In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Discerning Your Vocation – Inner Life – October 8, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Patrick welcomes listeners to a heartfelt conversation about discerning God’s will, focusing on the journey of discovering one’s vocation. Father Patrick Hyde shares his personal experience of being drawn to priesthood, while listeners offer moving testimonies of faith renewal, prayer, and the significant role of community and relationships in finding purpose. The episode encourages those who feel distant from their faith, lifting up their stories of struggle, trust, and the daily path toward holiness.

  • (00:00:00) Deacon Patrick Reflects on God’s Will
  • (00:02:17) Introduction to Discerning Vocation
  • (00:03:14) Father Hyde Shares His Vocation Story
  • (00:08:18) Universal Call to Holiness
  • (00:12:46) Foundations: Conscience and Church Teaching
  • (00:15:35) Role of Family and Community
  • (00:18:46) Testimony: A Marriage Ministry’s Call
  • (00:23:01) Where to Begin Vocation Discernment
  • (00:28:12) Friendships and Community in Discernment
  • (00:29:50) Testimonies: Calls to Priesthood
  • (00:33:11) Testimony: Discerning Marriage Over Religious Life
  • (00:38:35) Facing Fears and Desires in Discernment
  • (00:45:06) Married Life and Priesthood Q&A
  • (00:51:00) Final Blessing and Closing Remarks

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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.