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 Communi...

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 inte...

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. 

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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 impac...

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 wit...

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 Commun...

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...

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 a...

"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, i...

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

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Learn how end-of-life hospital care led Alyssa Renovales to embark on her role as the new Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Paterson. She also discusses graces she has experienced as a result of her involvement with the Corazón Puro ministry. Eniola Honsberger, director of the Office of Family Life, also joins Bishop Kevin Sweeney and guest co-host Brian Honsberger for this lively episode recorded at our St. Paul Inside t...

What would happen if you ran for 24 hours straight? Daniel O’Keefe can tell you. The new president of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County is an avid runner, completing over 50 ultramarathons. O’Keefe joins Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish to share his passion for education leadership and more. The Catholic Academy of Sussex County consists of Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School (PK-4), Pope John XXIII Middle School (5-7), ...

Clergy abuse survivor Mark Joseph Williams joins Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish to share his powerful story of confronting the suffering caused by abuse. Williams is the author of “Torrent of Grace: A Catholic Survivor's Healing Journey after Clergy Abuse,” in which he details spiraling into substance abuse and shame in the aftermath of trauma. He finds hope and healing in a place few survivors would look—The Catholic ...

Imagine if a spiritual retreat could have a life-changing impact on your life! For the guests of this episode, that is exactly what happened. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish talk with Dick Freiberger and Frank Farrell, members of the Called to Courage men’s retreat group; and Father Dan Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Paterson. The annual Called to Courage retreat is where men listen and speak from the heart, and ...

Father Kamil Kiszka joins Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish to discuss his unique calling to ministry in Alaska. The Polish priest often flies to parishes where parishioners haven't had Mass in months. There are funeral processions with snowmobiles, and afternoon ice fishing with Eskimo friends. Father Kiszka also opens up about the impact of darkness and isolation on his mental health and how he copes with discouragement...

Bishop Kevin Sweeney shares his reaction to Pope Leo XIV's historic election. Our local church of Paterson rejoices with the Church throughout the world in the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the Successor to the blessed Apostle Peter. Jai Agnish co-hosts.

Show Notes:
https://beaconnj.org/statement-of-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-bishop-of-paterson-on-the-election-of-his-holiness-pope-leo-xiv-may-8-2025

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 This special episode reflects on Pope Francis's legacy and considers what the future might bring. Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Jai Agnish is Msgr. Geno Sylva, to share joyful memories of his interactions with the Holy Father while working at the Vatican for many years. Msgr. Geno is the rector of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. He is also vicar for Special Projects and serves as a Vatican appo...

Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish visit the beautiful campus of Saint Elizabeth University in Morris Township, N.J., for a remote episode recorded by students in the university's studio. Interviews include Dr. Gary B. Crosby, president of the Catholic university, and several students in different years of study. Hear their perspective about learning and growing, and what the day-to-day life of a college student is like. The ...

What is it like to attend an all-girls Catholic high school? Two seniors and two sophomores attending Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon share an inside look at attending the Salesian-run all-girl Catholic high school, which has strengthened their faith lives and allowed them to focus on academic excellence away from the pressures many students face today. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo lead the convers...