A powerful conversion story, a love for the Eucharist, and a life of ministry at St. John the Apostle in Norwalk. Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Deacon Eric and Monica Pugh to share their remarkable journey back to the Catholic faith, their love for the Eucharist, and their growing ministries of formation, spiritual direction, and service.
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.
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