From Searching to Serving: Deacon Eric and Monica Pugh’s Journey of Faith - 01/31/2026

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Deacon Eric and Monica Pugh of St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk. Together, they share a moving story of faith, conversion, and God’s providence leading them into deep service within the Church. Eric reflects on being raised Catholic, drifting away from the faith, and later rediscovering the beauty and mystery of the Mass—especially through the Eucharist. Monica, who was not raised Catholic, describes how Catholic radio, Scripture, and the book Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic opened her heart to the truth of the Real Presence and led her into full communion with the Church. The conversation also highlights Eric’s military service, their life as parents of five sons, and the surprising call to the diaconate that eventually became a shared vocation of ministry. Today, Deacon Eric leads a men’s group focused on understanding the Mass, while Monica serves as Director of Faith Formation and continues pursuing spiritual direction and theological study. This inspiring episode is a testament to the power of saying “yes” to God, the centrality of the Eucharist, and the many ways Christ continues to call ordinary people into extraordinary discipleship.   #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #CatholicFaith #DeaconEricPugh #MonicaPugh #ConversionStory #EucharisticRevival #RealPresence #CatholicMinistry #FaithFormation #MenOfFaith #SerraVocations Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulosSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.