In Podcasts, The Inner Life

St. Joseph and Fatherhood – The Inner Life – March 19, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Bishop Joseph Coffey joins Patrick on the Solemnity of St. Joseph to discuss St. Joseph and Fatherhood

  • Bishop Coffey shares a bit about himself and his ministry of the Archdiocese of the Military.
  • (7:11) What is the Church’s teaching on Fatherhood?
  • How was Saint Joseph the Father of Jesus even though they were not biologically connected?
  • (11:41) What does God being referred to as Father tell us about Fatherhood?
  • (15:55) Charles – I am a 93 year old veteran of the Korean war. How much difference in age was Joseph compared to Mary?
  • What are some virtues of Saint Joseph?

(21:44) Break 1

  • (22:40) Lily – Thank you Bishop for your guidance to our military men and woman. My son is in the Marines (ERIC).
  • (26:30) What is the highest virtue of Saint Joseph?
  • (30:39) Richard – St. Joseph devotion: he is the foster father of Jesus. I am also the foster Father of a little boy. I had to lean on St. Joseph when we were discerning what to do.

(36:31) Break 2

  • (42:13) What if you don’t feel worthy of being a father?
  • How can men and women strengthen Fatherhood in our society?

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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.