Beyond The Beacon

Tony Melendez, a renowned toe-picking Catholic guitarist born without arms, says let God use you, take you to places, and you be the instrument that God plays. Melendez's life was forever changed in 1987 when he played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles, and the Pope approached him afterward from the stage to kiss him in appreciation. Melendez says his phone hasn't stopped ringing since that moment, and he continues to perform 15-20 concerts a month. 

On this latest episode of Beyond The Beacon, Melendez recounts this story and more with the Diocese of Paterson's Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish before taking the stage for a concert at Sacred Heart & Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J. 

Show Notes:
Tony Melendez's website with Pope John Paul II video encounter
Tony Melendez on Spotify
Tony Melendez on Apple Music
"Inspiring toe-picking guitarist amps up hope at Dover concert"
"Join America’s Catholics in Sacred Heart consecration in June"
"Registration now open for National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events in Paterson Diocese"
"Two new priests begin ministry following June 13 ordination"
"8 men to be ordained permanent deacons May 30"

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. Additional video editing by Cecile Pagliarulo. Special thanks to Father Edgar Rivera and Father Leonardo López of Sacred Heart & Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish. Michael Wojcik contributed to this episode description.

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 was it like to be friends with possible future saint Archbishop Fulton Sheen? For this episode, we hear from Lo Anne Mayer, formerly of Corpus Christi Parish in Chatham Township, N.J., of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. 

Mayer struck up a friendship with the beloved, world-renowned Catholic radio and TV evangelist in 1974 after hearing him speak at Christ the King Church in the New Vernon neighborhood of Harding Township, N.J. 

The two would speak a couple of times a week over the phone until he died in 1979. Archbishop Sheen sought out her views on particular topics to help make his talks more relevant to his audience. 

Sheen baptized Lo Anne and her husband Raymond’s youngest child, Michael, at Corpus Christi in 1975. 

She joins Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., and co-host Communications Director Jai Agnish to recount the stories of her close friendship with Archbishop Sheen. We also discuss some of Archbishop Sheen's other ties to the Diocese of Paterson. 

Lo Anne, 85, now living in Manchester, N.J., heard the news on March 25 that Archbishop Sheen — now Venerable Fulton J. Sheen — is getting a step closer to sainthood. With joy, she plans to attend with her family the Mass of his beatification, where he will be designated as “blessed.” This will take place on Thursday, Sept. 24, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Mo.

Show Notes:
"Beatification candidate Fulton Sheen forged strong ties in Paterson"
"Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, frequent visitor to Diocese, to be beatified"
Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation
Learn about Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, S.C.

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

Produced by Jai Agnish, Michael Wojcik, 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. 

On this episode, we learn about the Certificate in Catholic Evangelization and Leadership (CCE) -- a unique program, taught over three years, that seeks to transform Catholics into effective evangelists and spiritual leaders, equipping them to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to their homes, parishes, and local communities. 

The certificate is offered by the Office of Evangelization of the Diocese of Paterson (St. Paul Inside the Walls), in collaboration with Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology Seton Hall University.

Hosts:

• Co-hosting with Bishop Kevin Sweeney is Vicar for Evangelization Father Paul Manning of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.

Guests:

•  Dianne Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., associate dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and assistant professor of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology Seton Hall University.
• Eniola Honsberger, director of the Office of Family Life of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.
• Pat Dillon, parishioner and student in the program
• Annamaria Garcia, office manager and minister to Young Adults (ages 23-39) for the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.

SHOW NOTES:
Certificate in Catholic Evangelization and Leadership (CCE)

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

Produced by Jai Agnish, Father Paul Manning, and Bishop Kevin Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Joseph Ginexi. 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. 

We talk sports and faith with John Fanta, a prominent national broadcaster at NBC Sports, who attends Mass with his wife and young son at Our Lady of the Magnificat Church in Kinnelon, N.J. He joins Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.

John went to Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., where he became deeply involved with the Pirate Sports Network, WSOU radio, and student journalism, and laid the foundation for his national broadcasting career. 

But his first break came when his first-grade teacher recognized John's talent for singing and encouraged him to be a cantor and lector at St. Bernadette Church in Westlake, Ohio, where he grew up. 

Bishop Kevin also discusses the establishment of a new parish, Padre Pio, in Paterson, N.J., on April 12 (Divine Mercy Sunday).

Show Notes:
Podcast: John Fanta's Story
Seton Hall: Pirate Sports Network
Event: An Evening With Jay Wright
Related Article: Padre Pio Parish 

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 by Cecile Pagliarulo. 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. 

Deacon Steve Javie is a retired NBA referee with 25 years of experience and is currently an analyst with ESPN. He was ordained a deacon in 2019, and he and his wife, Maryellen, live in Newtown, Pa., where he is assigned to St. Andrew Parish. Deacon Steve drove up to join Bishop Kevin Sweeney and co-host Jai Agnish of the Diocese of Paterson for a fun episode about all of this and more!

Show Notes:

From NBA ref to permanent deacon, Steve Javie’s keeping his whistle
An Evening With Jay Wright
Welcome Home To Healing

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. 

We welcome three religious sisters from the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, involved with the religious education program at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. We learn about their work with the Compostela catechetical program and how they came to be the newest religious community in the Diocese of Paterson. 

The guests are Sister Moira Debono, R.S.M., the community’s local superior, and Msgr. Geno Sylva, rector of St. John’s and diocesan vicar for special projects; Sister Mary Mia Menke, R.S.M.; and Sister Paul Miriam MacInnes, R.S.M. Hosted by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish.

The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., is a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1973. They are rooted in the charism and legacy of Mother Catherine McAuley, the founder of the first Sisters of Mercy, with the opening of her House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1827. The institute focuses on service in education and health care.

The Compostela Catechetical After-School Program is unlike any program in Paterson. All children from kindergarten to eighth grade are welcome! The word “Compostela” translates to “field of stars.” Compostela is attended by children all around the schools of Paterson. They enjoy a snack and play in the beautiful courtyard on the side of the Cathedral or our gymnasium. They also receive daily Catechetical lessons through activities or music classes and get help with homework from our qualified staff and volunteers. 

Show Notes:

Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan
Compostela Catechetical After-School Program
An Evening With Jay Wright
"Attitude: Develop a Winning Mindset on and off the Court"

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 by Cecile Pagliarulo. 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. 

We are facing a mental health crisis with rising distress and illness, especially among youth. In this episode, we explore the connection between faith, mental health, and science, and reflect on what is driving this epidemic and how we can support those affected. 

Joining Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish are guests Beth Hlabse and Christina Liparini for a remote episode recorded at Saint Elizabeth University in Morris Township.

Hlabse is Program Director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. 

Liparini is Assistant Professor of Psychology and Doctoral Program Director at Saint Elizabeth University. 

Show Notes:

• Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health - University of Notre Dame
• Psychology Dept. - Saint Elizabeth University
• Mental Health Matters Workshop
• New Jersey Catholic Mental Health Conference

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

Produced by Jai Agnish, Andrea M. Adams of Saint Elizabeth University, and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Brandon Hutchinson of Saint Elizabeth University. 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. 

Biographer Kevin Wells discusses "one of the greatest stories in the Church today," the life and work of "Father Al" and the Sisters of Mary. He shares insights from his book, "Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz." Hosted by the Diocese of Paterson's Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish.

Venerable Aloysius Philip Schwartz was a devoted Catholic priest known for his unwavering commitment to serving the poor. He founded the Sisters of Mary congregation and the World Villages for Children, focusing on providing education, shelter, and care for destitute children worldwide. Through his tireless efforts, Father Schwartz transformed countless lives, establishing Boystown and Girlstown programs that have helped over 170,000 children. His selfless work continues to inspire, and he was declared "Venerable" by Pope Francis in 2015.

Wells also details the special pilgrimage to Mexico with Bishop Sweeney in September to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and to spend some time with the Sisters of Mary at Girlstown.

Show Notes:

• Author Kevin Wells
• Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Kevin Sweeney

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 by Cecile Pagliarulo. 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. 

Morris County is among the wealthiest counties in New Jersey, but food insecurity is very real for many families living there. For this episode, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish visit the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains to learn more. After touring the facility and meeting clients and volunteers, they sat down for this remote episode with Carolyn Lake, executive director of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, and Board President Helen Hallberg. 

Show Notes:
Interfaith Food Pantry Network
"The Practice of the Presence of God,” by Carmelite Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection

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 by Joe Ginexi. 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. 

For this special episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney looks back on the year and offers his perspective on the Universal and local Catholic Church for 2026. Joining him are Communications Director Jai Agnish and Digital Media Specialist Cecile Pagliarulo. We reflect on some of the biggest stories, social media posts, Beacon articles, and podcast episodes that resonated with our audience. Bishop Sweeney takes a few questions and discusses some of the noteworthy happenings planned for 2026.

Show Notes:

• Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Kevin Sweeney
• National March for Life 2026 
• Diocesan Marian Pilgrimage
• New Jersey Catholic Mental Health Conference
• "What to Do" Beacon events calendar

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

Produced by Jai Agnish, Cecile Pagliarulo, 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.