book that may be of interest to my daughters. We are in a book club. I chose a book and they tore it down. It was a religious book. If I’m going to be part of their club, it has to include what I have. Evangelization with my daughters…what would be an interesting book to capture their attention and get them thinking?

(22:43) Break 1

  • (25:48) Joel – I have been wearing a cross outside my shirt. People always comment, ‘That’s a beautiful cross.’ Really brings up Christianity. A lot of guys and women are wearing the cross because of an organization in Fargo, ND. I give them out and it’s a great way to spread evangelization.
  • (28:26) what is the “new evangelization”?
  • how do you respond to Christians who have questions about the Catholic Faith?
  • Janet – A couple friends have started restaurant ministry. We go out to eat and say grace before meals. We ask our server how we can pray for them. Amazing some of the stories we hear. Easy way that’s non-threatening.

(37:57) Break 2

  • (39:48) Justin – Handing out little Jesus statues. I buy them off Amazon and hand them out. Easy way to spread the word.
  • (41:19) Stephanie – How to approach in conversation with my non-believer friend. She told me she was baptized Catholic, raised Jehovah Witness. Now she’s a non-believer. She’s dear to my heart and it hurt me when she said she doesn’t believe. Going to see her this week and hesitant, maybe scared, to approach it.
  • (46:22) Role of social media and AI in Evangelization.

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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.