The Inner Life

Fr. Peter Armenio joins Patrick to discuss Marriage What is marriage? (13:40) why are couples not wanting to get married? (20:56) Break 1 (22:39) Brendan - Anxiety among young people. I'm very anxious. I want to get in a relationship and married, but now I don't have a job and anxiety is causing issues for me. I hear it's good to get married young, but I feel I'm dealing with a road block. What do I do? (30:45) Ureli – People living together and not married. What if your parents aren't married. IS there something I can do to help them? They both want to marry. I feel I'm a mediator sometimes. Any advice as to what to do? I do pray for them a lot. (39:07) Break 2 (40:27) Paul - Married 44 years. Work with engaged couples. Biggest challenge is communication. We're all so different. Any advice where to find good communication teaching? Anything out there from a Catholic perspective? Email from Julie – How do you know if Marriage is your vocation?

Fr. Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Catholic Education Why is Catholic schools week important? (4:46) what does the Church teach about Catholic education? What is the connection between the intellect and the will? (17:35) Nicole - My experience....My grandchildren are going to Catholic school. My daughter also went. I used to volunteer. I most admire is that I attend the children's Mass and we end with adoration. Getting used to adoration and the importance of a relationship with Jesus. (22:00) Break 1 (23:25) Ann - I had Catholic education back in the 40's and 50's. I thank God for it every day. Those nuns really instilled the faith. (26:15) Tammy - I am a product of Catholic schools from the 70's and 80's. I have 4 kids. One struggled academically. Just wondering if the school system is looking into this. Not everyone is academic. Do they have other avenues to help people? (31:50) Carol - Our Catholic school closed 7 years ago. Wanted to re-open, but I get backlash every time it comes up. Any advice? (35:43) Break 2 What should parents be looking for in Catholic Schools? (40:24) Alex - I'm dating someone right now. Trying to figure out where to educate my kids once we have them. There is a local SSPX school. It looks like it's the only place I can afford to send them. What should I do about that? Can you send your kids to a non-Catholic school? (44:17) what are the biggest challenges facing Catholic schools today? (48:03)  Maria - We've been blessed with our kid's education. Just wanted to give a quick testimony.

Fr. Joseph Illo joins Patrick to discuss Holiness in your State of Life (4:17) who was Saint Francis de Sales? Introduction to the devout life, How can you be holy in the world? (18:26) Break 1 What are ways lay people can become holy? How does God multiply your time when you devote some to him? (34:34) Norb - Suggestion to multitask with prayer. That's what I do. Robin - I joined the Guard of the Sacred Heart. I get up and whatever hour it is, I will go through that process. I say the precious blood devotion, and after that, I go to the Legion of Mary, Rosary, and I do my best to go to Mass/adoration. (38:40) Break 2 How is holiness a work of God first? (43:00) Maria - My experience...we all struggle with prayer time. I humble myself and ask the Lord to organize my prayer time. (46:11) Robert - St. Francis De Sales....been reading that over and over for years. What I still struggle with...what is my state in life? What does that mean and how does it correspond to my time in prayer? I feel like I'm always robbing my work and myself by studying an hour. The four books which Father Illo recommends everyone reads.

Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Protecting the Unborn What is the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life? What is at the core of the reason people get abortion? (18:34) Break 1 Teresa - I just wanted to say that I'm trying to start a walking with moms with need at my parish in Ohio, so we can do what Father was talking about. Help through pregnancy centers and walk with them on their journey before the baby is born and after. (23:23) Richard - I lead a 40 days for life campaign in the Midwest. Prayer is most important, but we're also dealing with Satan in this evil. I think it needs to be approached from that reality. (28:00) Craig - We just have celebrated Christmas, but it's not the first and biggest feast we should be celebrating. We should be celebrating the incarnation and then the resurrection. It all begins at conception. That's when God became present on Earth. Jane - I belong a group called Holy Innocents. We raise funds for various pro-life organizations. Just wanted to talk about that. (38:05) Break 2 (39:59) Connie - I'm in OCIA and joining the church in a couple months. Something that slowed me down was encountering those who claim to be Catholic, but support abortion. What do you say to 'pro-choice Catholics?' (43:53)  Norma - I am a counselor at a pregnancy center. Want to say thanks for all who can help those centers. How can we speak about protecting the unborn with truth and compassion?

Fr. Allen Hoffa joins Patrick to discuss Overcoming Pornography What is Pornography? What is integrity restored? (14:31) Is pornography a private sin? (20:01) Mike - I'm a porn addict. I've been able to find sobriety from counseling and 12 steps. Want to give a word of encouragement to those struggling. (23:11) Break 1 How does pornography play a role in the abortion issue? (29:41) How is AI used for pornography harmful to people? (34:58) Norman - When you see a woman come into church and try to battle with thoughts. It's a sin and you have to watch out. It can be a distraction. (39:59) Break 2 (41:09) Raquel - 17-year-old son. Struggling with this issue. It could be a same sex issue as well. Not knowing what to do. What can people do who struggle with pornography? Resources: Integrity Restored https://integrityrestored.com/

Msgr. Robert Dempsey joins Patrick in studio to discuss the Beauty of the Liturgy (4:58) What does liturgy mean? How is the liturgy primarily an act of God? What is worship? (13:55) Alex - People responding verbally during the Mass. Sometimes they respond loudly and other times softly. Is there anything official on this? (21:29) Break 1 Natalia - How verifiable is it (the liturgy) that it hasn't changed from the original? Even going back to the Old Testament (translations). (27:06) Email about who put together the Mass as we now celebrate it? (31:11) Patrick - New pastor that refuses to continue with the use of incense during Mass. How can I speak to him about this? Henry - Our new priest, during the peace offering goes into the Lamb of God and doesn't allow for the sign of peace. Wanted your opinion/more info on this. (39:06) Break 2 Can you use incense during the liturgy of the hours at home? (45:15) Jim - The liturgy and how it's celebrated. Sometimes it seems so far off the rubrics. What is the right response for me internally in that situation? Do I offer it up?

Fr. Marcel Taillon joins Patrick to discuss Catholic Social Teaching What is Catholic Social Teaching? (10:03) What are the main themes on Catholic Social teaching? (17:07) what does the “common good” mean? (23:45) Break 1 (25:51) Lillian - When we talk about Catholic social teaching and catholic social justice, there is some confusion with one world order. The issue for us to be closer to God, but when it comes to this communal thing, we become confused and become more involved with community and not Jesus Christ. What are things that we can do for the poor? (38:52) Break 2 Cynthia - In my work with the homeless, we are trying to make them aware of their dignity. So many people have a negative view of the homeless. We do not have a strong Catholic presence in the streets of Austin. Any advice to help with that? (45:45) Richard - There's a document from the synod about 9 months ago...Life is Always a Good. It gives parishes a structure to put together a structure for the dignity of the individual as a person. Getting back to basics and having our faith and every person is valued. It's really a blue print to make that concept a reality on the ground. Resources: https://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/life-is-always-a-good.html  https://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/dam/laityfamilylife/Lavitasempreunbene/BROCHURE_EN.pdf

(2:46) Fr. Sam Martin joins to discuss praying with Scripture. (6:05) Pray to the Holy Spirit when reading the Bible.   Break 1 (23:05) Camille - It's amazing how the Scriptures have changed my life. (30:33) Vanessa - I had back surgery and was praying for healing, and this scripture, Mark 2:30 changed how I looked at everything and how Christ is here to heal me.   Break 2 (39:22) Susan - I grew up learning the stories of the Bible. In 2023, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and six months later, I got very sick and needed a bone marrow transplant. I was angry with God for the first time in my life. One night, dark and alone, I said the Lord's prayer and it changed my life.

  (11:03) Fr. Ryan Brady joins Patrick to talk about Reliance on God.   (11:08) God works at a completely different schedule than we do.   (12:08) Car shopping is a great example and also very biblical.   (15:40) Patty - I am waiting and discovering God's way to help me with weight loss.    (19:17) Email: Leanne - Relying on God as a young adult, cancer survivor.   Break 1   (23:58) Email: Gloria – I’m afraid of trusting the Lord.   (27:43) Patrick - Relevant Radio brought me back to the church 5 years ago. Also, I've overcome addictions and now am faced with a new challenge of leukemia. It's a new opportunity to evangelize.   Break 2   (40:23) God’s mercy will endure far longer than our desire to ask for it. Jesus relied on his friends and disciples to support his ministry. He was not alone. In your struggle talk to your priests and other faithful friends. Jesus humbled himself and relied on His Father in heaven and His friends on earth and the world was never the same.

Here is a great encore from July 22, 2025 Fr. Peter Armenio joins Patrick to Friendship with Christ How can we have friendship with God? (12:19) How do we understand some of the euphemism that saints use to describe their love for Christ? (18:25) Bob - I once went to confession and told the priest I was having trouble getting angry with God over disappointments. Angry about it and yelling at God. Fr. told me you probably think I'll get down on you for getting angry with God, but you know God and trust him enough that you can get angry with Him and you can handle that. I was really moved by that. Relationship with God is everything. (26:05) Break 1 Marsha - I'm a cradle Catholic. I've had a relationship with Jesus. The Baptists brought me into that relationship. They gave me a deeper dive into the intimacy with Christ. I hope they saw the beauty of the Catholic church. How does interior life help us from our relationship with Jesus? (40:40) Deedee - My relationship is one of a father and daughter. Trying to be friends with God is sacrilegious. Wouldn't there be a spiritual boundary of some sort? What does friendly speech sound like instead of prayer? (43:43) Break 2 (44:49) What can Mary Magdalene teach us about friendship with Christ?

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick to discuss Conquering Pride (3:13) Why is pride at the root of all sin? The subtlety of pride (14:16) Valerie - At OCIA...one of the ladies I was with is very humble and I told her that. I think if you're humble, you're void of pride. (21:09) Break 1 Email from Jared - How do we know when pride becomes a mortal sin? What are some tips for recognizing pride in our life? (27:45) Tom - I have a nephew who is a Jesuit. He is such an example of gentleness and a quiet example of humility. It speaks louder than any preaching others do. Noah - I make decent money and I'm looking forward to moving to my previous job where I was happy. I think I was just a little too prideful on being a high earner instead of being humble. Looking for some guidance with this on what to do. Should I stay where I'm at or go where I'm happy? (34:16) Email – how does gratitude fight pride? (36:36) Break 2 How does trust help us to grow in humility? (41:56)  Nick - I've learned that life is a battle...no winning/no losing. I know I have a fight. Even though I think I'm a good Catholic, it's still a fight. I still have to fight to fight. Greg - When I read the bible, things that have a message to be shared, but never get a chance to do that. Not that I have pride, but it's something to be talked about.

Fr. Chris Walsh joins Patrick to discuss Discerning the Spirits What is discernment of Spirits? (15:42) Pamela I was going to Mass and Rosary every day when I was having health issues. Had a heart attack and ended up in hospital. Instead of listening to my body, I ended up in the hospital. Patrick - I'm writing a novel. I feel inspired by God and I've been discerning it for years. I sometimes wonder if it's a waste of time or not. (23:24) Break 1 Called and Gifted and how knowing your gifts can help you discern your gifts? (28:50) Richard - False pretenses. My experience of following Buddhism and dealing with depression, anxiety, etc. I feel like I'm turning my back on being a Catholic. (35:52) Joanna - Holy spirit leading my life at work. Want some advice as a nurse with 3 kids. Don't really like the environment there and it's hard being around co-workers. Feel I'm being called as a teacher in a Christian school. Finances would be a huge cut though. (40:19) Break 2 Why does the enemy often attack when a person is growing closer to God? (45:06) Jeanne - My father is estranged from our family due to choices in the past. He's back in town for a funeral. Molested me as a child. I keep hearing the holy spirit to reach out to him while he's in town. Will this harm the family or not? Resources: Called and Gifted https://siena.org/

Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick to discuss Baptism (2:32) why did Jesus need to get Baptized? How does Jesus’ baptism connect with our own baptism? (21:50) Break 1 (23:40) Christina - What about our baptismal promises? Are these the same in all Christian Churches that have valid baptism? What is the role of Faith in baptism? (31:54) email about getting baptized again. (37:35) Break 2 (38:56) Rosina - Baptism. When you speak with Protestants, they say that children don’t need to be baptized. Why is that? How do we live out our baptism?

Check out this awesome Encore show from October 24, 2025 Fr. John Paul Erickson joins Patrick to discuss Conquering Fear (3:49) how do you distinguish between different types of fears? (11:22) Why does fear lead us into sin? (20:55) Break 1 Matthew - fear stands four: false evidence appearing real counter that with : face everything and recover (25:11) Ashley -I have a fear of death and then everything is crashing down on me (33:41) John - How can you deal with other peoples fear when they seems irrational? Jerry - diagnosed with brain tumor- turned it to god- and god took care of it- faced death and that fear (38:39) Break 2 Julio - The woman who is going through some mental fears. I am going through a rough patch in life with fear. It has been several months and I can't seem to shake it. I have been going to Mass and the Sacraments which helps me a lot. Now I am not feeling worthy to get to heaven. What should I do? (42:31) Emily - fear associated with childbirth (44:45) John - fear of life- afraid that I am not using my life well and God doesn't seem to answer my prayer

Fr. Carter Griffin Discerning Commitments and acting in Prudence (5:43) What is prudence? How do you make good discernment? (13:22) Sacrificial nature of Commitments. (20:09) Lisa - Commitments. If a decision is imprudent in the classical sense of prudence, is it sinful? (23:55) Break 1 (28:25) Jim - I just retired and have more free time. How can I balance adding commitments to help others versus time for myself? (32:10) Cam - It seems to me that I break commitments because of stress management. Mind telling me to stop stress and break commitment. How do I overcome this? (40:05) Break 2 How do we hear the voice of God when discerning things? (44:46) what is involved in discerning one’s vocation?

Fr. Richard Simon joins Patrick to discuss Modern Wonder Workers: St Andre Bessette and Simple Faith (3:28) who was Saint Andre Bessette? The importance of humility in working wonders. (9:57) What are Miracles? (13:25) Nick - St. Andre Bessette. I think it is amazing the simple things that St. Andre embraced. God gives us little opportunities like he gave St Andre and then gives bigger opportunities. How can we reclaim simple faith in our lives? (19:04) Mary - I had a physical healing from being prayed for by a man with great faith. (22:24) Break 1 David - I reverted to the Church after 45 years because of healing I had ingrown toe nails since 10 years old. I prayed that they would be healed and I was (28:43) Email from Mary – How did Brother Andre Console those who didn’t get a miracle from him? (32:09) Mia – Miracle of the multiplication of Cabbages Maria - Cured out of cancer. The doctors were texting me for Leukemia. I am an extraordinary Eucharistic minister. After consuming the Precious Blood I asked for healing and was healed. (36:50) Break 2 Is simple trust blind trust? (42:59) Jamie - 3 years ago I had breast cancer and wasn't Catholic.  I prayed the Rosary and was healed and I joined OCIA because of this. (45:54) Nancy - My friend and I went to the Oratory of St. Joseph. We were so thrilled. She is older and in her 80s. I had prayed to St. Joseph for us to be safe. My friend tripped and fell and hit her head on pavement. Friend recovered without any problems. Charles - One of my family members knew Blessed Solanus Casey and got my grandfather to see him. Blessed Solanus Casey healed him

Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick to discuss Meaning of the Magi (3:36) What is Epiphany? (9:04) Who were the Magi? (14:33) Christina - Family tradition we've celebrated...our mother started the nativity story and the gift exchange rather than Christmas. Marcos - I was born in Cuba and we kept our tradition alive. Every year on Jan 5th, mom would bake cookies and dad would collect hay. Every year a different magi featured. That magi brought the toys. (23:37) Break 1 What gifts can we bring to Jesus? How can we honor the Child Jesus in our lives? (37:11) Break 2 (38:37) Theresa - I'm going to be giving a gift tomorrow. Giving sons and goddaughter a bible. I think this will be a healing gesture. (40:56) what is the Epiphany house blessing? How can we receive the gift of God well in our lives?

Fr. Spencer Howe joins Patrick to discuss Awakening Wonder through the eyes of GK Chesterton (5:22) what is wonderment? Who was G.K. Chesterton? (14:11) How does Chesterton argue that we have lot our wonder? (20:17) Break 1 Can you have wonderment while in suffering? What are practical ways we can increase wonder in our life? (31:35) Colby - I am currently in OCIA. A great place to start with wonder is with the Church because it brings me a child-like wonder. How does Paradox play in Chesterton’s life? (37:58) Break 2 What does St Therese and G.K. Chesterton about being child like? (46:04) Email from Gloria, how do I rekindle the excitement of living? Resources: The Society of G.K. Chesterton https://www.chesterton.org/

Check out this Encore show from October 2, 2025 Fr. Patrick Hyde joins Patrick to discuss Spiritual Warfare Where do we see spiritual warfare in the bible? (7:13) how do we find a happy medium with spiritual warfare? (12:22) Elaine - When I was young, I grew up in a haunted house. When i was little, I'd have nightmares. I would go to my parent’s room. Would see 2 angels in their doorway. That would calm me. (17:53) Maria - Mother is devout Catholic. Goes to Mass, confession, adoration. Convinced a family member is partaking in evil demonic activities and she's the target of it. She's had a lot of unusual things happen to her. Would that be considered some kind of spiritual warfare? (21:48) Break 1 Jacob - Live in a sketchy neighborhood. Somebody put a crow in my basement. Was in fear of it and demonic presence. Am I giving too much attention to the devil by leaving the house? Trying to ignore it. (27:24) Tom - Explain more about why he said not to get involved in crystals, also, how can we help loved ones to really heal from past wounds? I know the devil loves to keep you in anger and fear. Sarah - I have a sister I'm trying to help . Doesn't go to church. Have had conversations about this. She exhibited some rage after talking to her about it. I had a dream about her and she faded in the dream. I think she needs spiritual food. How do I deal with this? (38:13) Break 2 Randy - Spiritual warfare and PTSD...overall deal with spiritual warfare and experiences I've had. I called on Monday. (45:35) Dee Dee - My mom was into new age in the past. My sister and I were drawn to it. We're now stronger in our faith. I think some of the issues are still coming up though. My daughter doesn't sleep much (3 years). Around midnight or 3am, she will wake up screaming. How do we handle this? Resources: JP II Healing Center https://jpiihealingcenter.org/

Check out this Awesome Encore from July 30, 2025 Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick to discuss 6 Foundations of Prayer (part 3) (2:30) Father recaps the first four foundations of faith (18:44) Break 1 (20:18) 5th foundation of prayer: Humility. (37:47) Break 2 (38:59) 6th foundation of prayer: Purification (46:57) Regina - Humility...all the good things God gives people. What if you've been handled lousy things like an abusive family? Where's the goodness of God?