Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace on sharing the light of the gospel by being a covenant keeper

Noelle Pikus Pace is an Olympic medalist, speaker, author, Gospel Doctrine teacher, wife, mother and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith and understanding of her identity as a child of God have helped her through all her Olympian experiences, both trials and wins. She won a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where she wore her Young Women necklace on the medals podium. She joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to discuss the thrill and danger of skeleton racing, her recovery through faith amid massive setbacks, and how keeping on the covenant path has helped in every area of her life. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

The Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works under the direction of the First Presidency to oversee the Church's temporal affairs — or physical aspects. Following Elder Gérald Caussé’s call to serve as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church announced a new Presiding Bishopric on Nov. 14: Bishop W. Christopher Waddell as new presiding bishop, Bishop L. Todd Budge as first counselor and Bishop Sean Douglas as second counselor. The new bishopric joins Church News reporter Mary Richards on this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the spiritual purpose of overseeing the temporal affairs of the Church. This includes managing tithing and fast offerings, humanitarian aid, welfare and self-reliance programs, building and maintaining meetinghouses and temples, and producing and distributing gospel resources. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Elder Gérald Caussé is the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, Church President Dallin H. Oaks extended this call to Elder Caussé, filling the quorum's vacancy left with the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. At 62, Elder Caussé is the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from France and has served for the last decade as the Church’s presiding bishop, helping oversee the Church’s temporal affairs. This episode of the Church News podcast features a conversation between Elder Caussé and guest host Sarah Jane Weaver, Deseret News editor and Church News executive editor. Elder Caussé shares his experience and thoughts surrounding his new calling, the love for his family and the humbling honor of discipleship as he is called to be a special and lifelong witness of the name of Jesus Christ. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Sister Kristen M. Oaks is the wife of President Dallin H. Oaks, recently set-apart President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her life has been a record of shifting roles and accepted opportunities to serve as a wife, member of the Church and daughter of God. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to speak again with guest host Sheri Dew, executive vice president of the Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. Sister Oaks gives some of her insights into President Oaks; the mantle of prophet; his role as a husband, father and friend; their ministering assignments around the world; and her testimony of the temple and of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

In recognition of Brigham Young University’s 150th anniversary and its sesquicentennial theme of “Celebrating Gifts of Light” (see Doctrine and Covenants 50:24), students, faculty and alumni are invited to perform 150 hours of service each. Throughout the yearlong celebration, BYU continues its mission to nurture divine light in its students, who then share the Light of Jesus Christ with the world by honoring the past and envisioning the future.  On this episode of the Church News podcast, BYU President C. Shane Reese and BYU Advancement Vice President Keith Vorkink join reporter Mary Richards. They underscore the university’s commitment in maintaining its faith-based mission, providing an excellent education and experiences to its students, and preparing its graduates for a lifetime of commitment to “go forth to serve.”  The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

The recently refurbished and rededicated Hill Cumorah in Manchester, New York, is a historic and sacred site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called the reforested and refurbished area “the cradle of the Restoration.” The area was a pivotal place for the instruction of the young Prophet Joseph Smith, as well as the receiving and translation of the ancient gold plates that we now have as the Book of Mormon. In this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen is joined by Benjamin Pykles, director of historic sites for the Church, and Sam Palfreyman, site manager for the Palmyra area, to explore the sacred significance of Hill Cumorah, the faith-promoting experiences of visiting historic Church sites, and how understanding the early history of the Church can help individuals gain and strengthen their testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 14, 2025, succeeding President Russell M. Nelson after the latter's death. This calling continues the Lord's established pattern, confirming the longest-serving living apostle as the new Prophet through revelation and priesthood authority. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen explores the life of President Oaks with excerpts from interviews conducted in the days and weeks surrounding the prophetic calling. Family members, general Church leaders and the counselors in the First Presidency share lessons from their experiences and observations of the Prophet of the restored Church. They testify of President Oaks' preparation for this role as the Lord's mouthpiece to the world (see Doctrine and Covenants 21:5), as he has proven himself a man of faith in Jesus Christ, family and law. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Trusting in the Lord might not come easy to everyone, but those who develop that faith are promised, “He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). For husband-and-wife team Porter and Carlie Ellett, much of their journey of trust has played out on the field of the biggest sport in the United States. In this episode of the Church News podcast, the Elletts join Church News editor Ryan Jensen to share their story of faith, family and the unique experience of working in the environment of the National Football League with the Kansas City Chiefs as an assistant coach. Porter Ellett talks about overcoming a childhood accident that resulted in an amputation years later as a teenager. He and Carlie Ellett share how communication and faithfully living the gospel of Jesus Christ have helped them develop trust and resilience with God and in family life. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Seminary and institute enrollment among youth and young adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at a record high, following the late President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to become closer to Christ through regular attendance and participation. On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Mary Richards is joined by Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, and Becky Scott, associate administrator of operations for seminaries and institutes, to discuss the growth and impact of these programs. They emphasize the importance of seminary in fostering faith, supporting youth and encouraging life, missionary and temple preparation. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This document teaches that marriage between a man and a woman and the creation of families are central parts of God’s plan. In Part 2 of a two-part series, Church News editor Ryan Jensen explores the principles taught in “The Family Proclamation.” This episode features quotes from Church leaders who testify that all are a part of God’s great family and that He has a plan of happiness for His children. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.