In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Holy Orders – The Inner Life – June 4, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Father Donald Hying joins Patrick to discuss Holy Orders

  • Bishop Hying shares his vocational story.
  • (5:17) How should a young man discern his vocation story?
  • (9:23) Sacrament of Holy Orders
  • Nature of service in Holy Orders

(19:18) Break 1

  • (21:47) What do the Clergy need to do in order to serve the Church well?
  • (25:54) Indelible character of Holy Orders
  • Form and Matter of Holy Orders
  • (32:48) Dennis – Does the bishop think the restriction on marriage would be relaxed like for Anglicans?

(37:11) Break 2

  • What are some of the Challenges the clergy face today?
  • (44:13) Thomas – Just saw my son ordained to the transitional diaconate. Thought you might like some perspective from the parent of a newly ordained deacon.
  • (46:45) Bishop Hying shares his experience of ordaining Deacons and Priests.
  • (47:53) Annette – comment: Thanks to the bishop and Patrick for their service and sacrifice for the church.

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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.