In Podcasts, The Inner Life

What Is Heaven? – Inner Life (Encore) – October 7, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

On today’s show, Fr. Allan Hoffa joins to discuss “what is heaven”?

  • (18:00) Gary – Why do you believe God will give you a glimpse of heaven while you’re still here on earth?
  • Break 1
  • (26:21) Margaret – Will I see my family members in heaven?
  • (29:08) Donna – When we die, do we wait until the end of time to go to heaven or hell? Where are we when we actually die?
    • God doesn’t decide whether we go to heaven or hell. Those who have died have chosen heaven or hell. God has just honored their decision.
  • Break 2
  • (38:28) What is purgatory?
  • (26:21) Margaret – Based on what’s been said, different people are going to experience God on a different level on how their life was. Why doesn’t purgatory bring everybody up to the same level?
  • (48:14) Rose – If you go to confession before you pass, why do you still go to purgatory?

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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.