In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Strengthening the Will – The Inner Life – March 4, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Marc Lenneman joins Patrick to discuss Strengthening the Will

  • (3:06) what is our will?
  • What are the effects of original sin on the will?
  • (10:11) what are good and bad convictions?
  • (15:05) Mary from MN – How do you fight an affection to a specific sin?

(18:54) Break 1

  • Suzie – I say I have a crazy or addict brain. I’m much better during Lent. Try really hard all year, but especially during Lent. I also know that I need to be patient. I’m working on my will and God’s working on my will. My family and friends have to deal with this, too.
  • (25:44) Where is the line between holy desires and earthly pleasures?
  • (33:32) Ann Marie – Not to give into despair when God’s working on your sinful nature. I’m working on a situation with jealousy and trying to deal with being angry or vindictive, but choosing to deal with my heart in the matter.

(39:19) Break 2

  • (40:48) Carol – This show is so spot on. I needed it for my Lenten goal process. Opened up my path to be myself and understanding to what I need to achieve in my Catholicism in becoming a better person and what God wants for me.
  • How does prayer fasting and alms giving increase our will power?

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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.