Shows / Beyond The Beacon
Beyond The Beacon
Join Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., as they discuss current events and topics relevant to the local Church in Paterson and the global Catholic Church. Bishop Sweeney answers questions from listeners, interviews guests, and shares reflections and insights helpful for all striving to live a life of faith, hope, and love.
Episodes
Beyond The BeaconParishes bring hope, love to Guatemala with mission trip
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…
Beyond The BeaconOur faith journey to WYD 2027 in Seoul begins now!
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…
Beyond The BeaconThe Good News Workshop: Creating better photos with Joe Gigli
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…
Beyond The BeaconA life devoted to prayer: Inside a Carmelite monastery
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…
Beyond The BeaconHow serving in Alaska transformed Father Kamil's life
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…
Beyond The BeaconBreaking down myths: What seminary life is really like
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…
Beyond The BeaconOpportunities of faith during triennial pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.
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…
Beyond The BeaconWays the Eucharist is transforming the lives of these pilgrims
When the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) journeyed through the Diocese of Paterson earlier this week, three of the young pilgrims on the journey –…
Beyond The BeaconBishop Kevin Sweeney shares opportunities to grow in faith
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…
Beyond The BeaconMore than a melody: The unstoppable spirit of Tony Melendez
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…
Beyond The BeaconWalking with a future saint? Lo Anne Mayer on her friendship with Fulton Sheen
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…
Beyond The BeaconThis special program equips parishioners to become better evangelists
On this episode, we learn about the Certificate in Catholic Evangelization and Leadership (CCE) -- a unique program, taught over three years, that seeks to…
Beyond The BeaconJohn Fanta: Sports broadcaster, storyteller and man of faith
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…
Beyond The BeaconThe best call of his life: How this former NBA referee rediscovered his faith and became a deacon
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…
Beyond The BeaconA new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson
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…
Beyond The BeaconHow to accompany people with a mental health illness
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…
Beyond The BeaconPriest, beggar, hero: Inside the world of Father Al and the Sisters of Mary
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…
Beyond The BeaconFaith in action: How the Interfaith Food Pantry serves the community
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…
Beyond The BeaconA shepherd’s approach to a new year with Bishop Kevin Sweeney
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…
Beyond The BeaconTwo sisters and a lifetime of social justice advocacy
“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…
Beyond The BeaconThe future is now: Inspiring interviews from our diocesan youth conference
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…
Beyond The BeaconLiving out your Catholic faith: Perspectives from 3 dedicated Knights
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…
Beyond The BeaconHow your gift powers hope across the three counties of the diocese
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…
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Youth ministry's impact: How it forms a strong Catholic faith
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…
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From fear to faith: A couple's powerful story of hope in the face of childhood cancer
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…
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How to use social media as a positive Catholic influence in the world today
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…
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A high school president shares lessons from year 1
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…
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What it's like to love and accompany homeless, pregnant women
"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…
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Bishop Kevin shares how to deepen your spiritual life with a jubilee pilgrimage and more!
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…
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Get to know our new Respect Life Coordinator
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…
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Impact of faith on students inspires new school president
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…
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Clergy abuse survivor shares his powerful story of hope, healing
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…
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How a men's retreat could result in a lifelong breakthrough
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…
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Mission priest shares his love for serving in Alaska
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…
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Habemus Papam: Bishop Kevin discusses our new Pope: Leo XIV
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…
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We reflect on Pope Francis and look to the conclave
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…
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University students, president share perspective on growing as people
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…
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The interesting life at an all-girls Catholic high school
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…
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Bishop Kevin answers your new email and social media questions
What's better? A slice of pizza from the city or Jersey? What's the bishop's favorite book of the Bible? Favorite parable? In his second "mailbag" episode…
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What it's like to be young and Catholic now
Three young adults share their experience of being Catholic in today's culture. Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish interview Michael Inguanti, David Martinez…
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Opportunities for God's grace in the season of Lent
As we look to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, Bishop Kevin Sweeney offers practical advice about the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and…
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How three people responded to their call to religious life
A religious sister and two brothers engage in a lively interview with Bishop Kevin Sweeney about how they discerned God's call to consecrated religious life…
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How this close-knit Catholic school community thrives now
For this remote episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai Agnish visited All Saints Academy, a preschool through eighth-grade Catholic school of the Diocese of…
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March For Life: The powerful movement continues after 52 years
On Jan. 24, 2025, the 52nd annual National March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C., bringing together pro-life advocates to be a voice for the…
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How to get involved in the Jubilee of 2025
Pope Francis invites everyone to participate in the grace-filled Jubilee “Year of Hope,” which opens in Rome on Dec. 24, 2024, and in every diocese on Dec. 29…
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How can the Church best involve young people in their faith communities?
How can the Church best involve young people in their faith communities? This week, several students who attend DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne tackle…
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Reworking the way we share the stories of our faith
Happy Thanksgiving from Bishop Kevin Sweeney, Jai Agnish, Cecile Pagliarulo, and all of us in the Communications Office of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J.! On…
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On the ground, how the synod is breathing new life into the Catholic Church
What does the Synod on Synodality mean for the future of the Catholic Church, and will anything change in the Diocese of Paterson? Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Jai…
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Cómo una universidad empodera e inspira a los estudiantes latinoamericanos
Descubre cómo la Universidad Seton Hall empodera e inspira a su población estudiantil latina con becas, conexiones profesionales y apoyo comunitario. En este…
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How one university empowers and inspires Latin American students
Learn how one university empowers and inspires its Latino student population with scholarships, career connections, and community support. Joining Bishop Kevin…
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Learn how giving impacts our communities in a special way
This remote episode was recorded at the temporary location of The Father English Food Pantry in the heart of Paterson near St. Joseph's University Medical…
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How to make a difference now as a Catholic in the public square
Who should I vote for this November? Find out what Bishop Kevin Sweeney has to say on the matter in the latest episode of Beyond The Beacon. You may or may not…
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A special live audience interview with Bishop Kevin and Jesuitical
We hosted a unique media event with Bishop Kevin Sweeney and America Media's Jesuitical on Sept. 11. The cohosts of the popular podcast -- Ashley McKinless and…
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The unique role of deacons in our faith life
"Go forth, the Mass is ended!" Deacons get the last word at Mass, and they have a unique role in the faith life of the Catholic Church. You might hear them…
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Join: The March For Life is coming to NJ
Any Catholic deeply involved in the pro-life movement has likely attended a March for Life in Washington, D.C. during its 50-year history. For those in New…
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Catholic higher education in the mainstream secular world
Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, the president of The Catholic University of America, joins Bishop Kevin Sweeney to discuss the challenges of leading a Catholic…
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Sacerdote regresa a Cuba para un año de misión
El Padre Dailon Lisabet es oriundo de Cuba y emigro a los EE.UU. cuando tenia 19 años. Llego a Nueva Jersey, donde fue ordenado sacerdote para la Diocesis de…
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Priest returns to Cuba for a special mission year
Father Dailon Lisabet left Cuba for the United States when he was 19 years old and found his way to New Jersey where he was ordained a priest of the diocese in…
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Exploring the diocesan archives for the first time
Bishop Kevin Sweeney tours the diocesan archives for the first time in a special simulpodcast episode of Beyond The Beacon and Coffee with Kupke. With the help…
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The National Eucharistic Congress has concluded. Now what?
On Beyond The Beacon episode 62, meet two couples, who recently returned from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Tobi and Anne…