From Missionary Life to Men's Discipleship in Des Moines: The Story of Forge — Sam Halligan - 06/15/2026

The Catholic Morning Show – 06/15/2026

Guest Host Sam Halligan & Co-Host Deacon Mark Campbell This week, Sam Halligan — Des Moines city director for Forge, a men's discipleship and small group organization — steps in as guest host alongside Deacon Mark Campbell. Bo Bonner returns to the studio June 29. Bo Bonner Calls In from London Bo Bonner joined the show by phone to share updates from a remarkable European journey. His stops included: * Rome — Participated in a Vatican Dicastery on Communication conference on artificial intelligence, timed to Pope Leo XIV's new AI encyclical. Bo and colleagues also recorded an episode of the Vatican Access podcast with Robert Duncan (Catholic News Service), available on YouTube. * France — Gave a presentation on John Henry Newman and Catholic universities to faculty at the Catholic University of the West, with live translation by colleague Luigi Rossi. * London — Currently in residence for his PhD program at Saint Mary's University, the only Catholic university in London. Bo's residential program begins in a few weeks. Bo's key takeaway from the AI encyclical discussions: "Before all else, Jesus Christ is victorious. The sure way forward in this time of a lot of questions is to rest in the heart of Jesus Christ." 📖 Learn more about the Catholic Cosmotechnics for an AI Age discussions and the Vatican Access podcast on YouTube. Stay connected at IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Cristero Martyrs Relics — Sacred Heart, West Des Moines The relics of the Cristero Martyrs will be on display this Friday at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines. * Mass: 7:00 PM * Presentation on the Relics: 8:00 PM * Hosted by the Knights of Columbus — many of these martyrs were K of C members. * Learn more at IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Not familiar with the Cristeros? Watch the film For Greater Glory for an introduction to this heroic chapter of Catholic history, including the witness of 14-year-old Saint José Sánchez del Río. Gospel Reflection — Fr. Nick Smith Fr. Nick Smith, pastor of Saint Patrick's in Perry, reflects on Matthew's Gospel: Jesus's teaching to "turn the other cheek." Fr. Nick reminds us that this teaching only makes sense in light of eternity — God is perfectly merciful and just, and justice ultimately rests in His hands, not ours. Joe Stopulos Update Joe Stopulos, host of Man Up, shared that his father recently passed away from cancer — just 14 weeks after receiving his diagnosis. Today's episode of Man Up (9:00 AM, Iowa Catholic Radio Network) features Part 2 of a raw, personal interview with Dr. Bud Maher on Joe's childhood, his cradle Catholic upbringing, and his journey to deeper faith. Our prayers are with Joe and his family. Sam Halligan on Evangelization & Forge Sam shares his conversion moment — a Eucharistic adoration experience at a young adult Catholic conference in Nashville his sophomore year of college — and how that led to 10 years of full-time missionary work with Damascus before returning to Des Moines to lead Forge's men's small group network across the Diocese. Saint of the Day — Saint Marguerite d'Youville Born in Quebec in 1701, Saint Marguerite d'Youville endured profound suffering — the loss of her father, husband, and four of six children — before founding the Grey Nuns of Montreal in 1737. She is the patroness of widows and those in difficult marriages. The Grey Nuns were named after a mocking nickname referencing her husband's illegal liquor trading — a name the community reclaimed with grace. Upcoming Event — Growing the Faith of Iowa Tour with Dr. Karlo Broussard July 21–23 | Three locations across Iowa: * July 21 — Sacred Heart Parish, Spencer | "Religion: Why Should I Care?" | 6:30 PM * July 22 — Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Creston | "Living Life to the Fullest: A Compass for Human Happiness" | 6:30 PM * July 23 — Saint Mary's, Pella | "Salvation Unveiled: A Catholic Perspective in Dialogue with Protestants" | 6:30 PM More information: IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] Diocese of Des Moines News * Divine Treasures Summer Story Time begins tomorrow (June 16) at 10:30 AM — reading of Donuts After Mass, followed by snack and activity. Limited to 25 spots. RSVP via Divine Treasures on Hickman Road, Des Moines. * Holy Trinity Parish, Des Moines — 5-week grief support workshop "Grieving with Great Hope" begins this Thursday, meeting Thursdays 2:00–4:00 PM. Contact Deacon Troy Thompson at Holy Trinity for more info. #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #BoBonner #SamHalligan #Forge #CatholicMen #Evangelization #PopeLeoXIV #AIEncyclical #CatholicCosmotechnics #VaticanAI #JohnHenryNewman #CristeroMartyrs #SacredHeartDesMoines #KnightsOfColumbus #FrNickSmith #TurnTheOtherCheek #SaintMargueriteD'Youville #GreyNuns #KarloBroussard #CatholicAnswers #DiocesDesMoines #CatholicFaith #CatholicPodcast #MorningShow #Damascus #MensFaith #Discipleship #CatholicLife #IowaCatholic Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Missionary Life to Men's Discipleship in Des Moines: The Story of Forge — Sam Halligan - 06/15/2026

Who Is Sam Halligan? Sam Halligan grew up in Urbandale, Iowa, attended Saint Pius X Catholic School K–8 and Dowling Catholic High School (Class of 2013), then went on to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. After college, he spent ten years in full-time missionary work with Damascus Ministries — running youth and young adult camps, conferences, and retreats — before returning to Des Moines in February with his wife Whitney and their three children to serve as city director for Forge. Forge — Fighting for the Family Through Men's Discipleship Forge was founded in 2023 by John Bishop with a mission to fight for the family with a strategic emphasis on men. Sam's role in Des Moines centers on building and expanding a network of men's small groups throughout the city and diocese. 🔗 Learn more about Forge and connect with the Des Moines chapter at My Forge Des Moines [https://myforge.org/des-moines/] Sam's Conversion Moment Sophomore year of college (2016), Sam attended a young adult Catholic conference in Nashville, Tennessee. During a time of Eucharistic adoration, he experienced the presence of Jesus in a profound and personal way — and immediately felt the call to share that love with others. That moment launched what became a 14-year journey of evangelization. "If Jesus loved me in this way, then he loves everyone in this way. And if that's the case, someone's got to go do that." — Sam Halligan Damascus Ministries: Formation for Mission Upon graduating from Benedictine College, Sam signed on for what he thought would be one year with Damascus Ministries — and stayed for ten. Damascus grew from serving 1,200 kids per summer to a much larger operation, with Sam rising in leadership along the way. Weekly formation in the interior life, prayer, and discipleship equipped him for the hands-on work of retreat ministry — a model he credits for shaping the missionary he is today. Sam & Whitney: A Missionary Love Story Sam and his wife Whitney — married seven years with three children — started dating their senior year of high school, when Whitney attended Ankeny and Sam attended Dowling. Whitney was actually the first to commit to Damascus Ministries, sparking Sam's own discernment. Sam credits their shared history — from high school through missionary life — as one of God's greatest gifts in his vocation. On Total Abandonment Deacon Mark Campbell shared a personal reflection: years ago, a young Sam approached him for missionary support while engaged to be married. Deacon Mark's private reaction was skepticism — but Sam's unwavering faith that "God will provide" became a formative witness of total abandonment to the Gospel. "I just want to say thank you for being that witness to me," Deacon Mark said on air. Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi: "The Church exists in order to evangelize." 📻 Sam Halligan is with us all week on The Catholic Morning Show. Tune in at 7 AM on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network or listen on demand at IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] #SamHalligan #Forge #CatholicMen #MensDiscipleship #DesMoines #Iowa #CatholicEvangelization #Damascus #MissionaryLife #BenedictineCollege #CatholicSmallGroups #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicConversion #FightForTheFamily #DiocesDesMoines #JohnBishop #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #DeaconMarkCampbell #CatholicFaith #TotalAbandonment #EvangeliiNuntiandi #PopePaulVI #CatholicPodcast #CatholicRadio #IowaFaith Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PhD, the Vatican & Pope Leo XIV's AI Encyclical: Bo Bonner Reports from Europe — Bo Bonner - 06/15/2026

Bo Bonner Live from London Iowa Catholic Radio's own Bo Bonner is currently in London completing pre-residency work for his PhD at Saint Mary's University — the only Catholic university in London. His formal residential program begins in just a few weeks. Before arriving in London, Bo made two significant stops: Rome — Vatican AI Conference & Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical Bo and co-authors of Catholic Cosmotechnics for an AI Age were invited to a conference hosted by the Vatican Dicastery on Communication, timed to coincide with Pope Leo XIV's release of his new encyclical on artificial intelligence. While in Rome, the group recorded an episode of Vatican Access, an English-language podcast produced by Catholic News Service, hosted by Robert Duncan. 🎥 The Vatican Access episode is available on YouTube — search Vatican Access with Robert Duncan (Catholic News Service). Bo's core takeaway from the encyclical discussions: "You don't have to understand everything about the science involved. The Holy Father and the Church is with you. You're not alone... the sure way forward is to rest in the heart of Jesus Christ." France — John Henry Newman & Catholic Universities At the Catholic University of the West — celebrating its 175th anniversary — Bo delivered a presentation on John Henry Newman and the identity of Catholic universities, with live translation provided by colleague Luigi Rossi. Bo addressed how Newman's writings challenged utilitarian philosophies dominating English universities in his era, and how those questions are newly relevant in French Catholic academia today. Key Themes from This Interview: * What Pope Leo XIV's AI encyclical means for everyday Catholics * The Church's theology of communication and "media ecology" * How Newman's vision of the university applies to Catholic higher education today * Life abroad: no air conditioning in France, rainy bliss in London 📻 Hear more from Bo Bonner when he returns to the studio on June 29. Stay connected at IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] #BoBonner #IowaCatholicRadio #PopeLeoXIV #AIEncyclical #CatholicCosmotechnics #VaticanAI #VaticanAccess #CatholicNewsService #JohnHenryNewman #CatholicUniversity #SaintMarysLondon #CatholicPhD #CatholicIntellectual #ChurchAndAI #CatholicMorningShow #CatholicPodcast #LuigiRossi #DeaconMarkCampbell #AlexiaBaker #FaithAndTechnology Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lose Weight, Gain Grace: Catholic Fasting for Permanent Weight Loss — Beth Bubik

Beth Bubik, CEO of the Catholic Fasting Coach Company, joins Deacon Mark Campbell to introduce a uniquely Catholic approach to health, weight loss, and spiritual transformation — one built not on macros or calorie counting, but on the ancient rhythm of the Church year. The DeLay and Pray Method — Beth coaches Catholic women to delay sugar, flour, and alcohol to Sundays and solemnities, following a weekly eat/fast/feast cycle: eat on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; fast on Wednesdays and Fridays; and feast on Sundays. The result is a spiritually motivated practice of moderation that trains the body and soul simultaneously. Faith as the Foundation — Beth roots her entire approach in the sacraments — Mass, Adoration, and Confession — as the foundation of lasting change. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 6:19 ("Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit"), she challenges listeners to ask not just what they're eating, but why — and for whom. Fasting, in her framework, is always offered for others: a sick grandchild, storm victims, a spouse, a family in need. The Book & Programs — DeLay and Pray: Permanent Weight Loss Through Spiritual Fasting is currently in use in 83 Catholic parishes. Available options include: * Book on Amazon or via delayandpray.com [http://delayandpray.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] and catholicfasting.com [http://catholicfasting.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] * Parish book study (6–10 participants, includes priest-friendly guide) — $10 * Self-paced online course — $100 * 10-week group coaching intensive (offered 4x/year) Failing Forward — Beth emphasizes that struggle and failure are built into the process — just as confession is built into Catholic life. The goal isn't perfection; it's persistence in grace. Subscribe to the DeLay and Pray podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at delayandpray.com [http://delayandpray.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] or catholicfasting.com [http://catholicfasting.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show]. #BethBubik #DelayAndPray #CatholicFasting #CatholicWomenHealth #SpiritualFasting #PermanentWeightLoss #CatholicMorningShow #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicFastingCoach #LiturgicalLiving #BodyTemple #CatholicHealth #FastAndPray #OrdinaryTime #CatholicLifestyle Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daily Gospel Reflections and Parish Life with a Young Pastor — Fr. Nick Smith

Fr. Nick Smith, pastor of St. Patrick's Parish in Perry, Iowa, makes his debut appearance on The Catholic Morning Show — long overdue, as Deacon Mark points out, given Fr. Nick's nearly three years producing daily Gospel reflections for Iowa Catholic Radio. The Daily Gospel Reflection Podcast — Currently ranked #2 for "Gospel Reflections" on Apple Podcasts, Fr. Nick's reflections offer bite-sized encounters with Scripture designed for busy Catholics. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or find them at IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show]. From Parochial Vicar to Pastor — Fr. Nick traces his path from St. Augustine Parish (Des Moines), through Dowling Catholic High School, seminary, and his first assignment at Our Lady of Immaculate Heart in Ankeny, then Christ the King in Des Moines, before being appointed pastor at St. Patrick's in Perry. He candidly describes the shift from parochial vicar — centered on sacraments and one-on-one ministry — to pastor, where the responsibilities expand to include personnel, finances, facilities, and the full cultural stewardship of a parish family. 150 Years of Faith in Perry — St. Patrick's was founded in 1874 by Irish immigrant farmers. Today it serves a vibrant and diverse community, including a growing Latino and Hispanic population with Spanish-language Masses and sacramental offerings. Fr. Nick reflects on the importance of listening deeply to the culture already present in a parish before implementing change. Priorities for the Future — A year into his pastorate, Fr. Nick's focus is clear: greater encounter with the Eucharist and the sacrament of Confession. Recent fruit includes a Lenten parish mission on the Sacred Heart and God's mercy, and a Corpus Christi Eucharistic procession — the first in recent memory at St. Patrick's. Listen to Fr. Nick's daily Gospel reflections and The Catholic Morning Show weekdays at 7 AM Central at IowaCatholicRadio.com [http://IowaCatholicRadio.com/?utm_source=Iowa%20Catholic%20Radio&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=The%20Catholic%20Morning%20Show] or on the Iowa Catholic Radio app. #FrNickSmith #DailyGospelReflection #CatholicPodcast #ApplePodcasts #StPatricksPerry #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicMorningShow #EucharisticDevotion #CatholicPriest #CorpusChristi #EucharisticProcession #CatholicIowa #GospelReflections #YoungPriests #CatholicParish Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.   LINKS You can follow us on Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/iowacatholicradio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iacatholicradio/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ_w8fZ51egdFCWFGRSB4xA]! You can also find more information on our website [https://iowacatholicradio.com/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts]. If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/giving-options/]   Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: * Be Not Afraid [https://iowacatholicradio.com/be-not-afraid/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe * Be Not Afraid in Spanish [https://be-not-afraid-in-spanish.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Fabian Moncada * Catholic Women Now [https://iowacatholicradio.com/catholic-women-now/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson * Making It Personal [https://iowacatholicradio.com/making-it-personal/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bishop William Joensen * Man Up! [https://iowacatholicradio.com/man-up-podcast/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Joe Stopulos * Sunday Dive [https://sundaydive.simplecast.com/] with Katie Patrizio * The Catholic Morning Show [https://the-catholic-morning-show.simplecast.com] with Dr. Bo Bonner * The Daily Gospel Reflection [https://daily-gospel-reflections-with-fr-nick-smith-46ae5480.simplecast.com/] with Fr. Nick Smith * The Uncommon Good [https://iowacatholicradio.com/the-uncommon-good/?utm_source=podcast%20foot%20notes&utm_medium=podcasts&utm_campaign=podcasts] with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr * Faith and Family Finance [https://iowacatholicradio.com/faith-and-family-finance/] with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here [https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=7aa8b1f5-937c-412d-9c60-5eff0f4fca2d] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.