Beyond The Beacon

What’s the harm in using AI to create church event flyers? Find out in an interview with artist and Jesuit scholastic Angelo Jesus Canta, S.J., who penned an article for American Magazine entitled “The Catholic case against A.I. art.” Canta joins Jai Agnish, Communications director for the Diocese of Paterson, for a segment of “The Good News Workshop” to discuss the hidden cost of using AI to create content for parish bulletins and social media. It’s also a larger conversation about the soul of art and remaining human. They refer to Magnifica Humanitas and discuss how Pope Leo supports artists and urges caution and reflection when engaging with artificial intelligence. “The Church wishes to renew its alliance with artists and cultural institutions,” he said, as quoted in a Vatican News article entitled “Pope Leo: the Church needs artists.”

Agnish also catches up with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to begin the episode. Bishop Sweeney shares the latest news and notes from around the diocese, touches on the midterm elections, and urges support for an important educational tax credit. He also reflects on National Vocation Awareness Week, the annual Diocesan Gold and Silver Anniversary Mass, and more!

Show Notes:
Guest Angelo Jesus Canta, S.J.'s article: "The Catholic case against A.I. art"
Guest Angelo Jesus Canta, S.J.'s Instagram
Bishop Sweeney podcast recommendation: "Pope Leo just voted in the U.S. midterms. Should he have done that?"
Also: Learn about and support the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and music by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

Members of the parish communities of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel in Cedar Knolls (Hanover Township) and Resurrection Parish in Randolph join the podcast to discuss a joint mission trip to Guatemala. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish co-host. These mission trip organizers and participants discuss the joys and spiritual rewards of the experience. 

Guests include:

• Cristina Folan and her husband, Ken Folan. Christina Folan is the director of Communications & Evangelization for Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, and the two help organize the mission trip for the parish along with Debbie White.
• Father Yojan Garcia, pastor of Resurrection Parish, who also serves as director of the Office of Catechesis and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Paterson.
• Eric Kalos and Tyler Kalos - a Father and son who are parishioners of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel.
• Terri Janosik, a parishioner at Resurrection Parish and co-coordinator of the mission trip for Resurrection Parish.

Show Notes:
https://www.ndcarmel.com/guatemala-outreach
https://beaconnj.org/hanover-priests-rejoice-bringing-christ-to-others-on-mission/
https://resurrectionparishnj.org/

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Joseph Ginexi, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Cristina Folan, and Father Yojan Garcia for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Jai Agnish and Joseph Ginexi. Edited and music by Jai Agnish. Additional video editing by Cecile Pagliarulo. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

In the summer of 2027, young Catholics will come together for the 18th international World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul, Korea. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will be leading pilgrims from the Diocese of Paterson as well as Metuchen, Trenton, and Bridgeport, Conn. To gear up for this faith journey, the Paterson Diocese is teaming up with Verso Ministries, a Catholic pilgrimage company helping people explore the world and discover what God has in store for them. 

In this episode, Bishop Sweeney talks with John Paul Lichon, founder of Verso Ministries and Joan Watson, Verso’s pilgrimage formation manager, about the experience of pilgrimage and what to expect during World Youth Day. 

Also in this episode, Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor/delegate for religious and John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison and director of youth ministry for the diocese, invite young people to join the pilgrimage and the excitement of WYD being in Seoul, Korea. Cecile Pagliarulo, who is a WYD veteran, co-hosts this episode with Bishop Sweeney. 

Show notes:
Verso Ministries
Paterson Diocese's Verso Ministries Reservation Page
Official World Youth Day in Seoul Site

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Cecile Pagliarulo, Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A., and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and music by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

How can we all create better photos? This week we get to know Joe Gigli, the gifted, long-time photographer for The Beacon and the Diocese of Paterson. Gigli shares how he got into photography, offers insight into how he thinks about creating images, and shares a few tips and tricks. 

Gigli's interview kicks off a new podcast segment titled The Good News Workshop. This intermittent segment will feature interviews with experts in different areas of communications, so we can be inspired and educated to be the best communicators and storytellers we can be as we spread the Good News of our faith in our parishes, schools, and throughout the diocese. 

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney shares his perspective on being photographed, how an image can bring people together, and discusses the power of a beautiful photograph. Co-hosted by Diocesan Communications Director Jai Agnish.

Show notes:
Joe Gigli's work for The Beacon/Diocese of Paterson
Joe Gigli's website
St. Joseph’s Health honors contributions of Hispanics during Mass

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Cecile Pagliarulo, and Joe Gigli for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and music by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

What does it mean to step away from the world and embrace a life of prayer, silence, and community? In this episode, we explore the quiet world of cloistered Carmelite life and the women who choose to dedicate themselves to God within the walls of a monastery. 

Bishop Kevin Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson leads the thoughtful conversation about vocation, sacrifice, contemplation, and a way of life that remains largely unseen—but deeply spiritual. 

The episode is recorded with the Discalced Carmelites of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel at their monastery in Morristown, New Jersey.

Joining Bishop Sweeney for interviews are Mother Therese Katulski, prioress of the Morristown and Malta monasteries; Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A., chancellor and delegate for religious; Marcy Funk, a monastery volunteer; and Father Brendan Murray, who celebrates Masses with the sisters at their monastery in Morristown.

Show notes:
https://www.carmelnj.org
https://www.carmelnj.org/projects-8

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A., Marcy Funk, and Cecile Pagliarulo for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered and edited by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Video footage by Joe Gigli and Cecile Pagliarulo. Thumbnail image by Cecile Pagliarulo.

Music by the Discalced Carmelites of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, recorded by Joe Gigli at the monastery.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

Father Kamil Kiszka likened serving in Alaska to a priceless two-year retreat, during which he came away more peaceful and balanced. Father Kiszka returns to the podcast to talk about this unique full-time missionary experience in the Land of the Midnight Sun and what might be next for him. The conversation is moved along by Father Kiszka's collection of photographs from Alaska. (Watch the video version of the podcast to see the photographs.)

Host Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney reflects on our call to be missionary disciples wherever we are. 

Bishop Sweeney also reflects on the life of Father Rafael Ciro, who took his life one year ago, and a Memorial Mass scheduled the day this episode was recorded. He also mentions the feast days of St. Monica (Aug. 27) and her son St. Augustine (Aug. 28). 

Bishop Sweeney shares a few book recommendations as well!

Co-hosted by Communications Director Jai Agnish.

Show notes:
Mission priest inspired, in love with service in Alaska
Diocese sends love in packages to Alaska missionary priest
Podcast: Mission priest shares his love for serving in Alaska
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney: Remembering with gratitude the life and ministry of Father Rafael A. Ciro

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, and Father Kamil Kiszka for the Diocese of Paterson. Alaska photographs provided by Father Kamil Kiszka. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

Are you discerning the priesthood? Or want to learn more about what seminary life is all about? Four current seminarians for the Diocese of Paterson join the podcast to share their experience inside and outside the classroom. Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish are seminarians Michael Kane, Brian Collins, Eric Hasenbein, and Sean Gallagher. This episode was produced in collaboration with the Office of Vocations as part of Seminarian Media Day and was recorded at St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J.

Show notes:
https://patersonvocations.org

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Catalina Zempoalteca, and Father Charles Lana for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

This October, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will lead a Marian pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. On this episode, Bishop Sweeney and co-host Jai Agnish are joined by Father Michael Rodak, diocesan pilgrimage director and pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Hardyston, to discuss this triennial event hosted by the Diocese of Paterson. In this episode, Father Rodak also interviews Bobby Duke, curator of the Museum of the Bible, a visit offered for the two-day trip option.

Participants can choose a one-day pilgrimage to the basilica on Saturday, Oct. 17, featuring a catechesis on prayer in English and Spanish, recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Mass with Bishop Sweeney and concelebrating priests, and an opportunity to receive reconciliation. Pilgrims can also choose a two-day trip from Friday, Oct. 16, to Saturday, Oct. 17, which includes a visit to the Museum of the Bible and a banquet dinner with Bishop Sweeney on Oct. 16 before visiting the basilica the next day for the pilgrimage.

Show notes:
https://rcdop.org/marian-pilgrimage-2026
https://beaconnj.org/will-you-join-us-on-our-diocesan-pilgrimage-to-the-basilica-of-the-national-shrine-of-the-immaculate-conception/
https://beaconnj.org/get-spiritually-charged-joining-bishops-october-pilgrimage-in-d-c/
https://www.museumofthebible.org

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Father Michael Rodak, and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. 

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

When the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) journeyed through the Diocese of Paterson earlier this week, three of the young pilgrims on the journey – known as “Perpetual Pilgrims” – joined the podcast. Paterson is one of 18 participating dioceses holding special Masses, processions, talks, and more centered around the Eucharist. Zach Dotson, Mary Carmen Zakrajsek, and Raymond Martinez II are guests with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Also joining for a segment is Father Cesar Jaramillo, the local NEP coordinator for the Diocese of Paterson, and Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., a social media influencer who gave a reflection to students earlier in the day. Co-hosting is Communications Director Jai Agnish. The episode was recorded at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany, N.J. 

Show Notes:
Bishop Kevin Sweeney's column: "A beautiful Gospel for a beautiful weekend!"
Diocesan stops energize Catholics along National Eucharistic Pilgrimage route
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage website

Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish, Father Cesar Jaramillo, and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Special thanks to Father David Pickens of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany, N.J. 

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. 

Learn about some "opportunities" to grow in faith individually and through community in the Diocese of Paterson and beyond. Ways to get involved include the Corpus Christi Food Drive, Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and priesthood ordination.

Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish also discuss Pope Leo's new encyclical on artificial intelligence, “Magnifica Humanitas,” and the upcoming U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops June plenary assembly in Orlando, Fla.

Show Notes:
Corpus Christi Food Drive
Inside the Vatican podcast
Magnifica Humanitas
U.S.C.C.B. Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Diocese of Paterson Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Paterson
"Two new priests begin ministry following June 13 ordination"
"8 men to be ordained permanent deacons May 30"

Thanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!

Email questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected].

Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. 

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.