Pat and Sue Smith - 08/23/2025

What this episode covers

Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen On this week’s episode, Bishop Joensen sits down with Pat and Sue Smith, proud parents of Fr. Nick Smith, the newly appointed pastor at St. Patrick’s Parish in Perry, and Noah Smith, who just entered the Jesuit novitiate on August 9. Pat and Sue share their family’s remarkable journey of faith, from raising seven children to witnessing two of them respond to God’s unique call to religious life. They discuss how Noah’s path to the Jesuits opened their eyes to Ignatian spirituality, the unique novitiate process, and what it means to entrust their son to God’s will — even when it’s both inspiring and, at times, challenging. They also reflect on Fr. Nick’s new pastoral role, the joys and responsibilities of shepherding a parish, and how their family life shaped two very different but equally beautiful vocations. It’s a heartfelt conversation about family, faith, and God’s providence — reminding us all that vocations are gifts from God, nurtured in the ordinary rhythms of Catholic family life. 📻 Tune in Saturday, August 23 on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network and Spirit Catholic Radio Network.