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.

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 or on the Iowa Catholic Radio app.

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Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm.

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Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
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The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
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