Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen

Remembering Sr. Pat Sherer and Her Legacy of Love for Refugees - 04/11/2026

Episode Summary

Bishop William Joensen is joined by Dr. Cheryl Fournier and Dorothy Miller to remember the life and legacy of Sr. Pat Sherer, a beloved missionary disciple who dedicated decades to serving refugees in the Diocese of Des Moines. Through powerful stories and reflections, this episode honors Sr. Pat’s unwavering faith, her radical hospitality, and her lifelong commitment to welcoming the stranger as Christ.

Episode Notes

In this moving episode of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill welcome Dr. Cheryl Fournier and Dorothy Miller to reflect on the remarkable life of Sr. Pat Sherer, whose ministry transformed countless lives.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The story of Sr. Pat Shearer’s call to missionary service and how it unfolded through refugee ministry in Des Moines
• Her decades-long work accompanying Vietnamese, Hmong, Lao, Sudanese, and other refugee communities
• How Sr. Pat embodied the Gospel through personal relationships, advocacy, and “radical hospitality”
• The challenges of meeting both the material and spiritual needs of refugees
• The deep impact she had on parishes like St. Ambrose Cathedral and the broader diocesan community
• Personal memories of her joy, energy, and unwavering trust in God
• Her final days, marked by peace, prayer, and a life fully given in service

Sr. Pat’s ministry went far beyond logistics—she offered dignity, belonging, and faith to those seeking a new life. Her legacy continues in the lives she touched and the community she helped build.

Funeral Mass:
Held at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, where many gathered—especially from the refugee community—to honor her life.

Heard on:
Iowa Catholic Radio Network
Spirit Catholic Radio Network

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