News

Two Paterson churches will merge to create a vibrant St. Pio Parish #Catholic – Located only three blocks apart, St. Bonaventure and Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) parishes brought Christ’s love to the people of the Stoney Road section of Paterson, N.J., as separate faith communities for more than 260 years combined. The churches are so close that each parish can hear the other’s church bells from its front steps. So it might seem providential that on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, these two parishes, each with its own history and traditions, will merge into a single parish under a new name: St. Pio of Pietrelcina — also known as “Padre Pio” — Parish. The merger will streamline the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP into one parish. To keep meeting the people’s spiritual and pastoral needs, St. Pio’s is ensuring that both churches will remain open and has readjusted the Mass schedules at both locations. Father Manuel Cuellar, who will become pastor on April 12, and St. Pio’s looks forward to uniting both parishes and bringing together their (Anglo) English-speaking and growing Hispanic communities. During the past year, this merger process has unfolded in a spirit of prayerful discernment and collaboration. On April 12, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will celebrate the establishment of St. Pio’s during a Eucharistic procession at 3 p.m. from OLP on Murray Avenue to St. Bonaventure’s on Ramsey Street. The event will start with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at OLP and conclude with Benediction at St. Bonaventure’s. Bishop Sweeney approved the merger after prayer and consultation and accompanied parishioners during the process. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “Our Lady of Pompei and St. Bonaventure’s have four different communities, including two (Anglo) English-speaking and two Hispanic. But I want to see St. Pio become one dynamic community,” said Father Cuellar. He will remain the parochial vicar of St. Gerard Majella Parish in Paterson until he becomes St. Pio’s pastor. “In my homilies, I say that no matter what language we speak or where we come from, we are all children of God. We are doing this merger for the good of the people, especially for our children.” Also attending the April 12 prayer service will be clergy from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who have been instrumental in shepherding this merger. They are Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Gerard’s and pastor of OLP until Father Cuellar becomes pastor of St. Pio’s, and Father Alex Nevitt, diocesan episcopal delegate for parish leadership development and administrator of St. Bonaventure’s until that day. Father Cuellar helped expand and strengthen OLP’s Hispanic community. He established the parish’s first Spanish Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in September 2024. It has grown from 12 churchgoers to more than 140. The priest united the community through a December procession through the city streets for Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican Catholic devotion, and has encouraged other lively, colorful devotions, such as Our Lady of Altagracia, a Dominican devotion. He also brought the OLP parish together for a Christmas party. Meanwhile, St. Bonaventure’s has been expanding its digital presence. The parish recently launched a young adult ministry that has attracted about 40 members and become the largest of its kind in the diocese. St. Bonaventure’s has a Spanish Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Raysa Gonzalez, a lector for OLP’s Spanish Mass, was involved in roundtable discussions about the merger. A lifelong churchgoer, she didn’t feel connected to her faith until she started attending the parish’s Spanish Mass. Her son also enjoys attending the liturgy. “In his homilies, Father Manuel relates the Gospel by giving examples from real life. It helps me understand the message of the bible,” said Gonzalez, who called the merger process “a little scary, but we have faith and pray. Everything has been wonderful. Everybody is trying to do their part to connect with each other and grow together as one family.” Last year, parishioners voted to choose the name of the new faith community: St. Pio of Pietrelcina. Padre Pio (1887–1968) was an Italian Capuchin priest renowned for his intense prayer, stigmatization, and service to the suffering. Father Nevitt said the name “recounts Padre Pio’s bilocation, an evocative sign as we unite two churches within one parish.” “In proposing St. Pio of Pietrelcina, we express our desire to form a community of deep sacramental life and missionary outreach — one that inspires every generation, including young people and families, through a clear witness of holiness, Eucharistic devotion, and prayerful charity,” Father Nevitt wrote in a letter about the new name to Bishop Sweeney. Temporarily, St. Pio’s staff will work from St. Bonaventure’s offices, while clergy will live in St. Bonaventure’s rectory. Eventually, the OLP rectory will be renovated into St. Pio’s offices, and St. Bonaventure’s rectory will be renovated into St. Pio’s rectory. Father Nevitt will assist Father Cuellar, a fellow 2019 ordination classmate, with technology upgrades, a new website, and a new logo featuring a smiling St. Pio. The two parishes represent more than 260 years of service to the area —150 at St. Bonaventure’s and 110 at OLP. St. Bonaventure’s, the diocese’s second-oldest parish, was founded when Franciscan Friars arrived in Paterson from Germany in 1876. Bishop Sweeney assigned Father Nevitt to help transition St. Bonaventure’s to a diocesan parish after the Franciscan Friars announced they were leaving, citing manpower shortages, in 2024. In 1916, OLP was started as a mission of St. Michael Parish in Paterson to serve the Italian community. Msgr. Hundt became pastor of OLP and St. Gerard’s in July 2024, before the Franciscans left St. Bonaventure. The populations of OLP and St. Bonaventure’s were both declining, and OLP was also facing financial struggles. Msgr. Hundt praised the decision to keep both churches open, which provides more room for St. Pio Parish. Merger discussions became more relaxed once parishioners were reassured that neither church would close, he said. “The challenge was helping people realize we’re moving toward something important, but that it’s going to involve letting go of part of their experience of community,” Msgr. Hundt said. “There’s a certain dying that has to take place in both communities to rise to the new parish of St. Padre Pio. It takes a lot of grace for God to help us let that happen. I think they’re doing that beautifully.” For Mass times and other information, visit piopaterson.org as of April 12.  
Read More

Two Paterson churches will merge to create a vibrant St. Pio Parish #Catholic – Located only three blocks apart, St. Bonaventure and Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) parishes brought Christ’s love to the people of the Stoney Road section of Paterson, N.J., as separate faith communities for more than 260 years combined. The churches are so close that each parish can hear the other’s church bells from its front steps. So it might seem providential that on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, these two parishes, each with its own history and traditions, will merge into a single parish under a new name: St. Pio of Pietrelcina — also known as “Padre Pio” — Parish. The merger will streamline the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP into one parish. To keep meeting the people’s spiritual and pastoral needs, St. Pio’s is ensuring that both churches will remain open and has readjusted the Mass schedules at both locations. Father Manuel Cuellar, who will become pastor on April 12, and St. Pio’s looks forward to uniting both parishes and bringing together their (Anglo) English-speaking and growing Hispanic communities. During the past year, this merger process has unfolded in a spirit of prayerful discernment and collaboration. On April 12, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will celebrate the establishment of St. Pio’s during a Eucharistic procession at 3 p.m. from OLP on Murray Avenue to St. Bonaventure’s on Ramsey Street. The event will start with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at OLP and conclude with Benediction at St. Bonaventure’s. Bishop Sweeney approved the merger after prayer and consultation and accompanied parishioners during the process. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “Our Lady of Pompei and St. Bonaventure’s have four different communities, including two (Anglo) English-speaking and two Hispanic. But I want to see St. Pio become one dynamic community,” said Father Cuellar. He will remain the parochial vicar of St. Gerard Majella Parish in Paterson until he becomes St. Pio’s pastor. “In my homilies, I say that no matter what language we speak or where we come from, we are all children of God. We are doing this merger for the good of the people, especially for our children.” Also attending the April 12 prayer service will be clergy from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who have been instrumental in shepherding this merger. They are Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Gerard’s and pastor of OLP until Father Cuellar becomes pastor of St. Pio’s, and Father Alex Nevitt, diocesan episcopal delegate for parish leadership development and administrator of St. Bonaventure’s until that day. Father Cuellar helped expand and strengthen OLP’s Hispanic community. He established the parish’s first Spanish Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in September 2024. It has grown from 12 churchgoers to more than 140. The priest united the community through a December procession through the city streets for Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican Catholic devotion, and has encouraged other lively, colorful devotions, such as Our Lady of Altagracia, a Dominican devotion. He also brought the OLP parish together for a Christmas party. Meanwhile, St. Bonaventure’s has been expanding its digital presence. The parish recently launched a young adult ministry that has attracted about 40 members and become the largest of its kind in the diocese. St. Bonaventure’s has a Spanish Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Raysa Gonzalez, a lector for OLP’s Spanish Mass, was involved in roundtable discussions about the merger. A lifelong churchgoer, she didn’t feel connected to her faith until she started attending the parish’s Spanish Mass. Her son also enjoys attending the liturgy. “In his homilies, Father Manuel relates the Gospel by giving examples from real life. It helps me understand the message of the bible,” said Gonzalez, who called the merger process “a little scary, but we have faith and pray. Everything has been wonderful. Everybody is trying to do their part to connect with each other and grow together as one family.” Last year, parishioners voted to choose the name of the new faith community: St. Pio of Pietrelcina. Padre Pio (1887–1968) was an Italian Capuchin priest renowned for his intense prayer, stigmatization, and service to the suffering. Father Nevitt said the name “recounts Padre Pio’s bilocation, an evocative sign as we unite two churches within one parish.” “In proposing St. Pio of Pietrelcina, we express our desire to form a community of deep sacramental life and missionary outreach — one that inspires every generation, including young people and families, through a clear witness of holiness, Eucharistic devotion, and prayerful charity,” Father Nevitt wrote in a letter about the new name to Bishop Sweeney. Temporarily, St. Pio’s staff will work from St. Bonaventure’s offices, while clergy will live in St. Bonaventure’s rectory. Eventually, the OLP rectory will be renovated into St. Pio’s offices, and St. Bonaventure’s rectory will be renovated into St. Pio’s rectory. Father Nevitt will assist Father Cuellar, a fellow 2019 ordination classmate, with technology upgrades, a new website, and a new logo featuring a smiling St. Pio. The two parishes represent more than 260 years of service to the area —150 at St. Bonaventure’s and 110 at OLP. St. Bonaventure’s, the diocese’s second-oldest parish, was founded when Franciscan Friars arrived in Paterson from Germany in 1876. Bishop Sweeney assigned Father Nevitt to help transition St. Bonaventure’s to a diocesan parish after the Franciscan Friars announced they were leaving, citing manpower shortages, in 2024. In 1916, OLP was started as a mission of St. Michael Parish in Paterson to serve the Italian community. Msgr. Hundt became pastor of OLP and St. Gerard’s in July 2024, before the Franciscans left St. Bonaventure. The populations of OLP and St. Bonaventure’s were both declining, and OLP was also facing financial struggles. Msgr. Hundt praised the decision to keep both churches open, which provides more room for St. Pio Parish. Merger discussions became more relaxed once parishioners were reassured that neither church would close, he said. “The challenge was helping people realize we’re moving toward something important, but that it’s going to involve letting go of part of their experience of community,” Msgr. Hundt said. “There’s a certain dying that has to take place in both communities to rise to the new parish of St. Padre Pio. It takes a lot of grace for God to help us let that happen. I think they’re doing that beautifully.” For Mass times and other information, visit piopaterson.org as of April 12.  

unitedyam

Two Paterson churches will merge to create a vibrant St. Pio Parish #Catholic –

Located only three blocks apart, St. Bonaventure and Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) parishes brought Christ’s love to the people of the Stoney Road section of Paterson, N.J., as separate faith communities for more than 260 years combined. The churches are so close that each parish can hear the other’s church bells from its front steps.

So it might seem providential that on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, these two parishes, each with its own history and traditions, will merge into a single parish under a new name: St. Pio of Pietrelcina — also known as “Padre Pio” — Parish. The merger will streamline the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP into one parish. To keep meeting the people’s spiritual and pastoral needs, St. Pio’s is ensuring that both churches will remain open and has readjusted the Mass schedules at both locations.

Father Manuel Cuellar, who will become pastor on April 12, and St. Pio’s looks forward to uniting both parishes and bringing together their (Anglo) English-speaking and growing Hispanic communities. During the past year, this merger process has unfolded in a spirit of prayerful discernment and collaboration.

On April 12, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will celebrate the establishment of St. Pio’s during a Eucharistic procession at 3 p.m. from OLP on Murray Avenue to St. Bonaventure’s on Ramsey Street. The event will start with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at OLP and conclude with Benediction at St. Bonaventure’s. Bishop Sweeney approved the merger after prayer and consultation and accompanied parishioners during the process.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“Our Lady of Pompei and St. Bonaventure’s have four different communities, including two (Anglo) English-speaking and two Hispanic. But I want to see St. Pio become one dynamic community,” said Father Cuellar. He will remain the parochial vicar of St. Gerard Majella Parish in Paterson until he becomes St. Pio’s pastor. “In my homilies, I say that no matter what language we speak or where we come from, we are all children of God. We are doing this merger for the good of the people, especially for our children.”

Also attending the April 12 prayer service will be clergy from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who have been instrumental in shepherding this merger. They are Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Gerard’s and pastor of OLP until Father Cuellar becomes pastor of St. Pio’s, and Father Alex Nevitt, diocesan episcopal delegate for parish leadership development and administrator of St. Bonaventure’s until that day.

Father Cuellar helped expand and strengthen OLP’s Hispanic community. He established the parish’s first Spanish Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in September 2024. It has grown from 12 churchgoers to more than 140. The priest united the community through a December procession through the city streets for Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican Catholic devotion, and has encouraged other lively, colorful devotions, such as Our Lady of Altagracia, a Dominican devotion. He also brought the OLP parish together for a Christmas party.

Meanwhile, St. Bonaventure’s has been expanding its digital presence. The parish recently launched a young adult ministry that has attracted about 40 members and become the largest of its kind in the diocese. St. Bonaventure’s has a Spanish Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Raysa Gonzalez, a lector for OLP’s Spanish Mass, was involved in roundtable discussions about the merger. A lifelong churchgoer, she didn’t feel connected to her faith until she started attending the parish’s Spanish Mass. Her son also enjoys attending the liturgy.

“In his homilies, Father Manuel relates the Gospel by giving examples from real life. It helps me understand the message of the bible,” said Gonzalez, who called the merger process “a little scary, but we have faith and pray. Everything has been wonderful. Everybody is trying to do their part to connect with each other and grow together as one family.”

Last year, parishioners voted to choose the name of the new faith community: St. Pio of Pietrelcina. Padre Pio (1887–1968) was an Italian Capuchin priest renowned for his intense prayer, stigmatization, and service to the suffering. Father Nevitt said the name “recounts Padre Pio’s bilocation, an evocative sign as we unite two churches within one parish.”

“In proposing St. Pio of Pietrelcina, we express our desire to form a community of deep sacramental life and missionary outreach — one that inspires every generation, including young people and families, through a clear witness of holiness, Eucharistic devotion, and prayerful charity,” Father Nevitt wrote in a letter about the new name to Bishop Sweeney.

Temporarily, St. Pio’s staff will work from St. Bonaventure’s offices, while clergy will live in St. Bonaventure’s rectory. Eventually, the OLP rectory will be renovated into St. Pio’s offices, and St. Bonaventure’s rectory will be renovated into St. Pio’s rectory. Father Nevitt will assist Father Cuellar, a fellow 2019 ordination classmate, with technology upgrades, a new website, and a new logo featuring a smiling St. Pio.

The two parishes represent more than 260 years of service to the area —150 at St. Bonaventure’s and 110 at OLP. St. Bonaventure’s, the diocese’s second-oldest parish, was founded when Franciscan Friars arrived in Paterson from Germany in 1876. Bishop Sweeney assigned Father Nevitt to help transition St. Bonaventure’s to a diocesan parish after the Franciscan Friars announced they were leaving, citing manpower shortages, in 2024.

In 1916, OLP was started as a mission of St. Michael Parish in Paterson to serve the Italian community. Msgr. Hundt became pastor of OLP and St. Gerard’s in July 2024, before the Franciscans left St. Bonaventure. The populations of OLP and St. Bonaventure’s were both declining, and OLP was also facing financial struggles.

Msgr. Hundt praised the decision to keep both churches open, which provides more room for St. Pio Parish. Merger discussions became more relaxed once parishioners were reassured that neither church would close, he said.

“The challenge was helping people realize we’re moving toward something important, but that it’s going to involve letting go of part of their experience of community,” Msgr. Hundt said. “There’s a certain dying that has to take place in both communities to rise to the new parish of St. Padre Pio. It takes a lot of grace for God to help us let that happen. I think they’re doing that beautifully.”

For Mass times and other information, visit piopaterson.org as of April 12.

 

– Located only three blocks apart, St. Bonaventure and Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) parishes brought Christ’s love to the people of the Stoney Road section of Paterson, N.J., as separate faith communities for more than 260 years combined. The churches are so close that each parish can hear the other’s church bells from its front steps. So it might seem providential that on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, these two parishes, each with its own history and traditions, will merge into a single parish under a new name: St. Pio of Pietrelcina — also known as “Padre Pio” — Parish.

Read More

Mercury at greatest elongation on April 3

unitedyam

This week, Astronomy magazine Editor Emeritus Dave Eicher invites you to check out Mercury, which will be at its greatest elongation on April 3. This is when the planet appears farthest away from the Sun in the morning sky, making it easier to see. Good luck! Video transcript: Welcome to This Week in Astronomy, broughtContinue reading “Mercury at greatest elongation on April 3”

The post Mercury at greatest elongation on April 3 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
.5M gift fuels Morris Catholic fitness center project #Catholic – Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., has received an unprecedented .5 million gift from an alumnus and spouse — the most generous donation in the school’s history — to build a new Health and Fitness Center. This remarkable gift transforms the school’s nearly 70-year history, inspiring hope and excitement in students, faculty, and families. The donors, a Morris Catholic alumnus and their spouse, have chosen to keep their identities confidential at this time. Plans for the approximately 15,000-square-foot, two-story facility addition to the Morris Catholic campus have been completed, and the school is preparing to begin construction in late spring. The new facility will represent the first physical expansion of the Morris Catholic campus since the 1960s and mark a bold investment in the school’s future and the students it serves. The center is designed to promote and support a healthy lifestyle among students. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “This extraordinary gift reflects a deep belief in the mission and future of Morris Catholic,” said Brian Vohden, Morris Catholic president. “For nearly seven decades, Morris Catholic has formed young men and women in faith, scholarship, and service. This generosity shows the value our community places on having attended Morris Catholic and in helping today’s students.” The facility will significantly enhance Morris Catholic’s physical education and athletic programs. Designed to serve the entire student body, the center will provide modern training space for physical education, strength and conditioning, and Crusader programs’ athletic teams. The first floor will feature new weights, benches, and equipment. of treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines on the second floor, along with a space for speed and agility work. A 25-foot-tall glass wall will offer visitors a view of the football field below. The anonymous donors shared their heartfelt motivation: “We wanted to make an immediate impact, to help our youth rise to today’s challenges. Our greatest hope is that this gift empowers every student to thrive and embrace a future filled with possibility to impact, to prepare our youth for today’s challenges. We were especially interested in providing a high-quality, state-of-the-art facility for the Morris Catholic student to thrive physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually, resulting in a truly abundant life.” The project includes exterior restrooms and a modern concession and retail space for visitors. modern concession and retail space to enhance the experience for families and visitors attending outdoor athletic events. The project arrives during a time of excitement and renewed optimism at Morris Catholic. Guided by the school’s recently adopted five-year strategic plan, the community is uniting around initiatives that promise new opportunities and brighter futures for students and families. For recently adopted five-year strategic plan, the community is investing in a series of initiatives designed to strengthen academics, expand student opportunities, help meet the financial aid needs of students and their families, and position Morris Catholic as a leader among premier Catholic college preparatory schools in New Jersey. “Catholic education and Catholic Schools are a great gift to students, families, our diocese, the whole Church and the wider community. I am always inspired by donors’ sacrificial generosity, parents’ sacrifices for their children’s education, and the leaders, faculty, staff, and volunteers in our Catholic schools,” Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey said. “This new student health and fitness center at Morris Catholic is a concrete example of a community coming together to find unique and creative ways to support and educate the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.” Beyond the record-setting gift, additional gifts from donors and parents are enabling the center to be built. Mark Thomas, co-chair of the Morris Catholic Board of Trustees, said, “This enormous act of generosity will touch all students. It will equip our athletes with tools and capabilities to add to our history of excellence in athletics. The board is gratified that alumni are partnering with us in strategically important areas.”  
Read More

$2.5M gift fuels Morris Catholic fitness center project #Catholic – Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., has received an unprecedented $2.5 million gift from an alumnus and spouse — the most generous donation in the school’s history — to build a new Health and Fitness Center. This remarkable gift transforms the school’s nearly 70-year history, inspiring hope and excitement in students, faculty, and families. The donors, a Morris Catholic alumnus and their spouse, have chosen to keep their identities confidential at this time. Plans for the approximately 15,000-square-foot, two-story facility addition to the Morris Catholic campus have been completed, and the school is preparing to begin construction in late spring. The new facility will represent the first physical expansion of the Morris Catholic campus since the 1960s and mark a bold investment in the school’s future and the students it serves. The center is designed to promote and support a healthy lifestyle among students. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “This extraordinary gift reflects a deep belief in the mission and future of Morris Catholic,” said Brian Vohden, Morris Catholic president. “For nearly seven decades, Morris Catholic has formed young men and women in faith, scholarship, and service. This generosity shows the value our community places on having attended Morris Catholic and in helping today’s students.” The facility will significantly enhance Morris Catholic’s physical education and athletic programs. Designed to serve the entire student body, the center will provide modern training space for physical education, strength and conditioning, and Crusader programs’ athletic teams. The first floor will feature new weights, benches, and equipment. of treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines on the second floor, along with a space for speed and agility work. A 25-foot-tall glass wall will offer visitors a view of the football field below. The anonymous donors shared their heartfelt motivation: “We wanted to make an immediate impact, to help our youth rise to today’s challenges. Our greatest hope is that this gift empowers every student to thrive and embrace a future filled with possibility to impact, to prepare our youth for today’s challenges. We were especially interested in providing a high-quality, state-of-the-art facility for the Morris Catholic student to thrive physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually, resulting in a truly abundant life.” The project includes exterior restrooms and a modern concession and retail space for visitors. modern concession and retail space to enhance the experience for families and visitors attending outdoor athletic events. The project arrives during a time of excitement and renewed optimism at Morris Catholic. Guided by the school’s recently adopted five-year strategic plan, the community is uniting around initiatives that promise new opportunities and brighter futures for students and families. For recently adopted five-year strategic plan, the community is investing in a series of initiatives designed to strengthen academics, expand student opportunities, help meet the financial aid needs of students and their families, and position Morris Catholic as a leader among premier Catholic college preparatory schools in New Jersey. “Catholic education and Catholic Schools are a great gift to students, families, our diocese, the whole Church and the wider community. I am always inspired by donors’ sacrificial generosity, parents’ sacrifices for their children’s education, and the leaders, faculty, staff, and volunteers in our Catholic schools,” Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey said. “This new student health and fitness center at Morris Catholic is a concrete example of a community coming together to find unique and creative ways to support and educate the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.” Beyond the record-setting gift, additional gifts from donors and parents are enabling the center to be built. Mark Thomas, co-chair of the Morris Catholic Board of Trustees, said, “This enormous act of generosity will touch all students. It will equip our athletes with tools and capabilities to add to our history of excellence in athletics. The board is gratified that alumni are partnering with us in strategically important areas.”  

unitedyam

$2.5M gift fuels Morris Catholic fitness center project #Catholic –

Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., has received an unprecedented $2.5 million gift from an alumnus and spouse — the most generous donation in the school’s history — to build a new Health and Fitness Center. This remarkable gift transforms the school’s nearly 70-year history, inspiring hope and excitement in students, faculty, and families.

The donors, a Morris Catholic alumnus and their spouse, have chosen to keep their identities confidential at this time. Plans for the approximately 15,000-square-foot, two-story facility addition to the Morris Catholic campus have been completed, and the school is preparing to begin construction in late spring.

The new facility will represent the first physical expansion of the Morris Catholic campus since the 1960s and mark a bold investment in the school’s future and the students it serves. The center is designed to promote and support a healthy lifestyle among students.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“This extraordinary gift reflects a deep belief in the mission and future of Morris Catholic,” said Brian Vohden, Morris Catholic president. “For nearly seven decades, Morris Catholic has formed young men and women in faith, scholarship, and service. This generosity shows the value our community places on having attended Morris Catholic and in helping today’s students.”

The facility will significantly enhance Morris Catholic’s physical education and athletic programs. Designed to serve the entire student body, the center will provide modern training space for physical education, strength and conditioning, and Crusader programs’ athletic teams. The first floor will feature new weights, benches, and equipment. of treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines on the second floor, along with a space for speed and agility work. A 25-foot-tall glass wall will offer visitors a view of the football field below.

The anonymous donors shared their heartfelt motivation: “We wanted to make an immediate impact, to help our youth rise to today’s challenges. Our greatest hope is that this gift empowers every student to thrive and embrace a future filled with possibility to impact, to prepare our youth for today’s challenges. We were especially interested in providing a high-quality, state-of-the-art facility for the Morris Catholic student to thrive physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually, resulting in a truly abundant life.”

The project includes exterior restrooms and a modern concession and retail space for visitors.
modern concession and retail space to enhance the experience for families and visitors attending
outdoor athletic events.

The project arrives during a time of excitement and renewed optimism at Morris Catholic. Guided by the school’s recently adopted five-year strategic plan, the community is uniting around initiatives that promise new opportunities and brighter futures for students and families.

For recently adopted five-year strategic plan, the community is investing in a series of initiatives designed to strengthen academics, expand student opportunities, help meet the financial aid needs of students and their families, and position Morris Catholic as a leader among premier
Catholic college preparatory schools in New Jersey.

“Catholic education and Catholic Schools are a great gift to students, families, our diocese, the
whole Church and the wider community. I am always inspired by donors’ sacrificial generosity, parents’ sacrifices for their children’s education, and the leaders, faculty, staff, and volunteers in our Catholic schools,” Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey said. “This new student health and fitness center at Morris Catholic is a concrete example of a community coming together to find unique and creative ways to support and educate the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.”

Beyond the record-setting gift, additional gifts from donors and parents are enabling the center to be built.

Mark Thomas, co-chair of the Morris Catholic Board of Trustees, said, “This enormous act of generosity will touch all students. It will equip our athletes with tools and capabilities to add to our history of excellence in athletics. The board is gratified that alumni are partnering with us in strategically important areas.”

 

– Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., has received an unprecedented $2.5 million gift from an alumnus and spouse — the most generous donation in the school’s history — to build a new Health and Fitness Center. This remarkable gift transforms the school’s nearly 70-year history, inspiring hope and excitement in students, faculty, and families. The donors, a Morris Catholic alumnus and their spouse, have chosen to keep their identities confidential at this time. Plans for the approximately 15,000-square-foot, two-story facility addition to the Morris Catholic campus have been completed, and the school is preparing to begin construction in late

Read More

March 29, 1807: Heinrich Olbers discovers Vesta

unitedyam

When Heinrich Olbers spotted asteroid Pallas on March 28, 1802, it called into question the recent discovery of Ceres as the “missing” planet between Mars and Jupiter. The Titius-Bode law, a mathematical formula that predicted the expected distances of planets from the Sun and had accurately posited the location of Uranus, suggested there should beContinue reading “March 29, 1807: Heinrich Olbers discovers Vesta”

The post March 29, 1807: Heinrich Olbers discovers Vesta appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

March 28, 1802: Heinrich Olbers discovers Pallas

unitedyam

In the 18th century, an international group of astronomers referred to as the “Celestial Police” devoted themselves to the search of the “missing” planet between Mars and Jupiter. A planet was expected in that zone based on the extrapolations of the Titius-Bode law, a mathematical formula developed by Johann Titius in 1766 and popularized byContinue reading “March 28, 1802: Heinrich Olbers discovers Pallas”

The post March 28, 1802: Heinrich Olbers discovers Pallas appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

March into this month’s new astronomy products

unitedyam

Sol 100mm Dedicated Solar Telescope DayStar FiltersWarrensburg, Missouri DayStar’s Sol 100 Hydrogen-alpha telescope is a 4-inch instrument that allows safe viewing of normally invisible solar features. The design offers a ¾° field of view and unique coatings, optimizing the Sol 100 for the Hα wavelength $4,9951-866-680-6563www.daystar.comShop at High Point Scientific SkyMaster Pro ED 15x70mm PorroContinue reading “March into this month’s new astronomy products”

The post March into this month’s new astronomy products appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

JWST reveals how dust becomes planets

unitedyam

Astronomers typically describe the cosmos with numbers that are, well, astronomical. They measure distances within our galaxy in light-years, where 1 light-year equals 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion kilometers), while other galaxies lie millions or even billions of light-years away. And stars typically live billions of years within a universe some 13.7 billion years old.Continue reading “JWST reveals how dust becomes planets”

The post JWST reveals how dust becomes planets appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Alaskan Chrism Masses: bishops and priests unite with joy #Catholic – In most parts of the world, Catholic dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass during Holy Week as they prepare for the Sacred Triduum. However, in Alaska, this annual liturgy typically follows a different schedule. The Church in this vast state, covering 665,384 square miles, usually holds Chrism Masses a few weeks before Holy Week. That’s to enable the many missionary priests, who travel long distances to serve their remote faith communities, to receive the sacred oils, which are consecrated during the Mass, or to have them mailed to their parishes by around Eastertime. The packages contain the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of Chrism, which priests use throughout the year. Father Kamil Kiszka, moderator of St. Joseph Parish in Kotlik and Holy Family in Mertarvik, serves remote southwestern Alaska villages with populations ranging from 200 to 750. He is also a priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. This year, Father Kiszka had a satisfying spiritual moment during a noteworthy Chrism Mass on March 12, following the recent Alaska Priestly Convocation. Every year, priests ministering in Alaska gather for three days of priestly fraternity and spiritual development at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Anchorage, in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. At the end of their convocation, priests from Anchorage-Juneau celebrate the Chrism Mass with Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, while priests from the Diocese of Fairbanks travel to Fairbanks to celebrate the Mass with Bishop Steven Maekawa, O.P. “It was wonderful to be in the presence of the two bishops and my brother priests for the time of convocation. I was even happier to celebrate the Chrism Mass in Fairbanks with the diocesan priests. During the Mass, we receive the sacred oils from the bishop, which unite us priests with the bishop in our ministry. It’s great to have a sense of spiritual support and unity,” said Father Kiszka. “The oils are a sign of the grace of God, which I pass on to the people as a priest to strengthen them spiritually.” Father Kiszka attended an “Oil Mass” last year in Bethel, which he said was unique but lacked the spiritual and fraternal elements of the Chrism Mass, where the bishop consecrates the holy oils and priests renew their promises. After the Chrism Mass in Fairbanks, large bottles of the sacred oils were taken by one of the priests to another city, Bethel. There, the oils were redistributed at a local church into many smaller bottles, which were sent to some remote parishes. Father Kiszka was able to pick up the set of oils for his parish in Kotlik, located on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta near the coast. However, the set for his parish in Mertarvik has to wait for his next trip to visit the village. Unpredictable winter flights make airmail deliveries of the oils difficult. Oils are mailed to parishes without resident priests. In some cases, one priest serves multiple parishes, so oils are mailed ahead when he cannot visit all of them before Easter. The considerable logistics of distributing and mailing the holy oils only hint at the difficulties faced by mission priests living and ministering in Alaska’s “bush” country. Father Kiszka started his full-time missionary work in Alaska in 2024 and is expected to return to Paterson this July. The Polish-born priest travels by snowmobile, boat, and four-wheel vehicle. Sometimes he faces sub-zero temperatures. He often lacks access to running water, showers, restrooms, phone service, the Internet, transportation, or food supplies. To reach Mertarvik, Father Kiszka takes three planes. He sleeps on the floor in the local school to celebrate Mass for parishioners the next day. He enjoys hearing confessions in Yugtun, the native language of the Yupik Indigenous peoples. He also enjoys singing the “Our Father” in Yugtun during Mass. This winter has been the toughest in Alaska since the 1990s. Illustrating the difficulties, pipes broke in his church in Kotlik, and the city of North Pole, near Fairbanks, experienced extreme temperatures of -66 degrees below zero, according to Father Kiszka. “Missionary priests like me are getting a sense that there is a wider Church in the world. It’s challenging, but with God’s grace, I see that I’m doing something here in Alaska that will continue: the building up of the Church,” Father Kiszka said. “I’m bringing God with me to the native people I have been serving. I want to help make their faith more alive than I have in myself and my priesthood.”  
Read More

Alaskan Chrism Masses: bishops and priests unite with joy #Catholic – In most parts of the world, Catholic dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass during Holy Week as they prepare for the Sacred Triduum. However, in Alaska, this annual liturgy typically follows a different schedule. The Church in this vast state, covering 665,384 square miles, usually holds Chrism Masses a few weeks before Holy Week. That’s to enable the many missionary priests, who travel long distances to serve their remote faith communities, to receive the sacred oils, which are consecrated during the Mass, or to have them mailed to their parishes by around Eastertime. The packages contain the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of Chrism, which priests use throughout the year. Father Kamil Kiszka, moderator of St. Joseph Parish in Kotlik and Holy Family in Mertarvik, serves remote southwestern Alaska villages with populations ranging from 200 to 750. He is also a priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. This year, Father Kiszka had a satisfying spiritual moment during a noteworthy Chrism Mass on March 12, following the recent Alaska Priestly Convocation. Every year, priests ministering in Alaska gather for three days of priestly fraternity and spiritual development at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Anchorage, in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. At the end of their convocation, priests from Anchorage-Juneau celebrate the Chrism Mass with Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, while priests from the Diocese of Fairbanks travel to Fairbanks to celebrate the Mass with Bishop Steven Maekawa, O.P. “It was wonderful to be in the presence of the two bishops and my brother priests for the time of convocation. I was even happier to celebrate the Chrism Mass in Fairbanks with the diocesan priests. During the Mass, we receive the sacred oils from the bishop, which unite us priests with the bishop in our ministry. It’s great to have a sense of spiritual support and unity,” said Father Kiszka. “The oils are a sign of the grace of God, which I pass on to the people as a priest to strengthen them spiritually.” Father Kiszka attended an “Oil Mass” last year in Bethel, which he said was unique but lacked the spiritual and fraternal elements of the Chrism Mass, where the bishop consecrates the holy oils and priests renew their promises. After the Chrism Mass in Fairbanks, large bottles of the sacred oils were taken by one of the priests to another city, Bethel. There, the oils were redistributed at a local church into many smaller bottles, which were sent to some remote parishes. Father Kiszka was able to pick up the set of oils for his parish in Kotlik, located on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta near the coast. However, the set for his parish in Mertarvik has to wait for his next trip to visit the village. Unpredictable winter flights make airmail deliveries of the oils difficult. Oils are mailed to parishes without resident priests. In some cases, one priest serves multiple parishes, so oils are mailed ahead when he cannot visit all of them before Easter. The considerable logistics of distributing and mailing the holy oils only hint at the difficulties faced by mission priests living and ministering in Alaska’s “bush” country. Father Kiszka started his full-time missionary work in Alaska in 2024 and is expected to return to Paterson this July. The Polish-born priest travels by snowmobile, boat, and four-wheel vehicle. Sometimes he faces sub-zero temperatures. He often lacks access to running water, showers, restrooms, phone service, the Internet, transportation, or food supplies. To reach Mertarvik, Father Kiszka takes three planes. He sleeps on the floor in the local school to celebrate Mass for parishioners the next day. He enjoys hearing confessions in Yugtun, the native language of the Yupik Indigenous peoples. He also enjoys singing the “Our Father” in Yugtun during Mass. This winter has been the toughest in Alaska since the 1990s. Illustrating the difficulties, pipes broke in his church in Kotlik, and the city of North Pole, near Fairbanks, experienced extreme temperatures of -66 degrees below zero, according to Father Kiszka. “Missionary priests like me are getting a sense that there is a wider Church in the world. It’s challenging, but with God’s grace, I see that I’m doing something here in Alaska that will continue: the building up of the Church,” Father Kiszka said. “I’m bringing God with me to the native people I have been serving. I want to help make their faith more alive than I have in myself and my priesthood.”  

unitedyam

Alaskan Chrism Masses: bishops and priests unite with joy #Catholic –

In most parts of the world, Catholic dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass during Holy Week as they prepare for the Sacred Triduum. However, in Alaska, this annual liturgy typically follows a different schedule.

The Church in this vast state, covering 665,384 square miles, usually holds Chrism Masses a few weeks before Holy Week. That’s to enable the many missionary priests, who travel long distances to serve their remote faith communities, to receive the sacred oils, which are consecrated during the Mass, or to have them mailed to their parishes by around Eastertime. The packages contain the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of Chrism, which priests use throughout the year.

Father Kamil Kiszka, moderator of St. Joseph Parish in Kotlik and Holy Family in Mertarvik, serves remote southwestern Alaska villages with populations ranging from 200 to 750. He is also a priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

This year, Father Kiszka had a satisfying spiritual moment during a noteworthy Chrism Mass on March 12, following the recent Alaska Priestly Convocation. Every year, priests ministering in Alaska gather for three days of priestly fraternity and spiritual development at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Anchorage, in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau.

At the end of their convocation, priests from Anchorage-Juneau celebrate the Chrism Mass with Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, while priests from the Diocese of Fairbanks travel to Fairbanks to celebrate the Mass with Bishop Steven Maekawa, O.P.

“It was wonderful to be in the presence of the two bishops and my brother priests for the time of convocation. I was even happier to celebrate the Chrism Mass in Fairbanks with the diocesan priests. During the Mass, we receive the sacred oils from the bishop, which unite us priests with the bishop in our ministry. It’s great to have a sense of spiritual support and unity,” said Father Kiszka. “The oils are a sign of the grace of God, which I pass on to the people as a priest to strengthen them spiritually.”

Father Kiszka attended an “Oil Mass” last year in Bethel, which he said was unique but lacked the spiritual and fraternal elements of the Chrism Mass, where the bishop consecrates the holy oils and priests renew their promises.

After the Chrism Mass in Fairbanks, large bottles of the sacred oils were taken by one of the priests to another city, Bethel. There, the oils were redistributed at a local church into many smaller bottles, which were sent to some remote parishes. Father Kiszka was able to pick up the set of oils for his parish in Kotlik, located on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta near the coast.

However, the set for his parish in Mertarvik has to wait for his next trip to visit the village.
Unpredictable winter flights make airmail deliveries of the oils difficult. Oils are mailed to parishes without resident priests. In some cases, one priest serves multiple parishes, so oils are mailed ahead when he cannot visit all of them before Easter.

The considerable logistics of distributing and mailing the holy oils only hint at the difficulties faced by mission priests living and ministering in Alaska’s “bush” country. Father Kiszka started his full-time missionary work in Alaska in 2024 and is expected to return to Paterson this July.
The Polish-born priest travels by snowmobile, boat, and four-wheel vehicle. Sometimes he faces sub-zero temperatures. He often lacks access to running water, showers, restrooms, phone service, the Internet, transportation, or food supplies.

To reach Mertarvik, Father Kiszka takes three planes. He sleeps on the floor in the local school to celebrate Mass for parishioners the next day. He enjoys hearing confessions in Yugtun, the native language of the Yupik Indigenous peoples. He also enjoys singing the “Our Father” in Yugtun during Mass.

This winter has been the toughest in Alaska since the 1990s. Illustrating the difficulties, pipes broke in his church in Kotlik, and the city of North Pole, near Fairbanks, experienced extreme temperatures of -66 degrees below zero, according to Father Kiszka.

“Missionary priests like me are getting a sense that there is a wider Church in the world. It’s challenging, but with God’s grace, I see that I’m doing something here in Alaska that will continue: the building up of the Church,” Father Kiszka said. “I’m bringing God with me to the native people I have been serving. I want to help make their faith more alive than I have in myself and my priesthood.”

 

– In most parts of the world, Catholic dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass during Holy Week as they prepare for the Sacred Triduum. However, in Alaska, this annual liturgy typically follows a different schedule. The Church in this vast state, covering 665,384 square miles, usually holds Chrism Masses a few weeks before Holy Week. That’s to enable the many missionary priests, who travel long distances to serve their remote faith communities, to receive the sacred oils, which are consecrated during the Mass, or to have them mailed to their parishes by around Eastertime. The packages contain the Oil of the Sick,

Read More
‘Everything’s possible in Christ’: EPIC group is transforming young lives at St. Anthony of Padua #Catholic – A youth ministry of the Diocese of Paterson gathers more than 40 young adults every week — people who are looking for something more than a meeting: they are looking for a family. Every week, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, a group of young adults comes together to pray, share their faith, and grow side by side. The EPIC ministry — Everything’s Possible in Christ — has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most vibrant youth spaces in the Diocese of Paterson, drawing young adults from different cities and even from other states. The weekly gatherings combine faith reflection, Bible study, and prayer, but over time they have become something harder to put into words: a place where young people can arrive with their questions, their history, and their search — without fear of being judged. The group also organizes recreational activities — including a recent ski trip — that strengthen the bonds of community beyond the parish setting. A fire he didn’t want to let die For Danquiewiez González, it all began with a spiritual retreat and an experience he simply could not ignore. “I felt the fire of God’s love in my heart,” he recalls. “After the retreat ended, I didn’t want that fire to go out inside me — that’s why I decided to join the EPIC group, to keep learning more about God and strengthen my faith.” Since then, his involvement in the parish has only grown. He now serves as a lector at Mass and speaks about his faith with a clarity he traces directly to that moment of grace. “Now I see life from a different point of view. All of this is born from the fact that God is in my heart, and I want to serve Him with joy.” Jonathan Moran came to the group with a similar desire: to draw closer to his faith again and find accompaniment along the way. What he found was that — and more. “Since I joined the group, I’ve received many helpful resources and met people who are willing to help me in my discernment process,” he shares. Among the experiences that have marked him most is the group’s retreat. To describe what they lived during those days, Jonathan turns to the words of Psalm 133: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. An unexpected return Brenda Marte grew up in the Church. But like so many young people, her college years gradually drew her away from the practice of her faith. It was a personal experience of conversion that awakened in her the desire to come back. One day, she noticed an announcement in the parish bulletin for a young adult retreat. She decided to go. That seemingly small decision marked the beginning of a new chapter. “I have made friendships centered on God. My life has changed for the better,” she says today, with the simplicity of someone speaking from deep conviction rather than fleeting enthusiasm. Her commitment has continued to grow: she now serves as a catechist for the first year of Confirmation and participates in the Shalom missionary community in New York. What she treasures most about the group are the holy hours before the Blessed Sacrament. “There is something very special about being in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament together with all your friends. Knowing that there are so many young people seeking God, and that we have that mutual support — it is something truly beautiful.” Building a family, not just a group Behind EPIC’s growth are people who have invested their time and their hearts in building something that goes beyond a parish program. Kenneth Acevedo, one of the coordinators, describes his experience in EPIC as something deeply meaningful in his life. Reflecting on his involvement in the ministry, he explains that being part of the group was already a very valuable experience, but taking on the role of coordinator has been even more special. In his own words: “Being part of EPIC has been truly rewarding, but being a coordinator has been one of the best experiences of my life.” As he shares, the group has grown in recent years and now brings together young adults from different cities and even from other states. The goal of the ministry, he explains, is to offer a space where young people can feel heard and accompanied on their faith journey. With that purpose in mind, he adds: “We have created a place where young adults can come without feeling judged or alone.” Jessica Alvarez remembers the early days, when only a handful of people would show up to a given meeting. Today, it is not uncommon to see more than 40 young adults gathered on a single evening. For her, that growth cannot be explained by communication strategies or appealing programs — it comes down to something simpler: the human warmth of genuine welcome. “We strive to treat every person like a member of our family.” And to that family, the coordinators extend an open invitation to any young adult looking to deepen their faith, or who simply wants to find out whether there is something here for them. As Jessica puts it: “There is always a place for you in our family.” Visit the parish website or social media to learn more.        
Read More

‘Everything’s possible in Christ’: EPIC group is transforming young lives at St. Anthony of Padua #Catholic – A youth ministry of the Diocese of Paterson gathers more than 40 young adults every week — people who are looking for something more than a meeting: they are looking for a family. Every week, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, a group of young adults comes together to pray, share their faith, and grow side by side. The EPIC ministry — Everything’s Possible in Christ — has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most vibrant youth spaces in the Diocese of Paterson, drawing young adults from different cities and even from other states. The weekly gatherings combine faith reflection, Bible study, and prayer, but over time they have become something harder to put into words: a place where young people can arrive with their questions, their history, and their search — without fear of being judged. The group also organizes recreational activities — including a recent ski trip — that strengthen the bonds of community beyond the parish setting. A fire he didn’t want to let die For Danquiewiez González, it all began with a spiritual retreat and an experience he simply could not ignore. “I felt the fire of God’s love in my heart,” he recalls. “After the retreat ended, I didn’t want that fire to go out inside me — that’s why I decided to join the EPIC group, to keep learning more about God and strengthen my faith.” Since then, his involvement in the parish has only grown. He now serves as a lector at Mass and speaks about his faith with a clarity he traces directly to that moment of grace. “Now I see life from a different point of view. All of this is born from the fact that God is in my heart, and I want to serve Him with joy.” Jonathan Moran came to the group with a similar desire: to draw closer to his faith again and find accompaniment along the way. What he found was that — and more. “Since I joined the group, I’ve received many helpful resources and met people who are willing to help me in my discernment process,” he shares. Among the experiences that have marked him most is the group’s retreat. To describe what they lived during those days, Jonathan turns to the words of Psalm 133: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. An unexpected return Brenda Marte grew up in the Church. But like so many young people, her college years gradually drew her away from the practice of her faith. It was a personal experience of conversion that awakened in her the desire to come back. One day, she noticed an announcement in the parish bulletin for a young adult retreat. She decided to go. That seemingly small decision marked the beginning of a new chapter. “I have made friendships centered on God. My life has changed for the better,” she says today, with the simplicity of someone speaking from deep conviction rather than fleeting enthusiasm. Her commitment has continued to grow: she now serves as a catechist for the first year of Confirmation and participates in the Shalom missionary community in New York. What she treasures most about the group are the holy hours before the Blessed Sacrament. “There is something very special about being in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament together with all your friends. Knowing that there are so many young people seeking God, and that we have that mutual support — it is something truly beautiful.” Building a family, not just a group Behind EPIC’s growth are people who have invested their time and their hearts in building something that goes beyond a parish program. Kenneth Acevedo, one of the coordinators, describes his experience in EPIC as something deeply meaningful in his life. Reflecting on his involvement in the ministry, he explains that being part of the group was already a very valuable experience, but taking on the role of coordinator has been even more special. In his own words: “Being part of EPIC has been truly rewarding, but being a coordinator has been one of the best experiences of my life.” As he shares, the group has grown in recent years and now brings together young adults from different cities and even from other states. The goal of the ministry, he explains, is to offer a space where young people can feel heard and accompanied on their faith journey. With that purpose in mind, he adds: “We have created a place where young adults can come without feeling judged or alone.” Jessica Alvarez remembers the early days, when only a handful of people would show up to a given meeting. Today, it is not uncommon to see more than 40 young adults gathered on a single evening. For her, that growth cannot be explained by communication strategies or appealing programs — it comes down to something simpler: the human warmth of genuine welcome. “We strive to treat every person like a member of our family.” And to that family, the coordinators extend an open invitation to any young adult looking to deepen their faith, or who simply wants to find out whether there is something here for them. As Jessica puts it: “There is always a place for you in our family.” Visit the parish website or social media to learn more.        

unitedyam

‘Everything’s possible in Christ’: EPIC group is transforming young lives at St. Anthony of Padua #Catholic –

A youth ministry of the Diocese of Paterson gathers more than 40 young adults every week — people who are looking for something more than a meeting: they are looking for a family.

Every week, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, a group of young adults comes together to pray, share their faith, and grow side by side. The EPIC ministry — Everything’s Possible in Christ — has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most vibrant youth spaces in the Diocese of Paterson, drawing young adults from different cities and even from other states.

The weekly gatherings combine faith reflection, Bible study, and prayer, but over time they have become something harder to put into words: a place where young people can arrive with their questions, their history, and their search — without fear of being judged. The group also organizes recreational activities — including a recent ski trip — that strengthen the bonds of community beyond the parish setting.

A fire he didn’t want to let die

For Danquiewiez González, it all began with a spiritual retreat and an experience he simply could not ignore.

“I felt the fire of God’s love in my heart,” he recalls. “After the retreat ended, I didn’t want that fire to go out inside me — that’s why I decided to join the EPIC group, to keep learning more about God and strengthen my faith.”

Since then, his involvement in the parish has only grown. He now serves as a lector at Mass and speaks about his faith with a clarity he traces directly to that moment of grace. “Now I see life from a different point of view. All of this is born from the fact that God is in my heart, and I want to serve Him with joy.”

Jonathan Moran came to the group with a similar desire: to draw closer to his faith again and find accompaniment along the way. What he found was that — and more. “Since I joined the group, I’ve received many helpful resources and met people who are willing to help me in my discernment process,” he shares.

Among the experiences that have marked him most is the group’s retreat. To describe what they lived during those days, Jonathan turns to the words of Psalm 133: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity.”

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

An unexpected return

Brenda Marte grew up in the Church. But like so many young people, her college years gradually drew her away from the practice of her faith. It was a personal experience of conversion that awakened in her the desire to come back.

One day, she noticed an announcement in the parish bulletin for a young adult retreat. She decided to go. That seemingly small decision marked the beginning of a new chapter.

“I have made friendships centered on God. My life has changed for the better,” she says today, with the simplicity of someone speaking from deep conviction rather than fleeting enthusiasm. Her commitment has continued to grow: she now serves as a catechist for the first year of Confirmation and participates in the Shalom missionary community in New York.

What she treasures most about the group are the holy hours before the Blessed Sacrament. “There is something very special about being in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament together with all your friends. Knowing that there are so many young people seeking God, and that we have that mutual support — it is something truly beautiful.”

Building a family, not just a group

Behind EPIC’s growth are people who have invested their time and their hearts in building something that goes beyond a parish program.

Kenneth Acevedo, one of the coordinators, describes his experience in EPIC as something deeply meaningful in his life. Reflecting on his involvement in the ministry, he explains that being part of the group was already a very valuable experience, but taking on the role of coordinator has been even more special. In his own words: “Being part of EPIC has been truly rewarding, but being a coordinator has been one of the best experiences of my life.”

As he shares, the group has grown in recent years and now brings together young adults from different cities and even from other states. The goal of the ministry, he explains, is to offer a space where young people can feel heard and accompanied on their faith journey. With that purpose in mind, he adds: “We have created a place where young adults can come without feeling judged or alone.”

Jessica Alvarez remembers the early days, when only a handful of people would show up to a given meeting. Today, it is not uncommon to see more than 40 young adults gathered on a single evening. For her, that growth cannot be explained by communication strategies or appealing programs — it comes down to something simpler: the human warmth of genuine welcome. “We strive to treat every person like a member of our family.”

And to that family, the coordinators extend an open invitation to any young adult looking to deepen their faith, or who simply wants to find out whether there is something here for them. As Jessica puts it: “There is always a place for you in our family.”

Visit the parish website or social media to learn more.

 

 

 

 

– A youth ministry of the Diocese of Paterson gathers more than 40 young adults every week — people who are looking for something more than a meeting: they are looking for a family. Every week, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, a group of young adults comes together to pray, share their faith, and grow side by side. The EPIC ministry — Everything’s Possible in Christ — has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most vibrant youth spaces in the Diocese of Paterson, drawing young adults from different cities and even from other states. The weekly

Read More

March 22, 1997: Comet Hale-Bopp peaks

unitedyam

American astronomer Alan Hale, observing from Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and American amateur astronomer Thomas Bopp, observing near Stanfield, Arizona, independently discovered Comet Hale-Bopp July 23, 1995. Both observers had been viewing the globular cluster M70 in Sagittarius and spotted the comet nearby. Orbital calculations showed that on the night they found it, Hale-Bopp lay someContinue reading “March 22, 1997: Comet Hale-Bopp peaks”

The post March 22, 1997: Comet Hale-Bopp peaks appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

March 21, 1866: The birth of Antonia Maury

unitedyam

Born March 21, 1866, in New York, Antonia Maury was born into a family with an astronomical legacy: Her grandfather, John William Draper, was the second person to photograph the Moon (and the first whose photo survived to be shown publicly). Her uncle and aunt, Henry and Anna Draper, made several landmark astrophotographs themselves andContinue reading “March 21, 1866: The birth of Antonia Maury”

The post March 21, 1866: The birth of Antonia Maury appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

New satellite constellations could ruin the night sky, astronomers warn

unitedyam

Astronomy advocacy groups are ringing alarm bells about two proposed satellite constellations, warning that they threaten to change the sky forever. SpaceX has applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch up to 1 million satellites as orbital data centers for artificial intelligence. California-based startup Reflect Orbital wants to deploy as many asContinue reading “New satellite constellations could ruin the night sky, astronomers warn”

The post New satellite constellations could ruin the night sky, astronomers warn appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

Ahead of tomorrow’s premiere, rewatch the final trailer for ‘Project Hail Mary’

unitedyam

Are you ready to meet Rocky? Project Hail Mary opens March 20, 2026, sending science teacher (and former molecular biologist) Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, on an adventure light-years from Earth in a last-ditch effort — one might even say a Hail Mary play — to save the Sun. Based on the best-selling novelContinue reading “Ahead of tomorrow’s premiere, rewatch the final trailer for ‘Project Hail Mary’”

The post Ahead of tomorrow’s premiere, rewatch the final trailer for ‘Project Hail Mary’ appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Registration now open for National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events in Paterson Diocese #Catholic – The faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are now invited to register to participate in stops on June 14 and 15, almost entirely in Passaic and Paterson, during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the pilgrimage includes 18 stops. It is a nationwide call to renewal, unity, and mission, all rooted in the Eucharist. The event honors the United States’ 250th birthday and runs from Pentecost through Independence Day weekend. This is the first time Paterson will host stops on a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The event continues the National Eucharistic Revival and the landmark Congress in 2024. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The local activities on June 14: 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Influenced by the Eucharist talk in English by Catholic influencer Father Rafael Capo, Holy Rosary Church, 6 Wall St., Passaic, N.J. 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Influenciados por la Eucaristia: Charla de Apertura en Español por Sacerdote Influencer P. Heriberto García, St. Nicholas, 217 President St. Passaic, N.J. 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession/Procesión Eucarística through the streets of Passaic. The procession will depart from Holy Rosary Church (6 Wall St, Passaic, N.J.) and end at Boverini Stadium, where the opening Mass will take place. The distance is about 1.5 miles. 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Opening Mass/Misa de Apertura with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Boverini Stadium, 262 River Dr., Passaic. The following events will occur on June 15: 3 to 5 p.m.: Celebration of Divine Liturgy with the Byzantine Catholic community in New Jersey at St. Michael Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Woodland Park, N.J. 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession with First Communicants, children, and the local faithful of all ages. This loop procession will depart from the front steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J., and end at the cathedral. 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Closing Mass/Misa de Clausura with Bishop Sweeney and homily by Catholic influencer Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson (381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J.). Access to the Municipal Parking Lot will be available at 5 p.m., across from the Cathedral on Grand Street. This Mass will be livestreamed at https://rcdopcathedral.org/. The pilgrimage will travel the Eastern Seaboard on the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named for the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint, known for her missionary service to immigrants and the poor. The journey will begin May 24 in St. Augustine, Fla., near the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is now the United States. From there, a group of nine young adult Perpetual Pilgrims, accompanied by chaplains, will carry the Blessed Sacrament north through many of the original 13 colonies, 18 dioceses, and two Eastern Rite eparchies. Several moments along the route will highlight the rich history of Catholicism in the United States. These will include Mass at the Baltimore Basilica, the first cathedral built in the country; a blessing over our nation’s capital atop the Arlington Memorial Bridge; a Eucharistic procession through downtown Washington, D.C.; and a Eucharistic procession along the Freedom Trail in Boston, as well as an outdoor Mass on Lexington Battle Green. The pilgrimage will conclude over Independence Day weekend in Philadelphia, including 24 hours of Eucharistic adoration in the Cathedral Basilica, multiple showings of the feature film Cabrini, and a solemn closing Mass and Eucharistic procession through the city streets. In addition to in-person events, Catholics across the country are invited to participate spiritually by submitting prayer intentions and committing time to Eucharistic adoration. The pilgrimage aims to gather 250,000 Holy Hours of prayer for the renewal of the nation, which will be presented to national leaders. All ages and walks of life are welcome to join in prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s travels. All events are free. Please register in advance, so pilgrimage organizers can plan accordingly for the expected number of people. For questions about events in this diocese, please contact: MMoncaleano@patersondiocese.org. For registration assistance, please contact: registration@eucharisticcongress.org.
Read More

Registration now open for National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events in Paterson Diocese #Catholic – The faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are now invited to register to participate in stops on June 14 and 15, almost entirely in Passaic and Paterson, during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the pilgrimage includes 18 stops. It is a nationwide call to renewal, unity, and mission, all rooted in the Eucharist. The event honors the United States’ 250th birthday and runs from Pentecost through Independence Day weekend. This is the first time Paterson will host stops on a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The event continues the National Eucharistic Revival and the landmark Congress in 2024. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The local activities on June 14: 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Influenced by the Eucharist talk in English by Catholic influencer Father Rafael Capo, Holy Rosary Church, 6 Wall St., Passaic, N.J. 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Influenciados por la Eucaristia: Charla de Apertura en Español por Sacerdote Influencer P. Heriberto García, St. Nicholas, 217 President St. Passaic, N.J. 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession/Procesión Eucarística through the streets of Passaic. The procession will depart from Holy Rosary Church (6 Wall St, Passaic, N.J.) and end at Boverini Stadium, where the opening Mass will take place. The distance is about 1.5 miles. 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Opening Mass/Misa de Apertura with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Boverini Stadium, 262 River Dr., Passaic. The following events will occur on June 15: 3 to 5 p.m.: Celebration of Divine Liturgy with the Byzantine Catholic community in New Jersey at St. Michael Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Woodland Park, N.J. 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession with First Communicants, children, and the local faithful of all ages. This loop procession will depart from the front steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J., and end at the cathedral. 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Closing Mass/Misa de Clausura with Bishop Sweeney and homily by Catholic influencer Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson (381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J.). Access to the Municipal Parking Lot will be available at 5 p.m., across from the Cathedral on Grand Street. This Mass will be livestreamed at https://rcdopcathedral.org/. The pilgrimage will travel the Eastern Seaboard on the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named for the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint, known for her missionary service to immigrants and the poor. The journey will begin May 24 in St. Augustine, Fla., near the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is now the United States. From there, a group of nine young adult Perpetual Pilgrims, accompanied by chaplains, will carry the Blessed Sacrament north through many of the original 13 colonies, 18 dioceses, and two Eastern Rite eparchies. Several moments along the route will highlight the rich history of Catholicism in the United States. These will include Mass at the Baltimore Basilica, the first cathedral built in the country; a blessing over our nation’s capital atop the Arlington Memorial Bridge; a Eucharistic procession through downtown Washington, D.C.; and a Eucharistic procession along the Freedom Trail in Boston, as well as an outdoor Mass on Lexington Battle Green. The pilgrimage will conclude over Independence Day weekend in Philadelphia, including 24 hours of Eucharistic adoration in the Cathedral Basilica, multiple showings of the feature film Cabrini, and a solemn closing Mass and Eucharistic procession through the city streets. In addition to in-person events, Catholics across the country are invited to participate spiritually by submitting prayer intentions and committing time to Eucharistic adoration. The pilgrimage aims to gather 250,000 Holy Hours of prayer for the renewal of the nation, which will be presented to national leaders. All ages and walks of life are welcome to join in prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s travels. All events are free. Please register in advance, so pilgrimage organizers can plan accordingly for the expected number of people. For questions about events in this diocese, please contact: MMoncaleano@patersondiocese.org. For registration assistance, please contact: registration@eucharisticcongress.org.

unitedyam

Registration now open for National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events in Paterson Diocese #Catholic –

The faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are now invited to register to participate in stops on June 14 and 15, almost entirely in Passaic and Paterson, during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer.

Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the pilgrimage includes 18 stops. It is a nationwide call to renewal, unity, and mission, all rooted in the Eucharist. The event honors the United States’ 250th birthday and runs from Pentecost through Independence Day weekend.

This is the first time Paterson will host stops on a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The event continues the National Eucharistic Revival and the landmark Congress in 2024.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The local activities on June 14:

3:30 to 5 p.m.: Influenced by the Eucharist talk in English by Catholic influencer Father Rafael Capo, Holy Rosary Church, 6 Wall St., Passaic, N.J.

3:30 to 5 p.m.: Influenciados por la Eucaristia: Charla de Apertura en Español por Sacerdote Influencer P. Heriberto García, St. Nicholas, 217 President St. Passaic, N.J.

5 to 6:30 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession/Procesión Eucarística through the streets of Passaic. The procession will depart from Holy Rosary Church (6 Wall St, Passaic, N.J.) and end at Boverini Stadium, where the opening Mass will take place. The distance is about 1.5 miles.

6:30 to 8 p.m.: Opening Mass/Misa de Apertura with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Boverini Stadium, 262 River Dr., Passaic.

The following events will occur on June 15:

3 to 5 p.m.: Celebration of Divine Liturgy with the Byzantine Catholic community in New Jersey at St. Michael Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Woodland Park, N.J.

5:30 to 7 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession with First Communicants, children, and the local faithful of all ages. This loop procession will depart from the front steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J., and end at the cathedral.

7 to 8:30 p.m.: Closing Mass/Misa de Clausura with Bishop Sweeney and homily by Catholic influencer Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson (381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J.). Access to the Municipal Parking Lot will be available at 5 p.m., across from the Cathedral on Grand Street. This Mass will be livestreamed at https://rcdopcathedral.org/.

The pilgrimage will travel the Eastern Seaboard on the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named for the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint, known for her missionary service to immigrants and the poor.

The journey will begin May 24 in St. Augustine, Fla., near the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is now the United States. From there, a group of nine young adult Perpetual Pilgrims, accompanied by chaplains, will carry the Blessed Sacrament north through many of the original 13 colonies, 18 dioceses, and two Eastern Rite eparchies.

Several moments along the route will highlight the rich history of Catholicism in the United States. These will include Mass at the Baltimore Basilica, the first cathedral built in the country; a blessing over our nation’s capital atop the Arlington Memorial Bridge; a Eucharistic procession through downtown Washington, D.C.; and a Eucharistic procession along the Freedom Trail in Boston, as well as an outdoor Mass on Lexington Battle Green.

The pilgrimage will conclude over Independence Day weekend in Philadelphia, including 24 hours of Eucharistic adoration in the Cathedral Basilica, multiple showings of the feature film Cabrini, and a solemn closing Mass and Eucharistic procession through the city streets.

In addition to in-person events, Catholics across the country are invited to participate spiritually by submitting prayer intentions and committing time to Eucharistic adoration. The pilgrimage aims to gather 250,000 Holy Hours of prayer for the renewal of the nation, which will be presented to national leaders.

All ages and walks of life are welcome to join in prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s travels. All events are free. Please register in advance, so pilgrimage organizers can plan accordingly for the expected number of people.

For questions about events in this diocese, please contact: MMoncaleano@patersondiocese.org. For registration assistance, please contact: registration@eucharisticcongress.org.

– The faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are now invited to register to participate in stops on June 14 and 15, almost entirely in Passaic and Paterson, during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the pilgrimage includes 18 stops. It is a nationwide call to renewal, unity, and mission, all rooted in the Eucharist. The event honors the United States’ 250th birthday and runs from Pentecost through Independence Day weekend. This is the first time Paterson will host stops on a National

Read More
Sacred oils to be consecrated at Paterson Chrism Mass #Catholic – All the faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are invited to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. All the priests of the diocese attend the annual Mass for the blessing of coming together in spiritual fellowship with Bishop Sweeney. During the Mass, Bishop Sweeney will consecrate and bless the Oil of the Sick, used in the Anointing of the Sick, and the Oil of Catechumens, used for anointing those preparing for baptism. He will also consecrate the Sacred Chrism, used for baptism, confirmation, holy orders, and the dedication of altars. These holy oils will be used in parishes throughout the diocese during the coming year for various sacramental celebrations. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Sweeney will be the homilist and principal celebrant of the Mass, with the priests of the diocese in attendance, concelebrating. The priests will renew their priestly promises before the bishop and receive the prayers and support of the people of God. Diocesan faithful, including deacons, religious, and laity, typically attend the liturgy, which will be livestreamed. Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of the Office of Worship and diocesan master of ceremonies, is coordinating the Chrism Mass. “For priests, concelebrating the Chrism Mass with the bishop and presbyterate shows our relationship with the bishop and with one another,” Father Brogan said. “It is also an opportunity to renew our priestly promises before the bishop and to be present as he blesses the holy oils to be used by priests in their parishes. There is a great sense of communion: time to reflect, be reminded of, and appreciate the gift and mystery of the priesthood. It is also a sign of communion with all the faithful at this liturgy. They witness the priesthood and are invited to pray for the priests,” he said. After the Mass, the holy oils will be distributed to representatives from each parish in the diocese, who will use them for the first time at the Easter Vigil. Once a year, a bishop blesses holy oils in his diocese, uniting him with the parishes when the sacraments are celebrated, and the oils are used.
Read More

Sacred oils to be consecrated at Paterson Chrism Mass #Catholic – All the faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are invited to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. All the priests of the diocese attend the annual Mass for the blessing of coming together in spiritual fellowship with Bishop Sweeney. During the Mass, Bishop Sweeney will consecrate and bless the Oil of the Sick, used in the Anointing of the Sick, and the Oil of Catechumens, used for anointing those preparing for baptism. He will also consecrate the Sacred Chrism, used for baptism, confirmation, holy orders, and the dedication of altars. These holy oils will be used in parishes throughout the diocese during the coming year for various sacramental celebrations. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Sweeney will be the homilist and principal celebrant of the Mass, with the priests of the diocese in attendance, concelebrating. The priests will renew their priestly promises before the bishop and receive the prayers and support of the people of God. Diocesan faithful, including deacons, religious, and laity, typically attend the liturgy, which will be livestreamed. Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of the Office of Worship and diocesan master of ceremonies, is coordinating the Chrism Mass. “For priests, concelebrating the Chrism Mass with the bishop and presbyterate shows our relationship with the bishop and with one another,” Father Brogan said. “It is also an opportunity to renew our priestly promises before the bishop and to be present as he blesses the holy oils to be used by priests in their parishes. There is a great sense of communion: time to reflect, be reminded of, and appreciate the gift and mystery of the priesthood. It is also a sign of communion with all the faithful at this liturgy. They witness the priesthood and are invited to pray for the priests,” he said. After the Mass, the holy oils will be distributed to representatives from each parish in the diocese, who will use them for the first time at the Easter Vigil. Once a year, a bishop blesses holy oils in his diocese, uniting him with the parishes when the sacraments are celebrated, and the oils are used.

unitedyam

Sacred oils to be consecrated at Paterson Chrism Mass #Catholic –

All the faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are invited to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. All the priests of the diocese attend the annual Mass for the blessing of coming together in spiritual fellowship with Bishop Sweeney.

During the Mass, Bishop Sweeney will consecrate and bless the Oil of the Sick, used in the Anointing of the Sick, and the Oil of Catechumens, used for anointing those preparing for baptism. He will also consecrate the Sacred Chrism, used for baptism, confirmation, holy orders, and the dedication of altars. These holy oils will be used in parishes throughout the diocese during the coming year for various sacramental celebrations.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Bishop Sweeney will be the homilist and principal celebrant of the Mass, with the priests of the diocese in attendance, concelebrating. The priests will renew their priestly promises before the bishop and receive the prayers and support of the people of God. Diocesan faithful, including deacons, religious, and laity, typically attend the liturgy, which will be livestreamed.

Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of the Office of Worship and diocesan master of ceremonies, is coordinating the Chrism Mass.

“For priests, concelebrating the Chrism Mass with the bishop and presbyterate shows our relationship with the bishop and with one another,” Father Brogan said. “It is also an opportunity to renew our priestly promises before the bishop and to be present as he blesses the holy oils to be used by priests in their parishes. There is a great sense of communion: time to reflect, be reminded of, and appreciate the gift and mystery of the priesthood. It is also a sign of communion with all the faithful at this liturgy. They witness the priesthood and are invited to pray for the priests,” he said.

After the Mass, the holy oils will be distributed to representatives from each parish in the diocese, who will use them for the first time at the Easter Vigil. Once a year, a bishop blesses holy oils in his diocese, uniting him with the parishes when the sacraments are celebrated, and the oils are used.

– All the faithful of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are invited to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. All the priests of the diocese attend the annual Mass for the blessing of coming together in spiritual fellowship with Bishop Sweeney. During the Mass, Bishop Sweeney will consecrate and bless the Oil of the Sick, used in the Anointing of the Sick, and the Oil of Catechumens, used for anointing those preparing for baptism. He will also consecrate the

Read More
Walk possible saint’s footsteps on the Mexican pilgrimage with bishop #Catholic – A young girl from the World Villages for Children Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, Zayra used to walk two hours to school daily, avoiding a human trafficker who had been stalking her. She spent her evenings with an alcoholic and abusive grandfather. Zayra prayed before an Our Lady of Guadalupe statue for relief. Then, the Sisters of Mary found her. Kevin Wells remembers Zayra telling him the story, one of thousands he’d heard while visiting the mission, a school-orphanage started by Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. When he went to Chalco to research a biography on Father Schwartz, affectionately known as “Father Al,” the mother superior of the Sisters of Mary at Girlstown told him, “If you want to get to know Father Al, I want you to start with these girls first.” “Since then, I’ve spoken to hundreds worldwide about these nightmares,” said Wells, who wrote “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz.” Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey will lead a pilgrimage in the footsteps of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, titled “A Journey of Faith & Joy: Guadalupe to Girlstown,” in Chalco, Mexico, from Friday, Sept. 18 to Monday, Sept. 21. He will be accompanied by Kevin Wells and his brother, Father David Wells of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. All diocesan faithful are invited to join Bishop Sweeney and the Wells brothers on this life-changing pilgrimage, designed to help participants come to know the possible future U.S. saint who founded the Sisters of Mary. For more information about Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz and the experience of visiting Mexico, watch this episode of the bishop’s Beyond the Beacon podcast. The pilgrims will also visit Girlstown, witnessing how the Sisters of Mary transform the lives of poor children through education, faith formation, and vocational skills training, and sending them out into the world as Christ-like missionaries. In 1989, Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and knew he would die soon. Yet he heard the Blessed Mother call him to found a Girlstown in Chalco and the Boystown in Guadalajara. “Without exaggerating, I can tell you that everybody weeps,” Kevin Wells said of the upwards of 20 pilgrimages he has led to Chalco. “When people go down, they expect to see wounded girls. Instead, they see girls filled with joy, because the Sisters of Mary work all day long, from before dawn until they go to bed at night, mothering the wounds away, removing the nightmares and woundedness so the graces can come in.” Also, pilgrims will attend daily Masses with Bishop Sweeney at the nearby Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe — the most visited Marian shrine in the world. There, they will see the miraculous Tilma of St. Juan Diego, an image created by God. They will climb Tepeyac Hill, where the Blessed Mother appeared and spoke to St. Juan Diego in 1531. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The trip’s itinerary also includes several reflections on intimacy with Our Lady, prayer, sacrifice, and living the faith, led by Bishop Sweeney and the Wells brothers. Pilgrims will stay at a hotel near the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, allowing for easy access to these spiritual experiences. The Cause for Canonization of Father Schwartz was opened by the Archdiocese of Manila, the Philippines, in 2003. Pope Francis recognized Father Al’s “heroic virtue,” declaring him “venerable” Jan. 22, 2015. Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz established Girlstown orphanages, staffed by the Sisters of Mary, in several countries, serving more than 180,000. With Mary’s help, he raised hundreds of millions of dollars to build Boystowns, Girlstowns, hospitals, hospices, leprosaria, and schools worldwide, Kevin Wells said. Born in 1930 in Washington, D.C., Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz was ordained a priest of the Society of the Auxiliaries of the Missions in Belgium in 1957. Here, he encountered Our Lady of the Poor, or Our Lady of Banneux. In 1964, while serving in post-war South Korea, he founded the Sisters of Mary. Summing up Father Al’s character, Kevin Wells added, “Father Al didn’t care about his own comfort. He made a promise to Mary that he would do revolting things, hard things, if only she would give him the poorest of the poor.” This selfless commitment continued in 1989, when Father Al traveled to Mexico despite having Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He heard that “many of the Mexicans were leaving the faith because of poverty,” Kevin Wells said. After visiting the Basilica Shrine, he began to serve Mary under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Subsequently, Father Al returned to the Philippines, where he had been incardinated as a priest, and died on March 16, 1992. The seeds for the pilgrimage in September first germinated when Bishop Sweeney discovered Father Al’s story, reading “Priest and Beggar.” A friend of Kevin Wells forwarded him a column the bishop wrote about Father Al. Wells offered to bring the bishop to Chalco to visit, which they did with 14 men in 2024. The bishop met the Girlstown community. “They fell in love with Bishop Sweeney because they saw his joy, and they saw that he was a good priest. He fell in love with the mission and wanted to go back, so he reached out, and we decided to do it again,” Kevin Wells said. Pilgrimage prices start at ,799 per person, excluding travel expenses. For more information, visit worldvillages.org/events/sweeney-wells. Register online by Aug. 18.
Read More

Walk possible saint’s footsteps on the Mexican pilgrimage with bishop #Catholic – A young girl from the World Villages for Children Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, Zayra used to walk two hours to school daily, avoiding a human trafficker who had been stalking her. She spent her evenings with an alcoholic and abusive grandfather. Zayra prayed before an Our Lady of Guadalupe statue for relief. Then, the Sisters of Mary found her. Kevin Wells remembers Zayra telling him the story, one of thousands he’d heard while visiting the mission, a school-orphanage started by Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. When he went to Chalco to research a biography on Father Schwartz, affectionately known as “Father Al,” the mother superior of the Sisters of Mary at Girlstown told him, “If you want to get to know Father Al, I want you to start with these girls first.” “Since then, I’ve spoken to hundreds worldwide about these nightmares,” said Wells, who wrote “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz.” Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey will lead a pilgrimage in the footsteps of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, titled “A Journey of Faith & Joy: Guadalupe to Girlstown,” in Chalco, Mexico, from Friday, Sept. 18 to Monday, Sept. 21. He will be accompanied by Kevin Wells and his brother, Father David Wells of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. All diocesan faithful are invited to join Bishop Sweeney and the Wells brothers on this life-changing pilgrimage, designed to help participants come to know the possible future U.S. saint who founded the Sisters of Mary. For more information about Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz and the experience of visiting Mexico, watch this episode of the bishop’s Beyond the Beacon podcast. The pilgrims will also visit Girlstown, witnessing how the Sisters of Mary transform the lives of poor children through education, faith formation, and vocational skills training, and sending them out into the world as Christ-like missionaries. In 1989, Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and knew he would die soon. Yet he heard the Blessed Mother call him to found a Girlstown in Chalco and the Boystown in Guadalajara. “Without exaggerating, I can tell you that everybody weeps,” Kevin Wells said of the upwards of 20 pilgrimages he has led to Chalco. “When people go down, they expect to see wounded girls. Instead, they see girls filled with joy, because the Sisters of Mary work all day long, from before dawn until they go to bed at night, mothering the wounds away, removing the nightmares and woundedness so the graces can come in.” Also, pilgrims will attend daily Masses with Bishop Sweeney at the nearby Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe — the most visited Marian shrine in the world. There, they will see the miraculous Tilma of St. Juan Diego, an image created by God. They will climb Tepeyac Hill, where the Blessed Mother appeared and spoke to St. Juan Diego in 1531. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The trip’s itinerary also includes several reflections on intimacy with Our Lady, prayer, sacrifice, and living the faith, led by Bishop Sweeney and the Wells brothers. Pilgrims will stay at a hotel near the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, allowing for easy access to these spiritual experiences. The Cause for Canonization of Father Schwartz was opened by the Archdiocese of Manila, the Philippines, in 2003. Pope Francis recognized Father Al’s “heroic virtue,” declaring him “venerable” Jan. 22, 2015. Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz established Girlstown orphanages, staffed by the Sisters of Mary, in several countries, serving more than 180,000. With Mary’s help, he raised hundreds of millions of dollars to build Boystowns, Girlstowns, hospitals, hospices, leprosaria, and schools worldwide, Kevin Wells said. Born in 1930 in Washington, D.C., Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz was ordained a priest of the Society of the Auxiliaries of the Missions in Belgium in 1957. Here, he encountered Our Lady of the Poor, or Our Lady of Banneux. In 1964, while serving in post-war South Korea, he founded the Sisters of Mary. Summing up Father Al’s character, Kevin Wells added, “Father Al didn’t care about his own comfort. He made a promise to Mary that he would do revolting things, hard things, if only she would give him the poorest of the poor.” This selfless commitment continued in 1989, when Father Al traveled to Mexico despite having Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He heard that “many of the Mexicans were leaving the faith because of poverty,” Kevin Wells said. After visiting the Basilica Shrine, he began to serve Mary under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Subsequently, Father Al returned to the Philippines, where he had been incardinated as a priest, and died on March 16, 1992. The seeds for the pilgrimage in September first germinated when Bishop Sweeney discovered Father Al’s story, reading “Priest and Beggar.” A friend of Kevin Wells forwarded him a column the bishop wrote about Father Al. Wells offered to bring the bishop to Chalco to visit, which they did with 14 men in 2024. The bishop met the Girlstown community. “They fell in love with Bishop Sweeney because they saw his joy, and they saw that he was a good priest. He fell in love with the mission and wanted to go back, so he reached out, and we decided to do it again,” Kevin Wells said. Pilgrimage prices start at $1,799 per person, excluding travel expenses. For more information, visit worldvillages.org/events/sweeney-wells. Register online by Aug. 18.

unitedyam

Walk possible saint’s footsteps on the Mexican pilgrimage with bishop #Catholic –

A young girl from the World Villages for Children Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, Zayra used to walk two hours to school daily, avoiding a human trafficker who had been stalking her. She spent her evenings with an alcoholic and abusive grandfather. Zayra prayed before an Our Lady of Guadalupe statue for relief. Then, the Sisters of Mary found her.

Kevin Wells remembers Zayra telling him the story, one of thousands he’d heard while visiting the mission, a school-orphanage started by Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. When he went to Chalco to research a biography on Father Schwartz, affectionately known as “Father Al,” the mother superior of the Sisters of Mary at Girlstown told him, “If you want to get to know Father Al, I want you to start with these girls first.”

“Since then, I’ve spoken to hundreds worldwide about these nightmares,” said Wells, who wrote “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz.”

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey will lead a pilgrimage in the footsteps of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, titled “A Journey of Faith & Joy: Guadalupe to Girlstown,” in Chalco, Mexico, from Friday, Sept. 18 to Monday, Sept. 21. He will be accompanied by Kevin Wells and his brother, Father David Wells of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

All diocesan faithful are invited to join Bishop Sweeney and the Wells brothers on this life-changing pilgrimage, designed to help participants come to know the possible future U.S. saint who founded the Sisters of Mary. For more information about Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz and the experience of visiting Mexico, watch this episode of the bishop’s Beyond the Beacon podcast.

The pilgrims will also visit Girlstown, witnessing how the Sisters of Mary transform the lives of poor children through education, faith formation, and vocational skills training, and sending them out into the world as Christ-like missionaries. In 1989, Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and knew he would die soon. Yet he heard the Blessed Mother call him to found a Girlstown in Chalco and the Boystown in Guadalajara.

“Without exaggerating, I can tell you that everybody weeps,” Kevin Wells said of the upwards of 20 pilgrimages he has led to Chalco. “When people go down, they expect to see wounded girls. Instead, they see girls filled with joy, because the Sisters of Mary work all day long, from before dawn until they go to bed at night, mothering the wounds away, removing the nightmares and woundedness so the graces can come in.”

Also, pilgrims will attend daily Masses with Bishop Sweeney at the nearby Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe — the most visited Marian shrine in the world. There, they will see the miraculous Tilma of St. Juan Diego, an image created by God. They will climb Tepeyac Hill, where the Blessed Mother appeared and spoke to St. Juan Diego in 1531.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The trip’s itinerary also includes several reflections on intimacy with Our Lady, prayer, sacrifice, and living the faith, led by Bishop Sweeney and the Wells brothers. Pilgrims will stay at a hotel near the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, allowing for easy access to these spiritual experiences.

The Cause for Canonization of Father Schwartz was opened by the Archdiocese of Manila, the Philippines, in 2003. Pope Francis recognized Father Al’s “heroic virtue,” declaring him “venerable” Jan. 22, 2015.

Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz established Girlstown orphanages, staffed by the Sisters of Mary, in several countries, serving more than 180,000. With Mary’s help, he raised hundreds of millions of dollars to build Boystowns, Girlstowns, hospitals, hospices, leprosaria, and schools worldwide, Kevin Wells said.

Born in 1930 in Washington, D.C., Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz was ordained a priest of the Society of the Auxiliaries of the Missions in Belgium in 1957. Here, he encountered Our Lady of the Poor, or Our Lady of Banneux. In 1964, while serving in post-war South Korea, he founded the Sisters of Mary.

Summing up Father Al’s character, Kevin Wells added, “Father Al didn’t care about his own comfort. He made a promise to Mary that he would do revolting things, hard things, if only she would give him the poorest of the poor.”

This selfless commitment continued in 1989, when Father Al traveled to Mexico despite having Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He heard that “many of the Mexicans were leaving the faith because of poverty,” Kevin Wells said. After visiting the Basilica Shrine, he began to serve Mary under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Subsequently, Father Al returned to the Philippines, where he had been incardinated as a priest, and died on March 16, 1992.

The seeds for the pilgrimage in September first germinated when Bishop Sweeney discovered Father Al’s story, reading “Priest and Beggar.” A friend of Kevin Wells forwarded him a column the bishop wrote about Father Al. Wells offered to bring the bishop to Chalco to visit, which they did with 14 men in 2024. The bishop met the Girlstown community.

“They fell in love with Bishop Sweeney because they saw his joy, and they saw that he was a good priest. He fell in love with the mission and wanted to go back, so he reached out, and we decided to do it again,” Kevin Wells said.

Pilgrimage prices start at $1,799 per person, excluding travel expenses. For more information, visit worldvillages.org/events/sweeney-wells. Register online by Aug. 18.

– A young girl from the World Villages for Children Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, Zayra used to walk two hours to school daily, avoiding a human trafficker who had been stalking her. She spent her evenings with an alcoholic and abusive grandfather. Zayra prayed before an Our Lady of Guadalupe statue for relief. Then, the Sisters of Mary found her. Kevin Wells remembers Zayra telling him the story, one of thousands he’d heard while visiting the mission, a school-orphanage started by Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. When he went to Chalco to research a biography on Father Schwartz, affectionately known as “Father

Read More
Statewide Catholic Mental Health Conference set for May 2 #Catholic - Conference aims to combat stigma, offer support and resources With the goal of educating about the scope of the mental health crisis, reducing stigma around mental illness and offering resources for individuals and their families, the New Jersey Catholic Conference is partnering with the state’s Catholic Dioceses, Catholic Charities organizations and Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey to organize a special one-day program. “From Isolation to Belonging, Mental Health and the Catholic Church” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on May 2 at the Saint John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. The cost to attend is $40 per person and registration is limited; those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at www.njconf.com before registration is full. “Health issues impact everyone,” said James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference – the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops. “This conference is an opportunity to learn more about mental health issues and how Catholics engage these issues.” Organizers encourage clergy, religious, parish leaders, ministry volunteers, educators, mental health professionals and those seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and the Church to consider attending. The day will include Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., of the Archdiocese of Newark. “Since God created us both body and spirit, we have a responsibility to not only care for our souls, but our minds and bodies as well. However, we must learn to do this in an authentically Catholic way,” King said. “There is a lot of information out there about mindfulness and wellness, [and] some of it is not consistent with Catholic teaching. As Catholics, not only do we need to understand why addressing our mental health is important, but how to do this in a manner that is rooted in our Catholic faith.” Related Podcast The Diocese of Paterson recently invited Beth Hlabse from the University of Notre Dame on its Beyond The Beacon to discuss mental health and the upcoming conference. Check it out below. Attendees will hear from leading Catholic voices and experts in the field, including keynote speaker Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix. Bishop Dolan founded an Office of Mental Health Ministry at the diocesan level, the first of its kind in the United States. He has long been motivated to support those experiencing mental health crises, especially after losing several family members and loved ones to suicide. Breakout sessions during the conference will also feature several speakers, including Beth Hlabse, program director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at Notre Dame University’s McGrath Institute for Church Life. A mental health counselor, Hlabse leads pastoral research and education efforts, and helps facilitate formation on mental health in the context of the Catholic tradition. Another speaker, Ben Wortham, serves as vice president for Behavioral Health Integration at Catholic Charities USA. Through his role, Wortham leads efforts to support 168 Catholic Charities agencies across the country, and works to support strong relationships between those agencies and healthcare systems. Attendees will also hear from Deacon Ed Shoener, founder of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. A permanent deacon at Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., Deacon Shoener was inspired to enter this field following the death of his daughter from suicide in 2016. The organization he founded works to combat stigma around mental illness by offering free resources for parishes, individuals and families around the world. The association has more than 7,000 members across 75 countries. King said that the idea for the conference follows increased efforts by the state’s diocesan communities and Catholic Charities agencies to address mental health, as well as to work on the national level with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. A key goal of the program is to combat stigma. “During the planning process, we heard from several people who described feeling isolated from their parish community when they or a family member experienced a mental health issue,” he said. “Essential to our mission as Catholics is to walk with people who are experiencing hardships. Unfortunately, from time to time, fear, or lack of understanding of a person’s situation, may make us reluctant to engage.” King hopes that participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how they can provide support. “The conference is not meant to turn attendees into trained therapists,” he said. “The goal of the conference is to help people overcome these fears and gain the confidence to engage with people in their families and communities who may be experiencing mental health issues.” If you are experiencing a crisis, dial 988. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  
Read More

Statewide Catholic Mental Health Conference set for May 2 #Catholic – Conference aims to combat stigma, offer support and resources With the goal of educating about the scope of the mental health crisis, reducing stigma around mental illness and offering resources for individuals and their families, the New Jersey Catholic Conference is partnering with the state’s Catholic Dioceses, Catholic Charities organizations and Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey to organize a special one-day program. “From Isolation to Belonging, Mental Health and the Catholic Church” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on May 2 at the Saint John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. The cost to attend is $40 per person and registration is limited; those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at www.njconf.com before registration is full. “Health issues impact everyone,” said James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference – the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops. “This conference is an opportunity to learn more about mental health issues and how Catholics engage these issues.” Organizers encourage clergy, religious, parish leaders, ministry volunteers, educators, mental health professionals and those seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and the Church to consider attending. The day will include Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., of the Archdiocese of Newark. “Since God created us both body and spirit, we have a responsibility to not only care for our souls, but our minds and bodies as well. However, we must learn to do this in an authentically Catholic way,” King said. “There is a lot of information out there about mindfulness and wellness, [and] some of it is not consistent with Catholic teaching. As Catholics, not only do we need to understand why addressing our mental health is important, but how to do this in a manner that is rooted in our Catholic faith.” Related Podcast The Diocese of Paterson recently invited Beth Hlabse from the University of Notre Dame on its Beyond The Beacon to discuss mental health and the upcoming conference. Check it out below. Attendees will hear from leading Catholic voices and experts in the field, including keynote speaker Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix. Bishop Dolan founded an Office of Mental Health Ministry at the diocesan level, the first of its kind in the United States. He has long been motivated to support those experiencing mental health crises, especially after losing several family members and loved ones to suicide. Breakout sessions during the conference will also feature several speakers, including Beth Hlabse, program director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at Notre Dame University’s McGrath Institute for Church Life. A mental health counselor, Hlabse leads pastoral research and education efforts, and helps facilitate formation on mental health in the context of the Catholic tradition. Another speaker, Ben Wortham, serves as vice president for Behavioral Health Integration at Catholic Charities USA. Through his role, Wortham leads efforts to support 168 Catholic Charities agencies across the country, and works to support strong relationships between those agencies and healthcare systems. Attendees will also hear from Deacon Ed Shoener, founder of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. A permanent deacon at Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., Deacon Shoener was inspired to enter this field following the death of his daughter from suicide in 2016. The organization he founded works to combat stigma around mental illness by offering free resources for parishes, individuals and families around the world. The association has more than 7,000 members across 75 countries. King said that the idea for the conference follows increased efforts by the state’s diocesan communities and Catholic Charities agencies to address mental health, as well as to work on the national level with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. A key goal of the program is to combat stigma. “During the planning process, we heard from several people who described feeling isolated from their parish community when they or a family member experienced a mental health issue,” he said. “Essential to our mission as Catholics is to walk with people who are experiencing hardships. Unfortunately, from time to time, fear, or lack of understanding of a person’s situation, may make us reluctant to engage.” King hopes that participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how they can provide support. “The conference is not meant to turn attendees into trained therapists,” he said. “The goal of the conference is to help people overcome these fears and gain the confidence to engage with people in their families and communities who may be experiencing mental health issues.” If you are experiencing a crisis, dial 988. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  

unitedyam

Statewide Catholic Mental Health Conference set for May 2 #Catholic –

Conference aims to combat stigma, offer support and resources

With the goal of educating about the scope of the mental health crisis, reducing stigma around mental illness and offering resources for individuals and their families, the New Jersey Catholic Conference is partnering with the state’s Catholic Dioceses, Catholic Charities organizations and Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey to organize a special one-day program.

“From Isolation to Belonging, Mental Health and the Catholic Church” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on May 2 at the Saint John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. The cost to attend is $40 per person and registration is limited; those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at www.njconf.com before registration is full.

“Health issues impact everyone,” said James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference – the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops. “This conference is an opportunity to learn more about mental health issues and how Catholics engage these issues.”

Organizers encourage clergy, religious, parish leaders, ministry volunteers, educators, mental health professionals and those seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and the Church to consider attending. The day will include Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., of the Archdiocese of Newark.

“Since God created us both body and spirit, we have a responsibility to not only care for our souls, but our minds and bodies as well. However, we must learn to do this in an authentically Catholic way,” King said. “There is a lot of information out there about mindfulness and wellness, [and] some of it is not consistent with Catholic teaching. As Catholics, not only do we need to understand why addressing our mental health is important, but how to do this in a manner that is rooted in our Catholic faith.”

Related Podcast

The Diocese of Paterson recently invited Beth Hlabse from the University of Notre Dame on its Beyond The Beacon to discuss mental health and the upcoming conference. Check it out below.

Attendees will hear from leading Catholic voices and experts in the field, including keynote speaker Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix. Bishop Dolan founded an Office of Mental Health Ministry at the diocesan level, the first of its kind in the United States. He has long been motivated to support those experiencing mental health crises, especially after losing several family members and loved ones to suicide.

Breakout sessions during the conference will also feature several speakers, including Beth Hlabse, program director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at Notre Dame University’s McGrath Institute for Church Life. A mental health counselor, Hlabse leads pastoral research and education efforts, and helps facilitate formation on mental health in the context of the Catholic tradition.

Another speaker, Ben Wortham, serves as vice president for Behavioral Health Integration at Catholic Charities USA. Through his role, Wortham leads efforts to support 168 Catholic Charities agencies across the country, and works to support strong relationships between those agencies and healthcare systems.

Attendees will also hear from Deacon Ed Shoener, founder of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. A permanent deacon at Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., Deacon Shoener was inspired to enter this field following the death of his daughter from suicide in 2016. The organization he founded works to combat stigma around mental illness by offering free resources for parishes, individuals and families around the world. The association has more than 7,000 members across 75 countries.

King said that the idea for the conference follows increased efforts by the state’s diocesan communities and Catholic Charities agencies to address mental health, as well as to work on the national level with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. A key goal of the program is to combat stigma.

“During the planning process, we heard from several people who described feeling isolated from their parish community when they or a family member experienced a mental health issue,” he said. “Essential to our mission as Catholics is to walk with people who are experiencing hardships. Unfortunately, from time to time, fear, or lack of understanding of a person’s situation, may make us reluctant to engage.”

King hopes that participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how they can provide support.

“The conference is not meant to turn attendees into trained therapists,” he said. “The goal of the conference is to help people overcome these fears and gain the confidence to engage with people in their families and communities who may be experiencing mental health issues.”

If you are experiencing a crisis, dial 988.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

 

– Conference aims to combat stigma, offer support and resources With the goal of educating about the scope of the mental health crisis, reducing stigma around mental illness and offering resources for individuals and their families, the New Jersey Catholic Conference is partnering with the state’s Catholic Dioceses, Catholic Charities organizations and Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey to organize a special one-day program. “From Isolation to Belonging, Mental Health and the Catholic Church” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on May 2 at the Saint John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. The cost to attend

Read More

March 18, 1965: The first spacewalk

unitedyam

Born in 1934, Alexei Leonov became the 11th Soviet cosmonaut and achieved several major milestones of space exploration. During the Voskhod 2 mission, on March 18, 1965, he exited his capsule for 12 minutes, performing the first human spacewalk. Leonov barely survived the excursion after a malfunction with his suit forced him to drop itsContinue reading “March 18, 1965: The first spacewalk”

The post March 18, 1965: The first spacewalk appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

March 17, 1958: Vanguard 1 blasts off

unitedyam

America’s second satellite, Vanguard 1, was launched into space on March 17, 1958. And though it only blasted off some six months after the Soviet’s Sputnik satellite, Vanguard 1 still remains in orbit — more than 60 years later. This makes it Earth’s longest-orbiting artificial satellite, as well as the oldest human-made object still inContinue reading “March 17, 1958: Vanguard 1 blasts off”

The post March 17, 1958: Vanguard 1 blasts off appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

Why are craters perfectly round even though meteorites are irregularly shaped?

unitedyam

Why are craters perfectly round even though meteorites are irregularly shaped? Steven RiserConyers, Georgia To answer your question, let’s have some fun. First, watch as I throw this irregularly shaped rock down at an angle onto a smooth mudflat. The rock strikes the flat and, in the process, splatters mud in all directions. Now let’sContinue reading “Why are craters perfectly round even though meteorites are irregularly shaped?”

The post Why are craters perfectly round even though meteorites are irregularly shaped? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

March 15, 1713: The birth of Nicolas-Louis de La Caille

unitedyam

After training in theology and becoming a deacon, Nicolas-Louis de La Caille (born March 15, 1713) turned his focus to geometry and astronomy. He studied at the Paris Observatory, and by 1739 had become professor of mathematics at Paris’ College Marzarin.  Though he constructed a rooftop observatory, published multiple textbooks, and took part in aContinue reading “March 15, 1713: The birth of Nicolas-Louis de La Caille”

The post March 15, 1713: The birth of Nicolas-Louis de La Caille appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Jefferson bereavement group stays anchored to comfort in Christ #Catholic – After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith. “I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that the Resurrection was true.” Last year, Osiecki’s strong faith began to return after she joined a Bereavement Ministry group at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. She gathers with other men and women in mourning —including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends — to help each other navigate grief, share their loss, and find hope and comfort in Jesus. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Bereavement Ministry has grown to more than 30 people a month since it was founded more than four years ago by Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker. She lost her husband, Jose, to colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. The group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. The next meeting will occur on March 18. Osiecki said Pasterchick leads the group by “letting the spirit guide her,” even though she follows a set schedule. Members pray, reflect on related Scripture, and share stories, often focusing on life’s blessings. In one activity, they pass around photos or treasured objects, such as a fishing pole, while sharing memories of loved ones. Members also discuss practical topics, such as when to clean out a loved one’s closet. “Through the group, I realized there are different ways to grieve. I understand now that I will never get over my grief. I will always miss Joseph. Yet my Catholic faith and prayer can be part of the process,” said Osiecki, who spoke to the group about cleaning up Joseph’s large collection of computers and parts. “Maria helps people process their grief and bring out compassion in other members. She listens so well. She gets to know the members’ stories and puts them into context,” Osiecki said. Members come from St. Thomas and St. John Vianney, as well as from other parishes and communities up to 40 minutes away. The Bereavement Ministry also holds periodic social gatherings for lunch or dinner to encourage fun and fellowship. The group receives support from Father Benjamin Williams, pastor of the two parishes, and Deacon Kevin Combs. “The group is faith-based. You can’t get through grief without God. He is our anchor,” Pastorchick said. “Some leave the group and return. Some members come back to Mass. Also, we talk about how our roles have changed in grief. Are we still wives and husbands? The meetings affirm who we are now.” In recognition of her efforts, Pasterchick, who is now also a grandmother, received the Vivere Christus award from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “When I lost Jose, I was angry at God. I would kneel and pray at Mass and wanted to scream,” Pasterchick said. “Then, one time at Mass, I looked at the crucifix. Peace came over me. I realized everything was going to be alright. Jose is in heaven. Once we surrender, Jesus will embrace us and grieve with us.” Email Pasterchick at Sisco9458@gmail.com to get more information about the Bereavement Ministry group or to ask her a mentor other churches seeking to start a group. Pictured above left is Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker, who started a Bereavement Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. Next to her in the photo is her late husband, Jose, who died of colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. Their sons, Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, are also pictured. In the photo to the right is Mary Beth Osiecki, who lost her husband, Joseph, to a pulmonary embolism in 2024. Osiecki credits her participation in the growing Bereavement Ministry group for helping her regain her strong Catholic faith.  
Read More

Jefferson bereavement group stays anchored to comfort in Christ #Catholic – After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith. “I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that the Resurrection was true.” Last year, Osiecki’s strong faith began to return after she joined a Bereavement Ministry group at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. She gathers with other men and women in mourning —including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends — to help each other navigate grief, share their loss, and find hope and comfort in Jesus. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Bereavement Ministry has grown to more than 30 people a month since it was founded more than four years ago by Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker. She lost her husband, Jose, to colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. The group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. The next meeting will occur on March 18. Osiecki said Pasterchick leads the group by “letting the spirit guide her,” even though she follows a set schedule. Members pray, reflect on related Scripture, and share stories, often focusing on life’s blessings. In one activity, they pass around photos or treasured objects, such as a fishing pole, while sharing memories of loved ones. Members also discuss practical topics, such as when to clean out a loved one’s closet. “Through the group, I realized there are different ways to grieve. I understand now that I will never get over my grief. I will always miss Joseph. Yet my Catholic faith and prayer can be part of the process,” said Osiecki, who spoke to the group about cleaning up Joseph’s large collection of computers and parts. “Maria helps people process their grief and bring out compassion in other members. She listens so well. She gets to know the members’ stories and puts them into context,” Osiecki said. Members come from St. Thomas and St. John Vianney, as well as from other parishes and communities up to 40 minutes away. The Bereavement Ministry also holds periodic social gatherings for lunch or dinner to encourage fun and fellowship. The group receives support from Father Benjamin Williams, pastor of the two parishes, and Deacon Kevin Combs. “The group is faith-based. You can’t get through grief without God. He is our anchor,” Pastorchick said. “Some leave the group and return. Some members come back to Mass. Also, we talk about how our roles have changed in grief. Are we still wives and husbands? The meetings affirm who we are now.” In recognition of her efforts, Pasterchick, who is now also a grandmother, received the Vivere Christus award from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “When I lost Jose, I was angry at God. I would kneel and pray at Mass and wanted to scream,” Pasterchick said. “Then, one time at Mass, I looked at the crucifix. Peace came over me. I realized everything was going to be alright. Jose is in heaven. Once we surrender, Jesus will embrace us and grieve with us.” Email Pasterchick at Sisco9458@gmail.com to get more information about the Bereavement Ministry group or to ask her a mentor other churches seeking to start a group. Pictured above left is Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker, who started a Bereavement Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. Next to her in the photo is her late husband, Jose, who died of colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. Their sons, Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, are also pictured. In the photo to the right is Mary Beth Osiecki, who lost her husband, Joseph, to a pulmonary embolism in 2024. Osiecki credits her participation in the growing Bereavement Ministry group for helping her regain her strong Catholic faith.  

unitedyam

Jefferson bereavement group stays anchored to comfort in Christ #Catholic –

After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith.

“I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that the Resurrection was true.”

Last year, Osiecki’s strong faith began to return after she joined a Bereavement Ministry group at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. She gathers with other men and women in mourning —including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends — to help each other navigate grief, share their loss, and find hope and comfort in Jesus.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The Bereavement Ministry has grown to more than 30 people a month since it was founded more than four years ago by Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker. She lost her husband, Jose, to colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. The group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. The next meeting will occur on March 18.

Osiecki said Pasterchick leads the group by “letting the spirit guide her,” even though she follows a set schedule. Members pray, reflect on related Scripture, and share stories, often focusing on life’s blessings. In one activity, they pass around photos or treasured objects, such as a fishing pole, while sharing memories of loved ones. Members also discuss practical topics, such as when to clean out a loved one’s closet.

“Through the group, I realized there are different ways to grieve. I understand now that I will never get over my grief. I will always miss Joseph. Yet my Catholic faith and prayer can be part of the process,” said Osiecki, who spoke to the group about cleaning up Joseph’s large collection of computers and parts. “Maria helps people process their grief and bring out compassion in other members. She listens so well. She gets to know the members’ stories and puts them into context,” Osiecki said.

Members come from St. Thomas and St. John Vianney, as well as from other parishes and communities up to 40 minutes away. The Bereavement Ministry also holds periodic social gatherings for lunch or dinner to encourage fun and fellowship. The group receives support from Father Benjamin Williams, pastor of the two parishes, and Deacon Kevin Combs.

“The group is faith-based. You can’t get through grief without God. He is our anchor,” Pastorchick said. “Some leave the group and return. Some members come back to Mass. Also, we talk about how our roles have changed in grief. Are we still wives and husbands? The meetings affirm who we are now.”

In recognition of her efforts, Pasterchick, who is now also a grandmother, received the Vivere Christus award from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey.

“When I lost Jose, I was angry at God. I would kneel and pray at Mass and wanted to scream,” Pasterchick said. “Then, one time at Mass, I looked at the crucifix. Peace came over me. I realized everything was going to be alright. Jose is in heaven. Once we surrender, Jesus will embrace us and grieve with us.”

Email Pasterchick at Sisco9458@gmail.com to get more information about the Bereavement Ministry group or to ask her a mentor other churches seeking to start a group.

Pictured above left is Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker, who started a Bereavement Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. Next to her in the photo is her late husband, Jose, who died of colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. Their sons, Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, are also pictured. In the photo to the right is Mary Beth Osiecki, who lost her husband, Joseph, to a pulmonary embolism in 2024. Osiecki credits her participation in the growing Bereavement Ministry group for helping her regain her strong Catholic faith.

 

– After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith. “I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that

Read More
Jefferson bereavement group stays anchored to comfort in Christ #Catholic – After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith. “I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that the Resurrection was true.” Last year, Osiecki’s strong faith began to return after she joined a Bereavement Ministry group at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. She gathers with other men and women in mourning —including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends — to help each other navigate grief, share their loss, and find hope and comfort in Jesus. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Bereavement Ministry has grown to more than 30 people a month since it was founded more than four years ago by Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker. She lost her husband, Jose, to colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. The group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. The next meeting will occur on March 18. Osiecki said Pasterchick leads the group by “letting the spirit guide her,” even though she follows a set schedule. Members pray, reflect on related Scripture, and share stories, often focusing on life’s blessings. In one activity, they pass around photos or treasured objects, such as a fishing pole, while sharing memories of loved ones. Members also discuss practical topics, such as when to clean out a loved one’s closet. “Through the group, I realized there are different ways to grieve. I understand now that I will never get over my grief. I will always miss Joseph. Yet my Catholic faith and prayer can be part of the process,” said Osiecki, who spoke to the group about cleaning up Joseph’s large collection of computers and parts. “Maria helps people process their grief and bring out compassion in other members. She listens so well. She gets to know the members’ stories and puts them into context,” Osiecki said. Members come from St. Thomas and St. John Vianney, as well as from other parishes and communities up to 40 minutes away. The Bereavement Ministry also holds periodic social gatherings for lunch or dinner to encourage fun and fellowship. The group receives support from Father Benjamin Williams, pastor of the two parishes, and Deacon Kevin Combs. “The group is faith-based. You can’t get through grief without God. He is our anchor,” Pastorchick said. “Some leave the group and return. Some members come back to Mass. Also, we talk about how our roles have changed in grief. Are we still wives and husbands? The meetings affirm who we are now.” In recognition of her efforts, Pasterchick, who is now also a grandmother, received the Vivere Christus award from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “When I lost Jose, I was angry at God. I would kneel and pray at Mass and wanted to scream,” Pasterchick said. “Then, one time at Mass, I looked at the crucifix. Peace came over me. I realized everything was going to be alright. Jose is in heaven. Once we surrender, Jesus will embrace us and grieve with us.” Email Pasterchick at Sisco9458@gmail.com to get more information about the Bereavement Ministry group or to ask her a mentor other churches seeking to start a group. Pictured above left is Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker, who started a Bereavement Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. Next to her in the photo is her late husband, Jose, who died of colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. Their sons, Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, are also pictured. In the photo to the right is Mary Beth Osiecki, who lost her husband, Joseph, to a pulmonary embolism in 2024. Osiecki credits her participation in the growing Bereavement Ministry group for helping her regain her strong Catholic faith.  
Read More

Jefferson bereavement group stays anchored to comfort in Christ #Catholic – After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith. “I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that the Resurrection was true.” Last year, Osiecki’s strong faith began to return after she joined a Bereavement Ministry group at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. She gathers with other men and women in mourning —including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends — to help each other navigate grief, share their loss, and find hope and comfort in Jesus. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Bereavement Ministry has grown to more than 30 people a month since it was founded more than four years ago by Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker. She lost her husband, Jose, to colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. The group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. The next meeting will occur on March 18. Osiecki said Pasterchick leads the group by “letting the spirit guide her,” even though she follows a set schedule. Members pray, reflect on related Scripture, and share stories, often focusing on life’s blessings. In one activity, they pass around photos or treasured objects, such as a fishing pole, while sharing memories of loved ones. Members also discuss practical topics, such as when to clean out a loved one’s closet. “Through the group, I realized there are different ways to grieve. I understand now that I will never get over my grief. I will always miss Joseph. Yet my Catholic faith and prayer can be part of the process,” said Osiecki, who spoke to the group about cleaning up Joseph’s large collection of computers and parts. “Maria helps people process their grief and bring out compassion in other members. She listens so well. She gets to know the members’ stories and puts them into context,” Osiecki said. Members come from St. Thomas and St. John Vianney, as well as from other parishes and communities up to 40 minutes away. The Bereavement Ministry also holds periodic social gatherings for lunch or dinner to encourage fun and fellowship. The group receives support from Father Benjamin Williams, pastor of the two parishes, and Deacon Kevin Combs. “The group is faith-based. You can’t get through grief without God. He is our anchor,” Pastorchick said. “Some leave the group and return. Some members come back to Mass. Also, we talk about how our roles have changed in grief. Are we still wives and husbands? The meetings affirm who we are now.” In recognition of her efforts, Pasterchick, who is now also a grandmother, received the Vivere Christus award from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “When I lost Jose, I was angry at God. I would kneel and pray at Mass and wanted to scream,” Pasterchick said. “Then, one time at Mass, I looked at the crucifix. Peace came over me. I realized everything was going to be alright. Jose is in heaven. Once we surrender, Jesus will embrace us and grieve with us.” Email Pasterchick at Sisco9458@gmail.com to get more information about the Bereavement Ministry group or to ask her a mentor other churches seeking to start a group. Pictured above left is Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker, who started a Bereavement Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. Next to her in the photo is her late husband, Jose, who died of colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. Their sons, Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, are also pictured. In the photo to the right is Mary Beth Osiecki, who lost her husband, Joseph, to a pulmonary embolism in 2024. Osiecki credits her participation in the growing Bereavement Ministry group for helping her regain her strong Catholic faith.  

unitedyam

Jefferson bereavement group stays anchored to comfort in Christ #Catholic –

After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith.

“I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that the Resurrection was true.”

Last year, Osiecki’s strong faith began to return after she joined a Bereavement Ministry group at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. She gathers with other men and women in mourning —including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends — to help each other navigate grief, share their loss, and find hope and comfort in Jesus.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The Bereavement Ministry has grown to more than 30 people a month since it was founded more than four years ago by Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker. She lost her husband, Jose, to colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. The group meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. The next meeting will occur on March 18.

Osiecki said Pasterchick leads the group by “letting the spirit guide her,” even though she follows a set schedule. Members pray, reflect on related Scripture, and share stories, often focusing on life’s blessings. In one activity, they pass around photos or treasured objects, such as a fishing pole, while sharing memories of loved ones. Members also discuss practical topics, such as when to clean out a loved one’s closet.

“Through the group, I realized there are different ways to grieve. I understand now that I will never get over my grief. I will always miss Joseph. Yet my Catholic faith and prayer can be part of the process,” said Osiecki, who spoke to the group about cleaning up Joseph’s large collection of computers and parts. “Maria helps people process their grief and bring out compassion in other members. She listens so well. She gets to know the members’ stories and puts them into context,” Osiecki said.

Members come from St. Thomas and St. John Vianney, as well as from other parishes and communities up to 40 minutes away. The Bereavement Ministry also holds periodic social gatherings for lunch or dinner to encourage fun and fellowship. The group receives support from Father Benjamin Williams, pastor of the two parishes, and Deacon Kevin Combs.

“The group is faith-based. You can’t get through grief without God. He is our anchor,” Pastorchick said. “Some leave the group and return. Some members come back to Mass. Also, we talk about how our roles have changed in grief. Are we still wives and husbands? The meetings affirm who we are now.”

In recognition of her efforts, Pasterchick, who is now also a grandmother, received the Vivere Christus award from the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey.

“When I lost Jose, I was angry at God. I would kneel and pray at Mass and wanted to scream,” Pasterchick said. “Then, one time at Mass, I looked at the crucifix. Peace came over me. I realized everything was going to be alright. Jose is in heaven. Once we surrender, Jesus will embrace us and grieve with us.”

Email Pasterchick at Sisco9458@gmail.com to get more information about the Bereavement Ministry group or to ask her a mentor other churches seeking to start a group.

Pictured above left is Maria Pasterchick, a retired social worker, who started a Bereavement Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J., and at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J. Next to her in the photo is her late husband, Jose, who died of colon cancer 21 years ago when he was 45 years old, leaving her with two children, ages 10 and 11. Their sons, Joseph and Matthew Ojeda, are also pictured. In the photo to the right is Mary Beth Osiecki, who lost her husband, Joseph, to a pulmonary embolism in 2024. Osiecki credits her participation in the growing Bereavement Ministry group for helping her regain her strong Catholic faith.

 

– After Joseph, her husband of 35 years, died of a pulmonary embolism on Thanksgiving Day in 2024 at age 80, Mary Beth Osiecki felt numb. A lifelong Catholic, she continued praying daily, though a month later, her grief made her question her faith. “I was so tender in my own mourning — in the loss and loneliness. Joseph was my everything,” Osiecki, who retired as religious education director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in the Hewitt neighborhood of West Milford, N.J., in 2019. “I went to church on Sundays, but I wasn’t sure if I still believed that

Read More

March 14, 1879: The birth of a genius

unitedyam

On March 14, 1879, Albert Einstein was born in Germany. Early in his life, he demonstrated passion for music and science; in 1896, he began studying physics and mathematics at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich. When his degree was completed, he was unable to find a position as a teacher, and instead beganContinue reading “March 14, 1879: The birth of a genius”

The post March 14, 1879: The birth of a genius appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Pompton Lakes workshop sparks deeper conversations about mental health #Catholic - About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience. John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious. “Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI   [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
Read More

Pompton Lakes workshop sparks deeper conversations about mental health #Catholic – About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience. John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious. “Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI   [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

unitedyam

Pompton Lakes workshop sparks deeper conversations about mental health #Catholic –

About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience.

John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.

“Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
 

– About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the

Read More
Joyful music rings out at Morristown youth choir festival #Catholic - On March 7, several youth choral groups from the Paterson Diocese helped fill Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Morristown, N.J., with the joyful sounds of sacred music as they participated in the historic 2026 New Jersey Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass alongside other youth choirs. The March 7 event at Assumption marked the first time a Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass was hosted in the Paterson Diocese. Youth in grades 4-12 from choirs across the Paterson Diocese and their directors participated in the Pueri Cantores experience, representing several parishes and a school. They included choirs from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., St. Vincent Martyr Parish in Madison, N.J., Holy Spirit School and Parish in Pequannock, N.J. and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Highland Lakes neighborhood of Vernon, N.J. A few of the 11 participating choirs originated from other dioceses in the Garden State, as well as Brooklyn and Pennsylvania. According to Holy Spirit School, the children spent the day in focused rehearsals led by guest conductor Dr. Alfred Calabrese from Texas, preparing for a choral prelude and Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Dr. Calabrese engaged the group throughout, ending the event with a group selfie that captured the day’s spirit. Families of choir members and members of the parish and school communities also attended to support the children. Pueri Cantores is the international student choral organization of the Roman Catholic Church. All participating children received a medal in recognition of their hard work and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the organization’s receipt of Vatican approval. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In 1907, Pueri Cantores was founded in France to evangelize and serve through sacred music. What began in Europe quickly spread across continents. Today, Pueri Cantores includes national federations in 43 countries, representing more than 70,000 young singers worldwide. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
Read More

Joyful music rings out at Morristown youth choir festival #Catholic – On March 7, several youth choral groups from the Paterson Diocese helped fill Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Morristown, N.J., with the joyful sounds of sacred music as they participated in the historic 2026 New Jersey Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass alongside other youth choirs. The March 7 event at Assumption marked the first time a Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass was hosted in the Paterson Diocese. Youth in grades 4-12 from choirs across the Paterson Diocese and their directors participated in the Pueri Cantores experience, representing several parishes and a school. They included choirs from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., St. Vincent Martyr Parish in Madison, N.J., Holy Spirit School and Parish in Pequannock, N.J. and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Highland Lakes neighborhood of Vernon, N.J. A few of the 11 participating choirs originated from other dioceses in the Garden State, as well as Brooklyn and Pennsylvania. According to Holy Spirit School, the children spent the day in focused rehearsals led by guest conductor Dr. Alfred Calabrese from Texas, preparing for a choral prelude and Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Dr. Calabrese engaged the group throughout, ending the event with a group selfie that captured the day’s spirit. Families of choir members and members of the parish and school communities also attended to support the children. Pueri Cantores is the international student choral organization of the Roman Catholic Church. All participating children received a medal in recognition of their hard work and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the organization’s receipt of Vatican approval. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In 1907, Pueri Cantores was founded in France to evangelize and serve through sacred music. What began in Europe quickly spread across continents. Today, Pueri Cantores includes national federations in 43 countries, representing more than 70,000 young singers worldwide. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

unitedyam

Joyful music rings out at Morristown youth choir festival #Catholic –

On March 7, several youth choral groups from the Paterson Diocese helped fill Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Morristown, N.J., with the joyful sounds of sacred music as they participated in the historic 2026 New Jersey Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass alongside other youth choirs.

The March 7 event at Assumption marked the first time a Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass was hosted in the Paterson Diocese.

Youth in grades 4-12 from choirs across the Paterson Diocese and their directors participated in the Pueri Cantores experience, representing several parishes and a school. They included choirs from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., St. Vincent Martyr Parish in Madison, N.J., Holy Spirit School and Parish in Pequannock, N.J. and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Highland Lakes neighborhood of Vernon, N.J.

A few of the 11 participating choirs originated from other dioceses in the Garden State, as well as Brooklyn and Pennsylvania.

According to Holy Spirit School, the children spent the day in focused rehearsals led by guest conductor Dr. Alfred Calabrese from Texas, preparing for a choral prelude and Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Dr. Calabrese engaged the group throughout, ending the event with a group selfie that captured the day’s spirit.

Families of choir members and members of the parish and school communities also attended to support the children.

Pueri Cantores is the international student choral organization of the Roman Catholic Church. All participating children received a medal in recognition of their hard work and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the organization’s receipt of Vatican approval.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

In 1907, Pueri Cantores was founded in France to evangelize and serve through sacred music. What began in Europe quickly spread across continents. Today, Pueri Cantores includes national federations in 43 countries, representing more than 70,000 young singers worldwide.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– On March 7, several youth choral groups from the Paterson Diocese helped fill Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Morristown, N.J., with the joyful sounds of sacred music as they participated in the historic 2026 New Jersey Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass alongside other youth choirs. The March 7 event at Assumption marked the first time a Pueri Cantores Youth Choral Festival and Mass was hosted in the Paterson Diocese. Youth in grades 4-12 from choirs across the Paterson Diocese and their directors participated in the Pueri Cantores experience, representing several parishes and a school. They

Read More
Beyond The Beacon Ep. 107: A new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson #Catholic – 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 Compostela Catechetical After-School Program is unlike any program in Paterson. The word “Compostela” translates to “field of stars.” Compostela is attended by children all around the schools 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. Listen to the episode here, or on any major podcast platform, or watch it on Bishop Sweeney’s YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Read More

Beyond The Beacon Ep. 107: A new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson #Catholic – 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 Compostela Catechetical After-School Program is unlike any program in Paterson. The word “Compostela” translates to “field of stars.” Compostela is attended by children all around the schools 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. Listen to the episode here, or on any major podcast platform, or watch it on Bishop Sweeney’s YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

unitedyam

Beyond The Beacon Ep. 107: A new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson #Catholic –

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 Compostela Catechetical After-School Program is unlike any program in Paterson. The word “Compostela” translates to “field of stars.” Compostela is attended by children all around the schools 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.

Listen to the episode here, or on any major podcast platform, or watch it on Bishop Sweeney’s YouTube channel.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– 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 Compostela Catechetical After-School Program is unlike any program in Paterson. The word “Compostela” translates to “field of stars.” Compostela is attended by children all around the schools of Paterson.  The guests are Sister Moira Debono, R.S.M., the community’s local superior, and Msgr. Geno

Read More
Remarkable feat: 2 Sparta Catholic schools notch national recognition #Catholic – The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., proudly announces that both Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, which provides elementary education, and Pope John XXIII Middle School have been named Top Catholic Schools 2026 by Education Insider Magazine.  They were among 17 U.S. Catholic schools recognized. The honor highlights the schools’ academic excellence, faith-centered communities, and holistic development. A definitive source in education, Education Insider covers the full learning continuum, from kindergarten to 12th grade and higher education. Its list recognizes “institutions excelling in academics while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Stakeholders nominated schools, which industry experts vetted. The two Catholic Academy schools joined another New Jersey school, Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, in the Newark Archdiocese as a Top Catholic School 2026. Rev. Brown School and Pope John XXIII Middle School are two distinct schools within the Catholic Academy of Sussex County, which also includes Pope John XXIII Regional High School. The academy offers a seamless Pre-K to 12th-grade experience in a faith-filled, academic environment, aiming to create future leaders and encouraging students to honor the Father in all they do. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Pleased with these dual accolades, Daniel O’Keefe, Catholic Academy’s president, said, “We are honored to be recognized for what is truly a collaborative award that is a result of the continuous hard work and dedication of so many people. This recognition motivates us to continue our vocation in forming young minds and leading them as faithful disciples of Christ.” Rev. Brown serves pre-K to fourth-grade students, a period that Principal Patricia Klebez identifies as vital for academic and personal development. Education Insider noted, “The school is committed to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.” At Rev. Brown, that calling is visible in every classroom, prayer, and relationship. It is a place where faith and future work together to give children the strongest possible start in life. It is not simply preparing students for the next grade or the next school, but equipping them with the skills, discipline, and faith needed to live with purpose, compassion, and hope for a lifetime, Klebez said. “It is a tremendous privilege to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” Klebez said. “We are always working to be like Jesus. To live like him, to act like him, and to understand that though we are imperfect, every day we can try to be better than the day before.” To read the full article about Rev. Brown from Education Insider, visit https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/reverend-george-a-brown-memorial-school-2026 In a world that often separates faith from academics, Pope John XXIII Middle School stands out by seamlessly integrating both, unlike many schools. Students are encouraged to reflect deeply on their studies, recognizing that education is not merely about acquiring facts but about shaping their futures as thoughtful, responsible individuals. In their selection, Education Insider notes about Pope John, “The integration of faith into the curriculum helps students understand the world in a broader context, making lessons resonate more deeply.” As Pope John moves forward, its commitment to excellence, faith, and character remains constant. With a strong foundation rooted in Catholic values, an academically rigorous curriculum, and a deep sense of community, the school continues to prepare students for success in both their education and life beyond the classroom, said Susan Santore, principal. “It is an honor to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” said Susan Santore, Pope John’s principal. “We are a Catholic school, and with that comes a responsibility not just to educate, but to form students in the image of God. Our goal is to create a space where students grow not only in knowledge but also in compassion, integrity, and faith. That is what makes it unique and one of the top Catholic Schools.” Read the full article about Pope John from Education Insider magazine. Susan Santore, principal of Pope John XXIII Middle School, observes the work pf two  students on computers. Education Insider Magazine named Pope John and the Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School,  both part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., as a Top Catholic Schools 2026.
Read More

Remarkable feat: 2 Sparta Catholic schools notch national recognition #Catholic – The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., proudly announces that both Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, which provides elementary education, and Pope John XXIII Middle School have been named Top Catholic Schools 2026 by Education Insider Magazine.  They were among 17 U.S. Catholic schools recognized. The honor highlights the schools’ academic excellence, faith-centered communities, and holistic development. A definitive source in education, Education Insider covers the full learning continuum, from kindergarten to 12th grade and higher education. Its list recognizes “institutions excelling in academics while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Stakeholders nominated schools, which industry experts vetted. The two Catholic Academy schools joined another New Jersey school, Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, in the Newark Archdiocese as a Top Catholic School 2026. Rev. Brown School and Pope John XXIII Middle School are two distinct schools within the Catholic Academy of Sussex County, which also includes Pope John XXIII Regional High School. The academy offers a seamless Pre-K to 12th-grade experience in a faith-filled, academic environment, aiming to create future leaders and encouraging students to honor the Father in all they do. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Pleased with these dual accolades, Daniel O’Keefe, Catholic Academy’s president, said, “We are honored to be recognized for what is truly a collaborative award that is a result of the continuous hard work and dedication of so many people. This recognition motivates us to continue our vocation in forming young minds and leading them as faithful disciples of Christ.” Rev. Brown serves pre-K to fourth-grade students, a period that Principal Patricia Klebez identifies as vital for academic and personal development. Education Insider noted, “The school is committed to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.” At Rev. Brown, that calling is visible in every classroom, prayer, and relationship. It is a place where faith and future work together to give children the strongest possible start in life. It is not simply preparing students for the next grade or the next school, but equipping them with the skills, discipline, and faith needed to live with purpose, compassion, and hope for a lifetime, Klebez said. “It is a tremendous privilege to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” Klebez said. “We are always working to be like Jesus. To live like him, to act like him, and to understand that though we are imperfect, every day we can try to be better than the day before.” To read the full article about Rev. Brown from Education Insider, visit https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/reverend-george-a-brown-memorial-school-2026 In a world that often separates faith from academics, Pope John XXIII Middle School stands out by seamlessly integrating both, unlike many schools. Students are encouraged to reflect deeply on their studies, recognizing that education is not merely about acquiring facts but about shaping their futures as thoughtful, responsible individuals. In their selection, Education Insider notes about Pope John, “The integration of faith into the curriculum helps students understand the world in a broader context, making lessons resonate more deeply.” As Pope John moves forward, its commitment to excellence, faith, and character remains constant. With a strong foundation rooted in Catholic values, an academically rigorous curriculum, and a deep sense of community, the school continues to prepare students for success in both their education and life beyond the classroom, said Susan Santore, principal. “It is an honor to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” said Susan Santore, Pope John’s principal. “We are a Catholic school, and with that comes a responsibility not just to educate, but to form students in the image of God. Our goal is to create a space where students grow not only in knowledge but also in compassion, integrity, and faith. That is what makes it unique and one of the top Catholic Schools.” Read the full article about Pope John from Education Insider magazine. Susan Santore, principal of Pope John XXIII Middle School, observes the work pf two  students on computers. Education Insider Magazine named Pope John and the Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School,  both part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., as a Top Catholic Schools 2026.

unitedyam

Remarkable feat: 2 Sparta Catholic schools notch national recognition #Catholic –

The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., proudly announces that both Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, which provides elementary education, and Pope John XXIII Middle School have been named Top Catholic Schools 2026 by Education Insider Magazine.  They were among 17 U.S. Catholic schools recognized. The honor highlights the schools’ academic excellence, faith-centered communities, and holistic development.

A definitive source in education, Education Insider covers the full learning continuum, from kindergarten to 12th grade and higher education. Its list recognizes “institutions excelling in academics while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Stakeholders nominated schools, which industry experts vetted.

The two Catholic Academy schools joined another New Jersey school, Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, in the Newark Archdiocese as a Top Catholic School 2026.

Rev. Brown School and Pope John XXIII Middle School are two distinct schools within the Catholic Academy of Sussex County, which also includes Pope John XXIII Regional High School. The academy offers a seamless Pre-K to 12th-grade experience in a faith-filled, academic environment, aiming to create future leaders and encouraging students to honor the Father in all they do.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Pleased with these dual accolades, Daniel O’Keefe, Catholic Academy’s president, said, “We are honored to be recognized for what is truly a collaborative award that is a result of the continuous hard work and dedication of so many people. This recognition motivates us to continue our vocation in forming young minds and leading them as faithful disciples of Christ.”

Rev. Brown serves pre-K to fourth-grade students, a period that Principal Patricia Klebez identifies as vital for academic and personal development. Education Insider noted, “The school is committed to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.”

At Rev. Brown, that calling is visible in every classroom, prayer, and relationship. It is a place where faith and future work together to give children the strongest possible start in life. It is not simply preparing students for the next grade or the next school, but equipping them with the skills, discipline, and faith needed to live with purpose, compassion, and hope for a lifetime, Klebez said.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” Klebez said. “We are always working to be like Jesus. To live like him, to act like him, and to understand that though we are imperfect, every day we can try to be better than the day before.”

To read the full article about Rev. Brown from Education Insider, visit https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/reverend-george-a-brown-memorial-school-2026

In a world that often separates faith from academics, Pope John XXIII Middle School stands out by seamlessly integrating both, unlike many schools. Students are encouraged to reflect deeply on their studies, recognizing that education is not merely about acquiring facts but about shaping their futures as thoughtful, responsible individuals. In their selection, Education Insider notes about Pope John, “The integration of faith into the curriculum helps students understand the world in a broader context, making lessons resonate more deeply.”

As Pope John moves forward, its commitment to excellence, faith, and character remains constant. With a strong foundation rooted in Catholic values, an academically rigorous curriculum, and a deep sense of community, the school continues to prepare students for success in both their education and life beyond the classroom, said Susan Santore, principal.

“It is an honor to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” said Susan Santore, Pope John’s principal. “We are a Catholic school, and with that comes a responsibility not just to educate, but to form students in the image of God. Our goal is to create a space where students grow not only in knowledge but also in compassion, integrity, and faith. That is what makes it unique and one of the top Catholic Schools.”

Read the full article about Pope John from Education Insider magazine.

Susan Santore, principal of Pope John XXIII Middle School, observes the work pf two  students on computers. Education Insider Magazine named Pope John and the Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School,  both part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., as a Top Catholic Schools 2026.

– The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., proudly announces that both Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, which provides elementary education, and Pope John XXIII Middle School have been named Top Catholic Schools 2026 by Education Insider Magazine.  They were among 17 U.S. Catholic schools recognized. The honor highlights the schools’ academic excellence, faith-centered communities, and holistic development. A definitive source in education, Education Insider covers the full learning continuum, from kindergarten to 12th grade and higher education. Its list recognizes “institutions excelling in academics while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Stakeholders nominated schools, which industry experts vetted.

Read More

Astronomers confirm potentially habitable exoplanet in the solar neighborhood

unitedyam

A team of scientists has confirmed that the nearby star GJ 887 hosts at least four planets, one of which could be a habitable world — the second closest to our own solar system. M dwarfs are the most prevalent stars in our galaxy and are some of the best targets for hunting exoplanets. TheirContinue reading “Astronomers confirm potentially habitable exoplanet in the solar neighborhood”

The post Astronomers confirm potentially habitable exoplanet in the solar neighborhood appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

The Sky This Week from March 6 to 13: The Moon and Antares

unitedyam

Sky This Week is brought to you in part by Celestron. Friday, March 6With no Moon in the early-evening sky, let’s chase down a classic deep-sky object tonight: M1, the first entry in Charles Messier’s list of “not comets” and also known as the Crab Nebula.  This smudge of gas and dust left over fromContinue reading “The Sky This Week from March 6 to 13: The Moon and Antares”

The post The Sky This Week from March 6 to 13: The Moon and Antares appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit diocese in historic faith event #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday. It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more information on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org. The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Fla., where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held, on Memorial Day. Then, it moves up the East Coast to New England, and on to Philadelphia, Penn., the nation’s birthplace, for the 250th anniversary celebrations. The journey ends on July 5. A group of young-adult Perpetual Pilgrims and media missionaries will travel by van through most of the original 13 colonies on the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named after the first American citizen canonized as a saint. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Like the rest of the pilgrimage, the two-day stop in the Paterson Diocese will also highlight the contributions of immigrants to the Church in the United States. Pilgrims will visit churches in Paterson and Passaic, among the most densely populated and multicultural cities in the Garden State. Catholics from the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in a dynamic array of public events in English and Spanish, including opening and closing Masses by Bishop Sweeney, presentations on the Eucharist, and Eucharistic processions through the cities’ streets. “The pilgrimage’s stop in the diocese will give Catholics an opportunity to revitalize their love for Jesus and the Eucharist. This is one of the goals of the New Evangelization. It also offers a chance to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and delegate for the pilgrimage stop in the diocese. “We invite all parishes in our local church of Paterson to attend.” Special guests on the pilgrimage will be three priests with strong social media presence: Father Rafael Capo, Father Heriberto Garcia, and Franciscan Father Casey Cole. The pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add that phrase to the U.S.’ Pledge of Allegiance, said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “Our hope is that Catholics will gather on this significant anniversary — the United States’ 250th birthday — to give thanks for our country and pray for its future. We encourage all Catholics to be inspired by the missionaries’ zeal to bring revival to the light and love of Jesus Christ.” Event locations and times will be announced at a later date on BeaconNJ.org. For more information, please contact Maria Moncaleano, who is helping Father Jaramillo as the contact person for anyone with questions regarding the pilgrimage and scheduled events at mmoncaleano@patersondiocese.org.  
Read More

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit diocese in historic faith event #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday. It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more information on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org. The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Fla., where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held, on Memorial Day. Then, it moves up the East Coast to New England, and on to Philadelphia, Penn., the nation’s birthplace, for the 250th anniversary celebrations. The journey ends on July 5. A group of young-adult Perpetual Pilgrims and media missionaries will travel by van through most of the original 13 colonies on the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named after the first American citizen canonized as a saint. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Like the rest of the pilgrimage, the two-day stop in the Paterson Diocese will also highlight the contributions of immigrants to the Church in the United States. Pilgrims will visit churches in Paterson and Passaic, among the most densely populated and multicultural cities in the Garden State. Catholics from the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in a dynamic array of public events in English and Spanish, including opening and closing Masses by Bishop Sweeney, presentations on the Eucharist, and Eucharistic processions through the cities’ streets. “The pilgrimage’s stop in the diocese will give Catholics an opportunity to revitalize their love for Jesus and the Eucharist. This is one of the goals of the New Evangelization. It also offers a chance to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and delegate for the pilgrimage stop in the diocese. “We invite all parishes in our local church of Paterson to attend.” Special guests on the pilgrimage will be three priests with strong social media presence: Father Rafael Capo, Father Heriberto Garcia, and Franciscan Father Casey Cole. The pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add that phrase to the U.S.’ Pledge of Allegiance, said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “Our hope is that Catholics will gather on this significant anniversary — the United States’ 250th birthday — to give thanks for our country and pray for its future. We encourage all Catholics to be inspired by the missionaries’ zeal to bring revival to the light and love of Jesus Christ.” Event locations and times will be announced at a later date on BeaconNJ.org. For more information, please contact Maria Moncaleano, who is helping Father Jaramillo as the contact person for anyone with questions regarding the pilgrimage and scheduled events at mmoncaleano@patersondiocese.org.  

unitedyam

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit diocese in historic faith event #Catholic –

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday.

It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more information on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org.

The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Fla., where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held, on Memorial Day. Then, it moves up the East Coast to New England, and on to Philadelphia, Penn., the nation’s birthplace, for the 250th anniversary celebrations. The journey ends on July 5. A group of young-adult Perpetual Pilgrims and media missionaries will travel by van through most of the original 13 colonies on the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named after the first American citizen canonized as a saint.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Like the rest of the pilgrimage, the two-day stop in the Paterson Diocese will also highlight the contributions of immigrants to the Church in the United States. Pilgrims will visit churches in Paterson and Passaic, among the most densely populated and multicultural cities in the Garden State. Catholics from the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in a dynamic array of public events in English and Spanish, including opening and closing Masses by Bishop Sweeney, presentations on the Eucharist, and Eucharistic processions through the cities’ streets.

“The pilgrimage’s stop in the diocese will give Catholics an opportunity to revitalize their love for Jesus and the Eucharist. This is one of the goals of the New Evangelization. It also offers a chance to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and delegate for the pilgrimage stop in the diocese. “We invite all parishes in our local church of Paterson to attend.”

Special guests on the pilgrimage will be three priests with strong social media presence: Father Rafael Capo, Father Heriberto Garcia, and Franciscan Father Casey Cole.

The pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add that phrase to the U.S.’ Pledge of Allegiance, said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “Our hope is that Catholics will gather on this significant anniversary — the United States’ 250th birthday — to give thanks for our country and pray for its future. We encourage all Catholics to be inspired by the missionaries’ zeal to bring revival to the light and love of Jesus Christ.”

Event locations and times will be announced at a later date on BeaconNJ.org.

For more information, please contact Maria Moncaleano, who is helping Father Jaramillo as the contact person for anyone with questions regarding the pilgrimage and scheduled events at mmoncaleano@patersondiocese.org.

 

– Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday. It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more

Read More
Morristown vocations retreat inspires young men’s faith journey #Catholic - Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1. Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians. During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan vocation director, and Father Jader Avila, a diocesan priest. Dan Ferrari led them all in song. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Retreatants had the opportunity to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the sacrament of penance, offered by Father Avila, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, N.J. During the Second Sunday of Lent Mass, Bishop Sweeney connected the retreat to the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration. He reminded the young men of the blessings of encountering Jesus and encouraged them to stay close to him and to listen for his voice. According to Father Lana, “The retreat was a moment of grace for these young men to step aside from the busyness of ordinary life and open their hearts in prayer and reflect on what the Lord might be asking them to do with their lives. The Lord invites all of us to deepen our friendship with him, and these young men accepted that invitation with trust over the weekend. Hopefully, this time spent on retreat will bear fruit, bringing each of them peace, clarity, and understanding of how they can best serve using their gifts.” On social media, Bishop Sweeney posted, “We were blessed with a wonderful Vocation Discernment Retreat.” “We thank Fr. Charlie Lana, our vocation director, and our priests, seminarians, and the retreat center staff for allowing a weekend in prayer, community, conversation, and discernment. We also thank all those who were and will be praying for us,” Bishop Sweeney posted. “Let us continue to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.” [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Read More

Morristown vocations retreat inspires young men’s faith journey #Catholic – Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1. Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians. During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan vocation director, and Father Jader Avila, a diocesan priest. Dan Ferrari led them all in song. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Retreatants had the opportunity to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the sacrament of penance, offered by Father Avila, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, N.J. During the Second Sunday of Lent Mass, Bishop Sweeney connected the retreat to the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration. He reminded the young men of the blessings of encountering Jesus and encouraged them to stay close to him and to listen for his voice. According to Father Lana, “The retreat was a moment of grace for these young men to step aside from the busyness of ordinary life and open their hearts in prayer and reflect on what the Lord might be asking them to do with their lives. The Lord invites all of us to deepen our friendship with him, and these young men accepted that invitation with trust over the weekend. Hopefully, this time spent on retreat will bear fruit, bringing each of them peace, clarity, and understanding of how they can best serve using their gifts.” On social media, Bishop Sweeney posted, “We were blessed with a wonderful Vocation Discernment Retreat.” “We thank Fr. Charlie Lana, our vocation director, and our priests, seminarians, and the retreat center staff for allowing a weekend in prayer, community, conversation, and discernment. We also thank all those who were and will be praying for us,” Bishop Sweeney posted. “Let us continue to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.” [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

unitedyam

Morristown vocations retreat inspires young men’s faith journey #Catholic –

Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1.

Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians.

During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan vocation director, and Father Jader Avila, a diocesan priest. Dan Ferrari led them all in song.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Retreatants had the opportunity to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the sacrament of penance, offered by Father Avila, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, N.J.

During the Second Sunday of Lent Mass, Bishop Sweeney connected the retreat to the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration. He reminded the young men of the blessings of encountering Jesus and encouraged them to stay close to him and to listen for his voice.

According to Father Lana, “The retreat was a moment of grace for these young men to step aside from the busyness of ordinary life and open their hearts in prayer and reflect on what the Lord might be asking them to do with their lives. The Lord invites all of us to deepen our friendship with him, and these young men accepted that invitation with trust over the weekend. Hopefully, this time spent on retreat will bear fruit, bringing each of them peace, clarity, and understanding of how they can best serve using their gifts.”

On social media, Bishop Sweeney posted, “We were blessed with a wonderful Vocation Discernment Retreat.”

“We thank Fr. Charlie Lana, our vocation director, and our priests, seminarians, and the retreat center staff for allowing a weekend in prayer, community, conversation, and discernment. We also thank all those who were and will be praying for us,” Bishop Sweeney posted. “Let us continue to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.”

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] – Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1. Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians. During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan

Read More

How can galaxies merge if the everything in the universe is moving apart?

unitedyam

How is it that galaxies merge and collide but the universe is expanding and everything is moving away from everything else? Justin HammersleySterling Heights, Michigan Whether or not galaxies merge depends on how strong the gravitational attraction is between the galaxies and whether the universe’s expansion is more powerful than gravity. Gravity affects everything inContinue reading “How can galaxies merge if the everything in the universe is moving apart?”

The post How can galaxies merge if the everything in the universe is moving apart? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

March 1, 1966: Venera 3 crashes into Venus

unitedyam

Beginning at the dawn of the Space Age in the late 1950s, the Soviets worked to design and construct a series of Venus probes. And for almost 30 years, they built and flew the interplanetary spacecraft as part of the Venera program — carrying out rather impressive feats, even by today’s standards.  Venera 1, theContinue reading “March 1, 1966: Venera 3 crashes into Venus”

The post March 1, 1966: Venera 3 crashes into Venus appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Diocesan senior leadership reflects on mission during Morristown retreat #Catholic - Diocesan senior staff members came together for a Lenten Day of Reflection for Leadership at the Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown Feb 20. Brian Corbin, executive vice president of Member Services and senior vice president of Social Policy at Catholic Charities USA, was the speaker for the retreat. The retreat was meant to be a day of prayer and reflection in the mission and in serving the work of the Paterson Diocese with the guidance of Bishop Kevin Sweeney. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Read More

Diocesan senior leadership reflects on mission during Morristown retreat #Catholic – Diocesan senior staff members came together for a Lenten Day of Reflection for Leadership at the Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown Feb 20. Brian Corbin, executive vice president of Member Services and senior vice president of Social Policy at Catholic Charities USA, was the speaker for the retreat. The retreat was meant to be a day of prayer and reflection in the mission and in serving the work of the Paterson Diocese with the guidance of Bishop Kevin Sweeney. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

unitedyam

Diocesan senior leadership reflects on mission during Morristown retreat #Catholic –

Diocesan senior staff members came together for a Lenten Day of Reflection for Leadership at the Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown Feb 20. Brian Corbin, executive vice president of Member Services and senior vice president of Social Policy at Catholic Charities USA, was the speaker for the retreat.

The retreat was meant to be a day of prayer and reflection in the mission and in serving the work of the Paterson Diocese with the guidance of Bishop Kevin Sweeney.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] – Diocesan senior staff members came together for a Lenten Day of Reflection for Leadership at the Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown Feb 20. Brian Corbin, executive vice president of Member Services and senior vice president of Social Policy at Catholic Charities USA, was the speaker for the retreat. The retreat was meant to be a day of prayer and reflection in the mission and in serving the work of the Paterson Diocese with the guidance of Bishop Kevin Sweeney. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  

Read More

Feb. 28, 1997: GRB 970228 bursts on the scene

unitedyam

On Feb. 28, 1997, the Gamma Ray Burst Monitor on the Italian-Dutch Satellite BeppoSAX detected GRB 970228. The gamma ray burst (GRB) lasted about 80 seconds. BeppoSAX’s rapid determination of its position allowed multiple other observatories to quickly begin campaigns in multiple wavelengths.  On March 27, the Hubble Space Telescope began observing GRB 970228 and,Continue reading “Feb. 28, 1997: GRB 970228 bursts on the scene”

The post Feb. 28, 1997: GRB 970228 bursts on the scene appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

Feb. 26, 1842: The birth of Camille Flammarion

unitedyam

Born Feb. 26, 1842, in France, Camille Flammarion started early on what would be a long literary and scientific career: At only 16 years old, he wrote a 500-page tome entitled Cosmologie Universelle. The same year, Flammarion obtained a position as an assistant at the Paris Observatory and after a five-year break in his careerContinue reading “Feb. 26, 1842: The birth of Camille Flammarion”

The post Feb. 26, 1842: The birth of Camille Flammarion appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Diocese braces for more snow after blizzard socks State #Catholic – Parishes and schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are bracing for more snow on Wednesday and Friday after life started returning to normal in the aftermath of a powerful blizzard that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday. The Bomb Cyclone Blizzard — the largest in the Garden State in 30 years — crippled the area, making travel impossible, disrupting diocesan activities, and forcing the closure of parishes and schools. The storm caused the cancellation of the annual Rite of Election on Sunday afternoon, with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. Many parishes also cancelled Masses; other activities, such as religious education, and opportunities for confession on Monday for the first night of Welcome Home to Healing, a diocesan Lenten initiative. St. Anthony Parish in Hawthorne, N.J., cancelled its Lenten mission on Monday because the speaker couldn’t secure a flight, but continued it on Tuesday. Many schools in the diocese reopened on Tuesday, while others remained closed due to ongoing safety concerns or snow-removal efforts. During an already brutal winter, the Church of Paterson faces 1 to 3 inches of snow on Wednesday and again on Friday with a wintry mix and 4-8 inches through the morning, according to News 12. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. St. Gerard Parish in Paterson held regular Sunday Masses and a Monday Mass, which was livestreamed and attended by one churchgoer. Paterson received up to 14 inches of snow. The parish school was closed on Monday and Tuesday. Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Gerard’s and Our Lady of Pompei Parish, also in Paterson, moved his weekly livestreamed reflection from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. “We got dug out fine, but we are tired of the snow,” said Msgr. Hundt, echoing the sentiments of many in the diocese. Erring on the side of caution, the diocese cancelled the Rite of Election. During the rite, the Catholic Church officially selects and enrolls unbaptized catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Election will not be rescheduled. “Arrangements will be made for the signing of the Book of the Elect by Bishop Sweeney at a future date,” Father Jared J. Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office, wrote about the Rite of Election cancellation. “We continue to pray for all those preparing for initiation and for those who accompany them.” On Sunday, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, N.J., conducted the Rite of Sending part of the Rite of Election for its four catechumens, omitting Bishop Sweeney’s part. Like in many parishes, Father David Pickens, St. Peter’s pastor, cancelled the Monday morning Masses — something he has never done — and closed the parish’s offices. But unlike most parishes, St. Peter’s held a Mass at 7 p.m., followed by confession that night for the Welcome Home to Healing initiative. Each parish in the Church of Paterson opens its doors for confession every Monday of Lent at 7 p.m. to encourage people to receive God’s healing and return to church. “We did well with the storm, but the snow is killing us,” said Father Pickens, expressing the concerns of parishes that are shouldering increased snow-removal costs because of a spike in snowfall this winter. Some parishes have asked their faithful to help cover the additional expense. The northernmost parishes in the diocese, St. Thomas the Apostle in Sandyston, N.J., and St. James the Greater in Montague, N.J., reported that they weren’t hit with the “full amount of snow expected and were spared strong wind gusts.” Parishes and schools used social media not only to announce storm-related information, but also to share updates and resources. Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., stated, “Mother Nature clearly did not get the memo that we are ready for spring.” St. Paul Parish in Clifton, N.J., offered hope from Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, our very soon help in tribulations.” On Tuesday, the Academy of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., implemented Virtual Learning Day. On that day, many schools, such as St. Patrick School in Chatham, N.J., had a delayed opening, following the direction of their local public school district. “It’s wonderful to be back. There is nothing quite like the energy of the children returning to the building after a storm,” Dr. Christine Ross, St. Patrick’s principal, texted BeaconNJ.org on Tuesday. “Our facilities team did a fantastic job; our property was completely cleared and safe, as were the surrounding streets.” Pictured is Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J., covered in snow after a powerful blizzard dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday.
Read More

Diocese braces for more snow after blizzard socks State #Catholic – Parishes and schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are bracing for more snow on Wednesday and Friday after life started returning to normal in the aftermath of a powerful blizzard that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday. The Bomb Cyclone Blizzard — the largest in the Garden State in 30 years — crippled the area, making travel impossible, disrupting diocesan activities, and forcing the closure of parishes and schools. The storm caused the cancellation of the annual Rite of Election on Sunday afternoon, with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. Many parishes also cancelled Masses; other activities, such as religious education, and opportunities for confession on Monday for the first night of Welcome Home to Healing, a diocesan Lenten initiative. St. Anthony Parish in Hawthorne, N.J., cancelled its Lenten mission on Monday because the speaker couldn’t secure a flight, but continued it on Tuesday. Many schools in the diocese reopened on Tuesday, while others remained closed due to ongoing safety concerns or snow-removal efforts. During an already brutal winter, the Church of Paterson faces 1 to 3 inches of snow on Wednesday and again on Friday with a wintry mix and 4-8 inches through the morning, according to News 12. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. St. Gerard Parish in Paterson held regular Sunday Masses and a Monday Mass, which was livestreamed and attended by one churchgoer. Paterson received up to 14 inches of snow. The parish school was closed on Monday and Tuesday. Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Gerard’s and Our Lady of Pompei Parish, also in Paterson, moved his weekly livestreamed reflection from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. “We got dug out fine, but we are tired of the snow,” said Msgr. Hundt, echoing the sentiments of many in the diocese. Erring on the side of caution, the diocese cancelled the Rite of Election. During the rite, the Catholic Church officially selects and enrolls unbaptized catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Election will not be rescheduled. “Arrangements will be made for the signing of the Book of the Elect by Bishop Sweeney at a future date,” Father Jared J. Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office, wrote about the Rite of Election cancellation. “We continue to pray for all those preparing for initiation and for those who accompany them.” On Sunday, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, N.J., conducted the Rite of Sending part of the Rite of Election for its four catechumens, omitting Bishop Sweeney’s part. Like in many parishes, Father David Pickens, St. Peter’s pastor, cancelled the Monday morning Masses — something he has never done — and closed the parish’s offices. But unlike most parishes, St. Peter’s held a Mass at 7 p.m., followed by confession that night for the Welcome Home to Healing initiative. Each parish in the Church of Paterson opens its doors for confession every Monday of Lent at 7 p.m. to encourage people to receive God’s healing and return to church. “We did well with the storm, but the snow is killing us,” said Father Pickens, expressing the concerns of parishes that are shouldering increased snow-removal costs because of a spike in snowfall this winter. Some parishes have asked their faithful to help cover the additional expense. The northernmost parishes in the diocese, St. Thomas the Apostle in Sandyston, N.J., and St. James the Greater in Montague, N.J., reported that they weren’t hit with the “full amount of snow expected and were spared strong wind gusts.” Parishes and schools used social media not only to announce storm-related information, but also to share updates and resources. Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., stated, “Mother Nature clearly did not get the memo that we are ready for spring.” St. Paul Parish in Clifton, N.J., offered hope from Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, our very soon help in tribulations.” On Tuesday, the Academy of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., implemented Virtual Learning Day. On that day, many schools, such as St. Patrick School in Chatham, N.J., had a delayed opening, following the direction of their local public school district. “It’s wonderful to be back. There is nothing quite like the energy of the children returning to the building after a storm,” Dr. Christine Ross, St. Patrick’s principal, texted BeaconNJ.org on Tuesday. “Our facilities team did a fantastic job; our property was completely cleared and safe, as were the surrounding streets.” Pictured is Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J., covered in snow after a powerful blizzard dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday.

unitedyam

Diocese braces for more snow after blizzard socks State #Catholic –

Parishes and schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are bracing for more snow on Wednesday and Friday after life started returning to normal in the aftermath of a powerful blizzard that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday. The Bomb Cyclone Blizzard — the largest in the Garden State in 30 years — crippled the area, making travel impossible, disrupting diocesan activities, and forcing the closure of parishes and schools.

The storm caused the cancellation of the annual Rite of Election on Sunday afternoon, with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. Many parishes also cancelled Masses; other activities, such as religious education, and opportunities for confession on Monday for the first night of Welcome Home to Healing, a diocesan Lenten initiative. St. Anthony Parish in Hawthorne, N.J., cancelled its Lenten mission on Monday because the speaker couldn’t secure a flight, but continued it on Tuesday.

Many schools in the diocese reopened on Tuesday, while others remained closed due to ongoing safety concerns or snow-removal efforts. During an already brutal winter, the Church of Paterson faces 1 to 3 inches of snow on Wednesday and again on Friday with a wintry mix and 4-8 inches through the morning, according to News 12.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

St. Gerard Parish in Paterson held regular Sunday Masses and a Monday Mass, which was livestreamed and attended by one churchgoer. Paterson received up to 14 inches of snow. The parish school was closed on Monday and Tuesday. Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Gerard’s and

Our Lady of Pompei Parish, also in Paterson, moved his weekly livestreamed reflection from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“We got dug out fine, but we are tired of the snow,” said Msgr. Hundt, echoing the sentiments of many in the diocese.

Erring on the side of caution, the diocese cancelled the Rite of Election. During the rite, the Catholic Church officially selects and enrolls unbaptized catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Election will not be rescheduled.

“Arrangements will be made for the signing of the Book of the Elect by Bishop Sweeney at a future date,” Father Jared J. Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office, wrote about the Rite of Election cancellation. “We continue to pray for all those preparing for initiation and for those who accompany them.”

On Sunday, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, N.J., conducted the Rite of Sending part of the Rite of Election for its four catechumens, omitting Bishop Sweeney’s part. Like in many parishes, Father David Pickens, St. Peter’s pastor, cancelled the Monday morning Masses — something he has never done — and closed the parish’s offices.

But unlike most parishes, St. Peter’s held a Mass at 7 p.m., followed by confession that night for the Welcome Home to Healing initiative. Each parish in the Church of Paterson opens its doors for confession every Monday of Lent at 7 p.m. to encourage people to receive God’s healing and return to church.

“We did well with the storm, but the snow is killing us,” said Father Pickens, expressing the concerns of parishes that are shouldering increased snow-removal costs because of a spike in snowfall this winter. Some parishes have asked their faithful to help cover the additional expense.

The northernmost parishes in the diocese, St. Thomas the Apostle in Sandyston, N.J., and St. James the Greater in Montague, N.J., reported that they weren’t hit with the “full amount of snow expected and were spared strong wind gusts.”

Parishes and schools used social media not only to announce storm-related information, but also to share updates and resources. Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., stated, “Mother Nature clearly did not get the memo that we are ready for spring.” St. Paul Parish in Clifton, N.J., offered hope from Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, our very soon help in tribulations.”

On Tuesday, the Academy of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., implemented Virtual Learning Day. On that day, many schools, such as St. Patrick School in Chatham, N.J., had a delayed opening, following the direction of their local public school district.

“It’s wonderful to be back. There is nothing quite like the energy of the children returning to the building after a storm,” Dr. Christine Ross, St. Patrick’s principal, texted BeaconNJ.org on Tuesday. “Our facilities team did a fantastic job; our property was completely cleared and safe, as were the surrounding streets.”

Pictured is Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J., covered in snow after a powerful blizzard dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday.

– Parishes and schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey are bracing for more snow on Wednesday and Friday after life started returning to normal in the aftermath of a powerful blizzard that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on New Jersey between Sunday and Monday. The Bomb Cyclone Blizzard — the largest in the Garden State in 30 years — crippled the area, making travel impossible, disrupting diocesan activities, and forcing the closure of parishes and schools. The storm caused the cancellation of the annual Rite of Election on Sunday afternoon, with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at the Cathedral

Read More

Michael’s Miscellany: Observe Bode’s Galaxy

unitedyam

In the northwest section of Ursa Major the Great Bear sits the magnificent spiral galaxy M81 (NGC 3031). At magnitude 6.9, this ranks as one of the sky’s brightest galaxies. You’ll find it 2° east-southeast of the magnitude 4.5 star 24 Ursae Majoris. German astronomer and celestial cartographer Johann Elert Bode discovered this object, and nearbyContinue reading “Michael’s Miscellany: Observe Bode’s Galaxy”

The post Michael’s Miscellany: Observe Bode’s Galaxy appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

How to observe the March 3 total lunar eclipse

unitedyam

Amateur astronomers, take note: A wonderful celestial event known as a total lunar eclipse will occur in the skies above North America during the morning hours of Monday, March 3.  Lunar eclipses happen when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon align, in that order. When this alignment is precise, Earth’s shadow falls upon the Moon, obscuring itContinue reading “How to observe the March 3 total lunar eclipse”

The post How to observe the March 3 total lunar eclipse appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Paterson fundraiser honors Department for Persons with Disabilities community #Catholic - Volunteers, supporters, staff, and residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), a part of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, were honored for their outstanding efforts during the 56th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance. The DPD fundraiser was held at The Brownstone in Paterson, N.J., on Feb. 15. Hosted by Catholic Charities and the Murray family, the dinner dance also celebrated the relocation of Murray House, a residence for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in Clifton, N.J. The beautifully renovated facility ensures the residents can safely age in place, surrounded by dignity and love. Residents relocated there in late January. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who was among the dignitaries to attend the popular yearly event, delivered the invocation. At the dinner dance, he congratulated DPD and the Murray House residents and staff. “For decades, they have provided a loving home to so many and have lived the Gospel message in both word and deed. We are blessed as a Diocese by all they do for God’s people!” Bishop Sweeney wrote. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Stephen Shulkowski and his son, Jackson, who volunteer at Walsh House in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., received the Marilyn Murray Keenan Inspiration Award for “giving of themselves freely and without expectations or judgment,” said Joanna Miller, DPD, executive director. Cristina Gomez, Walsh House associate director, was honored with the Employee of the Year Award for her “tremendous connection with the residents and her love of supporters and everyone,” Miller said. The Murray House staff received the People of the Year Award for their “hard work with the relocation and their ongoing dedication to those they support.” Also, Murray House residents were honored with the William J. Pascrell, Jr. Memorial Award “in recognition of their new forever home and their achievements every day,” Miller said. Three DPD residents were among those who received the Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards for resident achievements. They were Carolyn Traina of Barnet House in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; Donald Guild of Wallace House in Sparta, N.J.; and Phyllis Bedani of Giuliano House in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J. The oldest group home in the state, Murray House opened its doors in Paterson, N.J., in 1971 to serve two residents. The facility is named after Jimmie Murray, a child with developmental disabilities from Paterson who died in 1969. Murray House moved to Allwood Place in Clifton in 1992. In November, Bishop Sweeney blessed the relocated facility. Four generations of Murray family members have stayed involved with DPD to honor Jimmie’s legacy in various capacities. Jimmie’s memory is forever honored through the individuals who live at Murray House and through the good work of the Murray family. Read the story about the Murray House rededication on BeaconNJ.org. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
Read More

Paterson fundraiser honors Department for Persons with Disabilities community #Catholic – Volunteers, supporters, staff, and residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), a part of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, were honored for their outstanding efforts during the 56th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance. The DPD fundraiser was held at The Brownstone in Paterson, N.J., on Feb. 15. Hosted by Catholic Charities and the Murray family, the dinner dance also celebrated the relocation of Murray House, a residence for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in Clifton, N.J. The beautifully renovated facility ensures the residents can safely age in place, surrounded by dignity and love. Residents relocated there in late January. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who was among the dignitaries to attend the popular yearly event, delivered the invocation. At the dinner dance, he congratulated DPD and the Murray House residents and staff. “For decades, they have provided a loving home to so many and have lived the Gospel message in both word and deed. We are blessed as a Diocese by all they do for God’s people!” Bishop Sweeney wrote. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Stephen Shulkowski and his son, Jackson, who volunteer at Walsh House in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., received the Marilyn Murray Keenan Inspiration Award for “giving of themselves freely and without expectations or judgment,” said Joanna Miller, DPD, executive director. Cristina Gomez, Walsh House associate director, was honored with the Employee of the Year Award for her “tremendous connection with the residents and her love of supporters and everyone,” Miller said. The Murray House staff received the People of the Year Award for their “hard work with the relocation and their ongoing dedication to those they support.” Also, Murray House residents were honored with the William J. Pascrell, Jr. Memorial Award “in recognition of their new forever home and their achievements every day,” Miller said. Three DPD residents were among those who received the Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards for resident achievements. They were Carolyn Traina of Barnet House in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; Donald Guild of Wallace House in Sparta, N.J.; and Phyllis Bedani of Giuliano House in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J. The oldest group home in the state, Murray House opened its doors in Paterson, N.J., in 1971 to serve two residents. The facility is named after Jimmie Murray, a child with developmental disabilities from Paterson who died in 1969. Murray House moved to Allwood Place in Clifton in 1992. In November, Bishop Sweeney blessed the relocated facility. Four generations of Murray family members have stayed involved with DPD to honor Jimmie’s legacy in various capacities. Jimmie’s memory is forever honored through the individuals who live at Murray House and through the good work of the Murray family. Read the story about the Murray House rededication on BeaconNJ.org. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

unitedyam

Paterson fundraiser honors Department for Persons with Disabilities community #Catholic –

Volunteers, supporters, staff, and residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), a part of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, were honored for their outstanding efforts during the 56th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance. The DPD fundraiser was held at The Brownstone in Paterson, N.J., on Feb. 15.

Hosted by Catholic Charities and the Murray family, the dinner dance also celebrated the relocation of Murray House, a residence for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in Clifton, N.J. The beautifully renovated facility ensures the residents can safely age in place, surrounded by dignity and love. Residents relocated there in late January.

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who was among the dignitaries to attend the popular yearly event, delivered the invocation. At the dinner dance, he congratulated DPD and the Murray House residents and staff.

“For decades, they have provided a loving home to so many and have lived the Gospel message in both word and deed. We are blessed as a Diocese by all they do for God’s people!” Bishop Sweeney wrote.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Stephen Shulkowski and his son, Jackson, who volunteer at Walsh House in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., received the Marilyn Murray Keenan Inspiration Award for “giving of themselves freely and without expectations or judgment,” said Joanna Miller, DPD, executive director. Cristina Gomez, Walsh House associate director, was honored with the Employee of the Year Award for her “tremendous connection with the residents and her love of supporters and everyone,” Miller said.

The Murray House staff received the People of the Year Award for their “hard work with the relocation and their ongoing dedication to those they support.” Also, Murray House residents were honored with the William J. Pascrell, Jr. Memorial Award “in recognition of their new forever home and their achievements every day,” Miller said.

Three DPD residents were among those who received the Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards for resident achievements. They were Carolyn Traina of Barnet House in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; Donald Guild of Wallace House in Sparta, N.J.; and Phyllis Bedani of Giuliano House in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J.

The oldest group home in the state, Murray House opened its doors in Paterson, N.J., in 1971 to serve two residents. The facility is named after Jimmie Murray, a child with developmental disabilities from Paterson who died in 1969. Murray House moved to Allwood Place in Clifton in 1992. In November, Bishop Sweeney blessed the relocated facility.

Four generations of Murray family members have stayed involved with DPD to honor Jimmie’s legacy in various capacities. Jimmie’s memory is forever honored through the individuals who live at Murray House and through the good work of the Murray family.

Read the story about the Murray House rededication on BeaconNJ.org.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– Volunteers, supporters, staff, and residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), a part of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, were honored for their outstanding efforts during the 56th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance. The DPD fundraiser was held at The Brownstone in Paterson, N.J., on Feb. 15. Hosted by Catholic Charities and the Murray family, the dinner dance also celebrated the relocation of Murray House, a residence for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in Clifton, N.J. The beautifully renovated facility ensures the residents can safely age in place, surrounded by dignity and love.

Read More

Feb 18, 1930: Discovery of Pluto

unitedyam

From 1905 until his death in 1916, Percival Lowell searched for a ninth planet, which he called Planet X. Lowell had predicted the planet based on irregularities in the orbit of Uranus. In 1929, Lowell Observatory Director V.M. Slipher hired self-taught astronomer Clyde Tombaugh to resume Lowell’s search for the planet. Tombaugh captured long-exposure photosContinue reading “Feb 18, 1930: Discovery of Pluto”

The post Feb 18, 1930: Discovery of Pluto appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More

Conspiracy Theorists will adore this book! #JFKFiles

unitedyam

Author of two nonfiction books about Kennedy, L. D. C. Fitzgerald’s ‘Saving Jackie K’ is a science fiction odyssey with a time traveler twist on the biggest conspiracy theory of modern times. In this riveting tale, fact and fiction collide to solve the greatest mystery of the 20th Century. Saving Jackie K is a thrilling, intellectual journey and is the most provocative science fiction thriller that you will ever read.

Read More