In this episode of Connecting the Diocese, Father Sam Martin talks with newly ordained Deacon Patrick Conley about his June 6 ordination for the Diocese of La Crosse at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, what those first weeks of preaching, hospital visits, and assisting at Mass have been like, and how formation built deep brotherhood among the men and their wives. Conley also shares his and his wife’s conversion story, from Anglican seminary studies at Oxford and a growing hunger for history, tradition, liturgy, and sacraments, to reading the Catechism, going through RCIA at the Cathedral of St. Paul, and entering the Church at Easter 2010. He then explains how unexpected doors in ministry led him into radio, eventually becoming host of The Inner Life, and the episode closes with Father Martin and Father Steven Weller reflecting on the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings—God’s whisper to Elijah and Jesus meeting the disciples in the storm.

01:07 Meet Deacon Patrick

02:31 Ordination and Formation Journey

06:09 Ordination Day Reflections

07:27 First Weeks as Deacon

10:46 Conversion Questions Teed Up

12:22 Seeds of Catholic Curiosity

15:23 Oxford and The Catholic Question

18:50 No Mans Land and Ready to Convert

22:37 RCIA and Entering the Church

23:58 Faith Leap and Evangelization

27:42 Anger at God and Trusting Providence

31:20 Ministry Jobs and Radio Beginnings

32:51 Two Show Trial Run

33:26 Falling for Radio

34:22 Father Rocky Vets Him

35:23 Guest Hosting Inner Life

36:52 Becoming Permanent Host

38:00 Conversion and Callers

39:15 Formation Brotherhood

43:06 Closing Blessing

45:09 Sunday Readings Setup

46:53 Elijah Whispering Voice

48:24 Jesus in the Storm

52:21 Peter Walks on Water

54:25 Silence and Strength

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