Beyond The Beacon

“No Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem; they are part of our ‘family.’ They are ‘one of us.’ Nor can our relationship to the poor be reduced to merely another ecclesial activity or function.” - From Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation “Dilexi Te.”

Social justice advocacy has long been a way of life for the two religious sisters who join the Diocese of Paterson's Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish for the latest episode of Beyond The Beacon. 

Following the inspiration of their religious order's charism and the example of Jesus and the Saints, Sister Patrice Owens, S.C.C., and Sister Janice Jolin, S.M.I.C., have advocated for the poor and marginalized in Brazil, The Bronx, and their own backyards in New Jersey. 

They share insights about this work and describe their vocation stories. 

Show Notes:

• Sisters of Christian Charity social justice web page
• Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God social justice web page
• Bishop Sweeney's column, "St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants" 
• Faithful invited to close Jubilee Year with bishop in Paterson

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. 

Just back from the fall meeting of the United States' bishops, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney shares his perspective on participating in the issuance of a rare “special message” regarding the bishops' concern for the evolving situation affecting immigrants in the United States.

For the second half of the episode, we go remote to the 2025 Diocese of Paterson Youth Conference, "Anchored in Hope," where Bishop Sweeney interviewed participants. 

Guests:

• Jessica Martinez - Christ is Alive Youth Ministry, Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas in Passaic, N.J.
• Juan-Pablo Martinez - Christ is Alive Youth Ministry, Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas in Passaic, N.J.
• Janely Jose - Youth Minister at Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas in Passaic, N.J.
• Meryl Payyappilly - St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake, N.J.
• Etelka Moliner - St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake, N.J.
• Mary Hill - Youth Minister at St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake, N.J.
  
  

Show Notes:

• U.S. bishops issue a ‘Special Message’ on immigration from assembly in Baltimore
• Bishop Kevin Sweeney's column titled, "St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants"
• Video: Remarks by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, on the Feast of Mother Cabrini and in solidarity with immigrants
• Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Paterson

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 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. 

Join us for an inspired conversation as we delve into the heart of the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, through the lens of three dedicated Knights. 

They share their perspectives and experiences of actively living out their Catholic faith through service, fraternity, and charity.

Hosted by Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish of the Diocese of Paterson. 

Guests:

• Jim Sweeney, State Deputy of the New Jersey State Council Knights of Columbus, and a member of and past Grand Knight of the Father Joseph A. Cassidy Council 6100 in Budd Lake, N.J.
• Hector Jimenez, the New Jersey State Council Knights of Columbus Ethnic & Cultural Development chairman. He is also a District Deputy for the New Jersey State Council Knights of Columbus, where he is responsible for four councils in the Paterson, N.J. area. He is a member and past Grand Knight of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Council 17254 in Paterson. 
• Justin Carrasco, Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance Agency in the Paterson area, and a member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Council 17254.

SHOW NOTES:
https://njkofc.com
https://www.kofc.org

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. Production assistance from Jim Sweeney. 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).

Note: Artificial intelligence was used in the development of this episode's headline and description with the input and oversight of a human. 

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 a food pantry in one of the most impoverished cities in New Jersey feed 22,000 people each month? What does it take to empower the staff and volunteers of a drug and alcohol treatment center that helps hundreds of people in recovery every day? We answer these questions and more.

Tim Potter and Scott Milliken are the guests on this episode, which explores how the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal is having a significant impact on many lives across the three counties of the Diocese of Paterson. 

Potter is chief development officer for the Diocese of Paterson, and Milliken is chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson. They join co-hosts Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish.

The annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal funds seminary education, priest retirement and health care needs, Catholic Urban Education, and Catholic Charities. Learn more by listening and by clicking on the links below. 

Thank you for giving to the appeal! 

SHOW NOTES:
https://dopappeal.org/about.html
https://dopappeal.org
https://www.ccpaterson.org

For the Diocesan Ministries Appeal Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5SGaBjPwt0

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. 

Is youth ministry just pizza and retreats? Think again. This week, we dive deep into the vital role Catholic youth ministry plays in forming lifelong faith. Featuring insightful interviews with seasoned youth ministers, we explore the powerful impact of youth ministry—not just on attendance, but on how it actively develops and strengthens a strong, authentic Catholic identity in young people. Hear some strategies for connecting with teens and navigating modern challenges. If you want to know what works in building the Church's future, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the leader of the Diocese of Paterson, and Communications Director Jai Agnish for this episode is:

• John Cammarata. Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Paterson;  and Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany, N.J.
• Alyssa Carolan. Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J., and St. Thomas the Apostle in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J.
• Yadira Sifonte. Youth Minister at The Catholic Community of St. Brendan & St. George, in Clifton, N.J.
• Justin Carrasco. Director of Young Prophets at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.

SHOW NOTES:
Diocese of Paterson Office of Youth Ministry
Register for the Diocese of Paterson Youth Conference

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

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, and John Cammarata for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Thank you, Father Joseph S. DeMarzo III, for assistance with time-keeping.

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

Note: Artificial intelligence was used in the development of this episode's headline and description with the input and oversight of a human. 

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 Lynn and Al Cappello learned their six-year-old son Dominic had cancer, their lives would never be the same. They bravely share the story of how Dominic's cancer diagnosis affected their family, faith, and marriage. Now cancer-free, Dominic is active in school and sports, and Lynn and Al have become advocates for more funding for childhood cancer research and improved medical technology. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish co-host. 

SHOW NOTES:
Beacon Article
Bishop Kevin's Column
NJ Mach for Life
https://www.emmanuelcancer.org
https://makingheadway.org
https://www.believeintomorrow.org
https://www.alexslemonade.org

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

Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Jai Agnish and Cecile Pagliarulo. Mastered by Dave Downham (The Gradwell House). 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. 

With the Catholic Church more mainstream in today’s culture, Catholic influencers are on the rise. So much so that the Vatican recently celebrated the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers. 

We welcome guests Father Cesar Jaramillo and Salesian Sister Guerline Joseph, who know a thing or two about making connections on social media. They discuss with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo -- who manages the social media accounts for the Diocese of Paterson -- how they use their digital presence as a positive influence in the world today.

To begin the episode, Bishop Sweeney is joined by Communications Director Jai Agnish to discuss current events, including the death of Father Rafael Ciro and the September 11 attacks.

Through his Instagram account, Father Cesar posts about moments of his priesthood, which include the historic time of being in Rome during the conclave and the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Sister Joseph helps run her community’s account, showing the lives of Salesian Sisters in action. 

Father Jaramillo was recently named pastor of Holy Spirit Parish and School in Pequannock, N.J., and serves in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. Sister Joseph serves as associate director for youth and young adult ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark. 

SHOW NOTES:
https://www.instagram.com/frcesardariojaramillo
https://www.instagram.com/salesiansisters
https://insidethewalls.org/njmarchforlife

Thanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!

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

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

Follow Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook.

Follow Bishop Kevin on Instagram. Follow 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. 

Brian Vohden is going into his second year as president of Morris Catholic High School. On this episode, he shares with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish what his first year was like and what he's looking forward to as a new school year begins. 

Vohden attended Catholic School in the diocese and worked at Pope John XXIII Regional High School and the Catholic Academy of Sussex County for 19 years, serving in both teaching and administrative roles. 

Morris Catholic High School is a faith-based, college-prep high school where students are known by name, challenged academically, and formed as leaders for life. The school is rooted in Catholic values and welcomes families of all backgrounds who want a school that forms the whole person: mind, heart, and spirit.

Show notes:
https://www.morriscatholic.org
https://insidethewalls.org/njmarchforlife
https://insidethewalls.org/coffee-with-kupke-live-recording

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 Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

Follow Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook.

Follow Bishop Kevin on Instagram. Follow 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. 

"I just need a place to sleep," said a pregnant woman living in her car and washing up for work in a public bathroom. Another woman, a pregnant college student abandoned by her family, insisted on giving birth to her child. These are real-life stories of women in crisis pregnancy situations who received the help they needed from an organization called Birth Haven. Tina Magarino, the executive director of the non-profit, is a guest on this week's episode, along with Alyssa Renovales, the Respect Life coordinator for the Diocese of Paterson. 

Birth Haven is an independent, nonsectarian, non-profit organization that provides shelter, support, and education for homeless, pregnant women and girls. Tina is passionate about helping single mothers recognize the barriers they face and overcome obstacles to break the cycle of homelessness. Birth Haven is located in Newton, N.J., in Sussex County and is one of many organizations listed on the Diocese of Paterson's Respect Life Ministry webpage as a resource for moms. 

Alyssa shares her perspective and also discusses what it was like at the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, where she was earlier this month with a million other Catholic youths.

Show notes:
https://birthhaven.org
https://insidethewalls.org/respect-life
https://insidethewalls.org/njmarchforlife

Thanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!

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

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

Follow Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook.

Follow Bishop Kevin on Instagram. Follow 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. 

Does a bishop get time off in the summer? Find out on this week's episode, when Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish catch up for a mid-summer episode. They discuss a wide array of current events and topics, including what's happening in Rome for the Jubilee Year of Hope, and the excitement around local pilgrimages and events in the Diocese of Paterson. 

Show Notes:
https://rcdop.org/jubilee-2025-rcdop

Thanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!

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

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

Follow Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook.

Follow Bishop Kevin on Instagram. Follow 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.