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Why did Earth’s greenhouse age end?

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Sixty-six million years ago, Earth was a tropical greenhouse. Today, it’s an ice-capped world. And an international team of experts led by the University of Southampton think they know why. Their new study shows that Earth’s massive drop in temperature after the dinosaurs went extinct could have been caused by a large drop in calcium levels in the ocean. The study showed that the dramatic calcium shiftContinue reading “Why did Earth’s greenhouse age end?”

The post Why did Earth’s greenhouse age end? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Diocesan high schoolers learn to apply faith to life #Catholic – On a recent Midnight Run excursion in New York City, Derelle Berryman — a junior at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J.—distributed clothing, coffee, and toiletries to people who are homeless, all while thinking of his uncle’s real-life struggles. For Berryman, the experience was personal: his uncle had suffered homelessness briefly. “I put myself in my uncle’s shoes and other people who experience homelessness. He told me he was cold and scared. I figured if I can do something, I will. ” I don’t want other people to be in that situation,” said Berryman, who plays varsity football for the Spartans. “By getting involved in service, we are doing what our faith asks of us in a real-world setting.” Often, Catholic high school students connect with their faith through Christian service. This is especially true in the Campus Ministry programs at the three Catholic high schools in the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, where service helps students deepen their love for Christ and share the Gospel. The schools are DePaul, Morris Catholic in Denville, N.J., and Pope John XXIII Regional in Sparta, N.J. Campus Ministries guides students through this exciting and challenging life stage, helping them listen for God’s vocational call. As these programs report increased student involvement in spiritual and service activities and a growing zeal for being Catholic, which mirrors a national trend. BeaconNJ.org is highlighting several students inspired by their school’s Campus Ministries in its coverage of Catholic Schools Week, being celebrated this week. DePaul’s Campus Ministry deepens the spirituality of its roughly 475 students through daily practices such as Mass, Adoration, and praying the rosary together. Students also attend retreats, read Scripture, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participate in monthly schoolwide Masses. DePaul welcomes many non-Catholic students who also participate in its spiritual and service activities. “Faith cannot involve only classroom subjects. We see the fruit of our approach evidenced by our growing daily Mass attendance,” said Father Frank Lennie, the school’s chaplain and a Class of 2010 alum. Father Lennie and Jean Caughey, a theology teacher, work together with the other members of the Theology Department in DePaul’s campus ministry. “This time in high school is so uncertain for our students. Jesus and faith are constant. We need to show them and lead them in how they can disconnect with the world, ground themselves in prayer, and then reconnect through evangelization and service, which help them live out their discipleship,” Caughey said. Pope John: ‘Students are bold in their faith’ At dinner two years ago, Hayden Marshall, 16, now a sophomore at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, N.J., asked his family a question they hadn’t yet contemplated: “Why aren’t we baptized?” He then asked, “May I get baptized?” At that point, the Marshall family wasn’t religious. But they were inspired to join Hayden for Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) classes at Our Lady of the Lake (OLL), also in Sparta, the parent parish of Pope John High School. During last year’s Easter Vigil Mass at OLL, Hayden, his mother, Amy, his father, Steven, and his sister, Hannah, 13, received their sacraments and were fully initiated into the Church. Hayden, first a student at Pope John Middle School —part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County— found motivation in the theology classes and spiritual experiences at Pope John. “I was inspired by stories of Jesus’ miracles and the fact that teachers teach about Jesus straight out of the bible. My faith came to life. I’m now closer to Jesus,” said Hayden. He said about being welcomed into the Church with his family, “It was a special day for all of us.” Also, Amy Marshall joined the middle school as a sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher this current academic year. Campus Ministry serves 600 students at Pope John High School. The outreach offers retreats, Masses, and service opportunities. High schoolers pair up with younger students to serve as mentors and prayer buddies. Campus Ministry recently formed a leadership board of 27 upperclassmen, said Shannon Jones, Pope John High School campus minister and eighth-grade theology teacher. “The students are bold in sharing their faith,” said Jones, adding that students devise their own activities, such as Bible readings recited over the intercom at the start of the school week. Father John Calabro, a Pope John chaplain and teacher, said, “Our Catholic schools are important for evangelization. With our students, we can explore the deep questions, such as ‘Why are we here?’ which is so needed today.” Pope John High School is unique among the three diocesan high schools because it has two other schools at the Academy, the middle school and Rev. Brown Memorial School, that, over time, prepare many students for high school — academically, socially, and spiritually. Father Richard Carton, OLL’s pastor and the Academy’s vice president, taught OCIA to the Marshall family and welcomed them into the Church during last year’s Easter Vigil Mass. “The Academy exposes students like Hayden to the Gospel’s truth and Christ’s offerings — often for the first time. Many respond enthusiastically,” Father Carton said. Morris Catholic: Priests model Jesus’ love and joy’ Alian Peralta, 17, a senior at Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., felt “nervous but also calm” before a recent interview with a college seminary — the first step in pursuing his goal of becoming a priest. Providing Peralta with some calm — and confidence in his priestly discernment — were the wise words of two priests serving Morris Catholic: Father Peter Clarke, president, and Father Carmen Buono, part-time chaplain. Peralta also finds solace while listening to God during the school’s Campus Ministry activities, including monthly Eucharistic adoration. “Through Father Peter and Father Carmen, I see what serving as a priest means — approaching people with love and joy, as Jesus did,” said Peralta. “Adoration helps me ask Jesus, ‘What do you want me to do with my life?’ and discern my calling.” At Morris Catholic, there has been an increase in spiritual enthusiasm among its less-than 400-student population. Attendance for the 9:30 a.m. Mass has jumped from 5 to 50 people. During the Easter Vigil Mass last year, Father Buono received Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney’s permission to confirm a several students, welcoming them into full communion with the Church. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Campus Ministry also offers retreats, school-wide Masses, bible study, and Divine Mercy rosary. The school also encourages students to use faith-based phone apps such as Hallow and Dynamic Catholic. Father Buono, who also has a counseling background, said, “The value of Morris Catholic priests is that we are present to students not only to talk about their challenges with faith, but also with school or their families. We are also present to them in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.” Morris Catholic students expand their faith through service by helping Celebrate the Child in Denville, running proms and Valentine dances for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The schools has a Respect Life group and God’s Children Club, started by a former student, which makes care packages for homeless shelters. “Students take what they learn in theology class and apply it to their lives. Service gives them a strong connection to the faith,” said Susan Drew, Morris Catholic’s campus minister.
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Diocesan high schoolers learn to apply faith to life #Catholic – On a recent Midnight Run excursion in New York City, Derelle Berryman — a junior at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J.—distributed clothing, coffee, and toiletries to people who are homeless, all while thinking of his uncle’s real-life struggles. For Berryman, the experience was personal: his uncle had suffered homelessness briefly. “I put myself in my uncle’s shoes and other people who experience homelessness. He told me he was cold and scared. I figured if I can do something, I will. ” I don’t want other people to be in that situation,” said Berryman, who plays varsity football for the Spartans. “By getting involved in service, we are doing what our faith asks of us in a real-world setting.” Often, Catholic high school students connect with their faith through Christian service. This is especially true in the Campus Ministry programs at the three Catholic high schools in the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, where service helps students deepen their love for Christ and share the Gospel. The schools are DePaul, Morris Catholic in Denville, N.J., and Pope John XXIII Regional in Sparta, N.J. Campus Ministries guides students through this exciting and challenging life stage, helping them listen for God’s vocational call. As these programs report increased student involvement in spiritual and service activities and a growing zeal for being Catholic, which mirrors a national trend. BeaconNJ.org is highlighting several students inspired by their school’s Campus Ministries in its coverage of Catholic Schools Week, being celebrated this week. DePaul’s Campus Ministry deepens the spirituality of its roughly 475 students through daily practices such as Mass, Adoration, and praying the rosary together. Students also attend retreats, read Scripture, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participate in monthly schoolwide Masses. DePaul welcomes many non-Catholic students who also participate in its spiritual and service activities. “Faith cannot involve only classroom subjects. We see the fruit of our approach evidenced by our growing daily Mass attendance,” said Father Frank Lennie, the school’s chaplain and a Class of 2010 alum. Father Lennie and Jean Caughey, a theology teacher, work together with the other members of the Theology Department in DePaul’s campus ministry. “This time in high school is so uncertain for our students. Jesus and faith are constant. We need to show them and lead them in how they can disconnect with the world, ground themselves in prayer, and then reconnect through evangelization and service, which help them live out their discipleship,” Caughey said. Pope John: ‘Students are bold in their faith’ At dinner two years ago, Hayden Marshall, 16, now a sophomore at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, N.J., asked his family a question they hadn’t yet contemplated: “Why aren’t we baptized?” He then asked, “May I get baptized?” At that point, the Marshall family wasn’t religious. But they were inspired to join Hayden for Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) classes at Our Lady of the Lake (OLL), also in Sparta, the parent parish of Pope John High School. During last year’s Easter Vigil Mass at OLL, Hayden, his mother, Amy, his father, Steven, and his sister, Hannah, 13, received their sacraments and were fully initiated into the Church. Hayden, first a student at Pope John Middle School —part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County— found motivation in the theology classes and spiritual experiences at Pope John. “I was inspired by stories of Jesus’ miracles and the fact that teachers teach about Jesus straight out of the bible. My faith came to life. I’m now closer to Jesus,” said Hayden. He said about being welcomed into the Church with his family, “It was a special day for all of us.” Also, Amy Marshall joined the middle school as a sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher this current academic year. Campus Ministry serves 600 students at Pope John High School. The outreach offers retreats, Masses, and service opportunities. High schoolers pair up with younger students to serve as mentors and prayer buddies. Campus Ministry recently formed a leadership board of 27 upperclassmen, said Shannon Jones, Pope John High School campus minister and eighth-grade theology teacher. “The students are bold in sharing their faith,” said Jones, adding that students devise their own activities, such as Bible readings recited over the intercom at the start of the school week. Father John Calabro, a Pope John chaplain and teacher, said, “Our Catholic schools are important for evangelization. With our students, we can explore the deep questions, such as ‘Why are we here?’ which is so needed today.” Pope John High School is unique among the three diocesan high schools because it has two other schools at the Academy, the middle school and Rev. Brown Memorial School, that, over time, prepare many students for high school — academically, socially, and spiritually. Father Richard Carton, OLL’s pastor and the Academy’s vice president, taught OCIA to the Marshall family and welcomed them into the Church during last year’s Easter Vigil Mass. “The Academy exposes students like Hayden to the Gospel’s truth and Christ’s offerings — often for the first time. Many respond enthusiastically,” Father Carton said. Morris Catholic: Priests model Jesus’ love and joy’ Alian Peralta, 17, a senior at Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., felt “nervous but also calm” before a recent interview with a college seminary — the first step in pursuing his goal of becoming a priest. Providing Peralta with some calm — and confidence in his priestly discernment — were the wise words of two priests serving Morris Catholic: Father Peter Clarke, president, and Father Carmen Buono, part-time chaplain. Peralta also finds solace while listening to God during the school’s Campus Ministry activities, including monthly Eucharistic adoration. “Through Father Peter and Father Carmen, I see what serving as a priest means — approaching people with love and joy, as Jesus did,” said Peralta. “Adoration helps me ask Jesus, ‘What do you want me to do with my life?’ and discern my calling.” At Morris Catholic, there has been an increase in spiritual enthusiasm among its less-than 400-student population. Attendance for the 9:30 a.m. Mass has jumped from 5 to 50 people. During the Easter Vigil Mass last year, Father Buono received Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney’s permission to confirm a several students, welcoming them into full communion with the Church. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Campus Ministry also offers retreats, school-wide Masses, bible study, and Divine Mercy rosary. The school also encourages students to use faith-based phone apps such as Hallow and Dynamic Catholic. Father Buono, who also has a counseling background, said, “The value of Morris Catholic priests is that we are present to students not only to talk about their challenges with faith, but also with school or their families. We are also present to them in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.” Morris Catholic students expand their faith through service by helping Celebrate the Child in Denville, running proms and Valentine dances for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The schools has a Respect Life group and God’s Children Club, started by a former student, which makes care packages for homeless shelters. “Students take what they learn in theology class and apply it to their lives. Service gives them a strong connection to the faith,” said Susan Drew, Morris Catholic’s campus minister.

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Diocesan high schoolers learn to apply faith to life #Catholic –

On a recent Midnight Run excursion in New York City, Derelle Berryman — a junior at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J.—distributed clothing, coffee, and toiletries to people who are homeless, all while thinking of his uncle’s real-life struggles.

For Berryman, the experience was personal: his uncle had suffered homelessness briefly.

“I put myself in my uncle’s shoes and other people who experience homelessness. He told me he was cold and scared. I figured if I can do something, I will. ” I don’t want other people to be in that situation,” said Berryman, who plays varsity football for the Spartans. “By getting involved in service, we are doing what our faith asks of us in a real-world setting.”

Often, Catholic high school students connect with their faith through Christian service. This is especially true in the Campus Ministry programs at the three Catholic high schools in the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, where service helps students deepen their love for Christ and share the Gospel. The schools are DePaul, Morris Catholic in Denville, N.J., and Pope John XXIII Regional in Sparta, N.J.

Campus Ministries guides students through this exciting and challenging life stage, helping them listen for God’s vocational call. As these programs report increased student involvement in spiritual and service activities and a growing zeal for being Catholic, which mirrors a national trend. BeaconNJ.org is highlighting several students inspired by their school’s Campus Ministries in its coverage of Catholic Schools Week, being celebrated this week.

DePaul’s Campus Ministry deepens the spirituality of its roughly 475 students through daily practices such as Mass, Adoration, and praying the rosary together. Students also attend retreats, read Scripture, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participate in monthly schoolwide Masses. DePaul welcomes many non-Catholic students who also participate in its spiritual and service activities.

“Faith cannot involve only classroom subjects. We see the fruit of our approach evidenced by our growing daily Mass attendance,” said Father Frank Lennie, the school’s chaplain and a Class of 2010 alum.

Father Lennie and Jean Caughey, a theology teacher, work together with the other members of the Theology Department in DePaul’s campus ministry.

“This time in high school is so uncertain for our students. Jesus and faith are constant. We need to show them and lead them in how they can disconnect with the world, ground themselves in prayer, and then reconnect through evangelization and service, which help them live out their discipleship,” Caughey said.

Pope John: ‘Students are bold in their faith’

At dinner two years ago, Hayden Marshall, 16, now a sophomore at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, N.J., asked his family a question they hadn’t yet contemplated: “Why aren’t we baptized?” He then asked, “May I get baptized?”

At that point, the Marshall family wasn’t religious. But they were inspired to join Hayden for Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) classes at Our Lady of the Lake (OLL), also in Sparta, the parent parish of Pope John High School. During last year’s Easter Vigil Mass at OLL, Hayden, his mother, Amy, his father, Steven, and his sister, Hannah, 13, received their sacraments and were fully initiated into the Church.

Hayden, first a student at Pope John Middle School —part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County— found motivation in the theology classes and spiritual experiences at Pope John.

“I was inspired by stories of Jesus’ miracles and the fact that teachers teach about Jesus straight out of the bible. My faith came to life. I’m now closer to Jesus,” said Hayden. He said about being welcomed into the Church with his family, “It was a special day for all of us.”

Also, Amy Marshall joined the middle school as a sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher this current academic year.

Campus Ministry serves 600 students at Pope John High School. The outreach offers retreats, Masses, and service opportunities. High schoolers pair up with younger students to serve as mentors and prayer buddies. Campus Ministry recently formed a leadership board of 27 upperclassmen, said Shannon Jones, Pope John High School campus minister and eighth-grade theology teacher.

“The students are bold in sharing their faith,” said Jones, adding that students devise their own activities, such as Bible readings recited over the intercom at the start of the school week.

Father John Calabro, a Pope John chaplain and teacher, said, “Our Catholic schools are important for evangelization. With our students, we can explore the deep questions, such as ‘Why are we here?’ which is so needed today.”

Pope John High School is unique among the three diocesan high schools because it has two other schools at the Academy, the middle school and Rev. Brown Memorial School, that, over time, prepare many students for high school — academically, socially, and spiritually.

Father Richard Carton, OLL’s pastor and the Academy’s vice president, taught OCIA to the Marshall family and welcomed them into the Church during last year’s Easter Vigil Mass.

“The Academy exposes students like Hayden to the Gospel’s truth and Christ’s offerings — often for the first time. Many respond enthusiastically,” Father Carton said.

Morris Catholic: Priests model Jesus’ love and joy’

Alian Peralta, 17, a senior at Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., felt “nervous but also calm” before a recent interview with a college seminary — the first step in pursuing his goal of becoming a priest.

Providing Peralta with some calm — and confidence in his priestly discernment — were the wise words of two priests serving Morris Catholic: Father Peter Clarke, president, and Father Carmen Buono, part-time chaplain. Peralta also finds solace while listening to God during the school’s Campus Ministry activities, including monthly Eucharistic adoration.

“Through Father Peter and Father Carmen, I see what serving as a priest means — approaching people with love and joy, as Jesus did,” said Peralta. “Adoration helps me ask Jesus, ‘What do you want me to do with my life?’ and discern my calling.”

At Morris Catholic, there has been an increase in spiritual enthusiasm among its less-than 400-student population. Attendance for the 9:30 a.m. Mass has jumped from 5 to 50 people. During the Easter Vigil Mass last year, Father Buono received Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney’s permission to confirm a several students, welcoming them into full communion with the Church.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Campus Ministry also offers retreats, school-wide Masses, bible study, and Divine Mercy rosary. The school also encourages students to use faith-based phone apps such as Hallow and Dynamic Catholic.

Father Buono, who also has a counseling background, said, “The value of Morris Catholic priests is that we are present to students not only to talk about their challenges with faith, but also with school or their families. We are also present to them in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.”

Morris Catholic students expand their faith through service by helping Celebrate the Child in Denville, running proms and Valentine dances for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The schools has a Respect Life group and God’s Children Club, started by a former student, which makes care packages for homeless shelters.

“Students take what they learn in theology class and apply it to their lives. Service gives them a strong connection to the faith,” said Susan Drew, Morris Catholic’s campus minister.

– On a recent Midnight Run excursion in New York City, Derelle Berryman — a junior at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J.—distributed clothing, coffee, and toiletries to people who are homeless, all while thinking of his uncle’s real-life struggles. For Berryman, the experience was personal: his uncle had suffered homelessness briefly. “I put myself in my uncle’s shoes and other people who experience homelessness. He told me he was cold and scared. I figured if I can do something, I will. ” I don’t want other people to be in that situation,” said Berryman, who plays varsity football for

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Catholic Schools Week: Message from Superintendent Mary D. Baier #Catholic – Catholic Schools Week has been an annual celebration of Catholic education across the United States, which has been sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association since 1974. This is a time to celebrate both our mission and our ministries. We embrace the national theme for this week: Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. “Catholic education provides an atmosphere in which the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated.” (Renewing our Commitment, 2005) Community is at the heart of Catholic education. Having experienced community in our schools, our students, faculties and families are empowered to build community in all areas of life. Catholic Schools Week is a recognition of all that our schools do every day to enable the total development of the whole person in light of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel message. Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey work diligently to maintain a culture of academic excellence indicative of a Catholic school education. Our principals and teachers through their faith, passion and dedication have a resolute commitment to their ministry which is seen as a privilege and a blessing. Academic excellence in our schools is complimented by our attention to service. Students learn early on that the Church is a servant community in which it is their responsibility to be of service to those less fortunate than themselves. Our schools form and inform students to acknowledge their God-given talents and to be respectful of their responsibilities. Catholic education empowers our students to achieve their dreams and goals to become future citizens in our global society. We strive to live by our mission to develop, improve, promote and support a Catholic school system where students become transformers of a faith-filled future. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. All elementary schools and diocesan high schools have achieved accreditation by Cognia, which is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. We will be addressing reaccreditation from Cognia in 2026. Catholic Schools Week is also a time to give thanksgiving to those who lead, administer, teach and lend support to our schools in our Catholic community: to our Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, our clergy, religious, lay men and women, our parents who selflessly make the necessary sacrifices to provide a Catholic education for their children, all others who assist us in our educational endeavors, and most importantly, to our students who are the future of our Church — and our hope. Thank you for all you do, have done and will continue to do. As we continue on our journey of a faith-filled education, may we all learn with an open mind and accepting heart. May we serve with great compassion, a gentle kindness and a generous spirit. May we proclaim God’s message and succeed with faith, strength and courage empowering us to continue the teaching mission of our Church.  
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Catholic Schools Week: Message from Superintendent Mary D. Baier #Catholic – Catholic Schools Week has been an annual celebration of Catholic education across the United States, which has been sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association since 1974. This is a time to celebrate both our mission and our ministries. We embrace the national theme for this week: Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. “Catholic education provides an atmosphere in which the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated.” (Renewing our Commitment, 2005) Community is at the heart of Catholic education. Having experienced community in our schools, our students, faculties and families are empowered to build community in all areas of life. Catholic Schools Week is a recognition of all that our schools do every day to enable the total development of the whole person in light of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel message. Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey work diligently to maintain a culture of academic excellence indicative of a Catholic school education. Our principals and teachers through their faith, passion and dedication have a resolute commitment to their ministry which is seen as a privilege and a blessing. Academic excellence in our schools is complimented by our attention to service. Students learn early on that the Church is a servant community in which it is their responsibility to be of service to those less fortunate than themselves. Our schools form and inform students to acknowledge their God-given talents and to be respectful of their responsibilities. Catholic education empowers our students to achieve their dreams and goals to become future citizens in our global society. We strive to live by our mission to develop, improve, promote and support a Catholic school system where students become transformers of a faith-filled future. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. All elementary schools and diocesan high schools have achieved accreditation by Cognia, which is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. We will be addressing reaccreditation from Cognia in 2026. Catholic Schools Week is also a time to give thanksgiving to those who lead, administer, teach and lend support to our schools in our Catholic community: to our Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, our clergy, religious, lay men and women, our parents who selflessly make the necessary sacrifices to provide a Catholic education for their children, all others who assist us in our educational endeavors, and most importantly, to our students who are the future of our Church — and our hope. Thank you for all you do, have done and will continue to do. As we continue on our journey of a faith-filled education, may we all learn with an open mind and accepting heart. May we serve with great compassion, a gentle kindness and a generous spirit. May we proclaim God’s message and succeed with faith, strength and courage empowering us to continue the teaching mission of our Church.  

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Catholic Schools Week: Message from Superintendent Mary D. Baier #Catholic –

Catholic Schools Week has been an annual celebration of Catholic education across the United States, which has been sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association since 1974. This is a time to celebrate both our mission and our ministries. We embrace the national theme for this week: Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. “Catholic education provides an atmosphere in which the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated.” (Renewing our Commitment, 2005)

Community is at the heart of Catholic education. Having experienced community in our schools, our students, faculties and families are empowered to build community in all areas of life. Catholic Schools Week is a recognition of all that our schools do every day to enable the total development of the whole person in light of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel message.

Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey work diligently to maintain a culture of academic excellence indicative of a Catholic school education. Our principals and teachers through their faith, passion and dedication have a resolute commitment to their ministry which is seen as a privilege and a blessing.

Academic excellence in our schools is complimented by our attention to service. Students learn early on that the Church is a servant community in which it is their responsibility to be of service to those less fortunate than themselves. Our schools form and inform students to acknowledge their God-given talents and to be respectful of their responsibilities. Catholic education empowers our students to achieve their dreams and goals to become future citizens in our global society. We strive to live by our mission to develop, improve, promote and support a Catholic school system where students become transformers of a faith-filled future.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

All elementary schools and diocesan high schools have achieved accreditation by Cognia, which is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. We will be addressing reaccreditation from Cognia in 2026.

Catholic Schools Week is also a time to give thanksgiving to those who lead, administer, teach and lend support to our schools in our Catholic community: to our Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, our clergy, religious, lay men and women, our parents who selflessly make the necessary sacrifices to provide a Catholic education for their children, all others who assist us in our educational endeavors, and most importantly, to our students who are the future of our Church — and our hope. Thank you for all you do, have done and will continue to do.

As we continue on our journey of a faith-filled education, may we all learn with an open mind and accepting heart. May we serve with great compassion, a gentle kindness and a generous spirit. May we proclaim God’s message and succeed with faith, strength and courage empowering us to continue the teaching mission of our Church.

 

– Catholic Schools Week has been an annual celebration of Catholic education across the United States, which has been sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association since 1974. This is a time to celebrate both our mission and our ministries. We embrace the national theme for this week: Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. “Catholic education provides an atmosphere in which the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated.” (Renewing our Commitment, 2005) Community is at the heart of Catholic education.

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New JWST imagery dives into the center of the Milky Way

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Massive stars have an outsized influence on their environment and the galaxies they call home. These behemoths have the highest surface temperatures of any normal stars, so they emit copious amounts of ultraviolet radiation that ionizes their surroundings. They also possess fierce stellar winds that help shape their gaseous environs. But these monster suns alsoContinue reading “New JWST imagery dives into the center of the Milky Way”

The post New JWST imagery dives into the center of the Milky Way appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Jan. 27, 1967: The Apollo 1 fire

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The first piloted Apollo flight – called Apollo 204, though it would later be known as Apollo 1 – was intended for tests in Earth orbit, part of the eventual path to later Apollo missions going to the Moon. The mission was crewed by Gus Grissom, America’s second man in space; Ed White, the country’sContinue reading “Jan. 27, 1967: The Apollo 1 fire”

The post Jan. 27, 1967: The Apollo 1 fire appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Our readers’ favorite beginner astronomy books

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The September 2025 issue featured “A guide to beginner’s guides,” a reminiscence and description of some the books for astronomy beginners that Contributing Editor Raymond Shubinski recommends or considers influential. Our readers responded with a flood of emails adding their own suggestions to his list. Is your favorite mentioned here? What books are we stillContinue reading “Our readers’ favorite beginner astronomy books”

The post Our readers’ favorite beginner astronomy books appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Marchers celebrate the unique gift of life at 53rd annual March for Life #Catholic – WASHINGTON (OSV News) — As thousands gathered in the cold, to stand for the unborn, March for Life president Jennie Bradley Lichter reminded the crowd that what has “saved so many lives and moved countless hearts” on the abortion issue over the years is the marchers’ “unfailing hope” their “love for the littlest ones and for moms who need a hand,” their joy and “the sheer number of you who are here year after year.” The theme of the 53rd annual March for Life was “Life Is a Gift” and both the crowd and the speakers at the rally embraced their personal experience of the gift of life. At the start of the event, Lichter introduced the “Friends of Club 21” choir, a group of teens and young adults with Down syndrome who sang the national anthem. She said the group embodied the theme of the march. For Ariel Hartshorn, who traveled 17 hours to the march on a bus from Benedictine College in Kansas, her brother with Down syndrome was a big part of her reason for attending. “I know that a lot of people with Down syndrome are aborted and that just breaks my heart,” she told OSV News, calling her brother “the most joyful” person who “brings so much joy to everybody’s life.” She said “it’s really important that we march for life and that we be that change” in society for people like her brother. Vice President JD Vance, who recently announced that he and his wife, Usha, are expecting their fourth child, also felt the march’s theme in a personal way, telling the crowd, “Life is a gift and I know for me personally this year, there is so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful to my own family, for my beautiful wife, Usha, and that God has given us the miracle of new life again.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. One speaker at the march, Sarah Hurm, told those gathered that she was “living proof” that life is a gift through her journey of nearly aborting her son with the abortion pill regimen and being able to reverse that procedure through the help of a pro-life ministry. She spoke about being a 26-year-old single mom who already had three children and was not receiving support from her baby’s father or the abortion clinic where she felt like a “transaction,” not a person. The words of an abortion clinic worker stuck with her. The worker told her the baby had a “strong heartbeat” and she was “lucky the heartbeat bill hadn’t passed because if it had we wouldn’t be able to continue.” “As soon as I walked out of the facility,” Hurm said, “it was as if the world went from dark gray to bright blue. The clinic had felt lifeless, outside I felt life again. That sharp contrast between darkness and light made me feel something I will never forget. I instantly began to regret my decision and I broke down in my car.” Despite having taken the first pill in the regimen, Hurm was able to save her son through a hotline number that offered abortion pill reversal treatment. “Today,” she said, “my son is one of the greatest joys of my life.” She encouraged the crowd to make efforts to help women facing unexpected pregnancies. “Saving a life can be as simple as answering a phone call, driving a friend to an ultrasound, or helping her pick out a car seat,” she emphasized. “Small sacrifices can become enormous victories that support moms like me and children like mine. You have that power. Be that person who connects a woman to hope.” Benedictine College student Maria Draves felt the importance of supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies, saying she traveled to the march “for the innocent children who don’t have a voice for themselves” but that it was also important to “remember the mothers because a lot of these mothers are in really difficult situations, and so we have to keep them in our prayers as well and do everything we can to take care of them.” Lily Doyle, a student at Franciscan University, saw defending the dignity of the unborn as connected to the dignity of all vulnerable people. “It’s important now more than ever to be sure that everyone, no matter who they are, what they feel, young, old, pre-born, know that their life is worth living,” she emphasized, “every person matters no matter what.” Lichter noted the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its emphasis on the right to life, telling the crowd “never forget that the United States of America was built on the foundation of the right to life” and “you are standing in a great American tradition when you stand up for the right to life like you’re doing today.” Bringing her husband and three children out on stage, Lichter celebrated past generations of marchers and noted that her kids “have grown up as marchers and they are thrilled to see you all here today.” Amanda and Drew Ide from Minnesota were also a part of bringing the next generation of marchers as they went along the route with their young baby, Zoey, following the rally. Drew said he felt “like there’s a turn in our culture to be able to see people seeing the value in protecting even the youngest people of our society.” “We are just out here representing the value of life and hoping that it can impact legislation,” Amanda said, adding that as evangelical Christians they wanted to be “walking the walk, not just talking the talk.” Lauretta Brown is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @LaurettaBrown6.
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Marchers celebrate the unique gift of life at 53rd annual March for Life #Catholic – WASHINGTON (OSV News) — As thousands gathered in the cold, to stand for the unborn, March for Life president Jennie Bradley Lichter reminded the crowd that what has “saved so many lives and moved countless hearts” on the abortion issue over the years is the marchers’ “unfailing hope” their “love for the littlest ones and for moms who need a hand,” their joy and “the sheer number of you who are here year after year.” The theme of the 53rd annual March for Life was “Life Is a Gift” and both the crowd and the speakers at the rally embraced their personal experience of the gift of life. At the start of the event, Lichter introduced the “Friends of Club 21” choir, a group of teens and young adults with Down syndrome who sang the national anthem. She said the group embodied the theme of the march. For Ariel Hartshorn, who traveled 17 hours to the march on a bus from Benedictine College in Kansas, her brother with Down syndrome was a big part of her reason for attending. “I know that a lot of people with Down syndrome are aborted and that just breaks my heart,” she told OSV News, calling her brother “the most joyful” person who “brings so much joy to everybody’s life.” She said “it’s really important that we march for life and that we be that change” in society for people like her brother. Vice President JD Vance, who recently announced that he and his wife, Usha, are expecting their fourth child, also felt the march’s theme in a personal way, telling the crowd, “Life is a gift and I know for me personally this year, there is so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful to my own family, for my beautiful wife, Usha, and that God has given us the miracle of new life again.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. One speaker at the march, Sarah Hurm, told those gathered that she was “living proof” that life is a gift through her journey of nearly aborting her son with the abortion pill regimen and being able to reverse that procedure through the help of a pro-life ministry. She spoke about being a 26-year-old single mom who already had three children and was not receiving support from her baby’s father or the abortion clinic where she felt like a “transaction,” not a person. The words of an abortion clinic worker stuck with her. The worker told her the baby had a “strong heartbeat” and she was “lucky the heartbeat bill hadn’t passed because if it had we wouldn’t be able to continue.” “As soon as I walked out of the facility,” Hurm said, “it was as if the world went from dark gray to bright blue. The clinic had felt lifeless, outside I felt life again. That sharp contrast between darkness and light made me feel something I will never forget. I instantly began to regret my decision and I broke down in my car.” Despite having taken the first pill in the regimen, Hurm was able to save her son through a hotline number that offered abortion pill reversal treatment. “Today,” she said, “my son is one of the greatest joys of my life.” She encouraged the crowd to make efforts to help women facing unexpected pregnancies. “Saving a life can be as simple as answering a phone call, driving a friend to an ultrasound, or helping her pick out a car seat,” she emphasized. “Small sacrifices can become enormous victories that support moms like me and children like mine. You have that power. Be that person who connects a woman to hope.” Benedictine College student Maria Draves felt the importance of supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies, saying she traveled to the march “for the innocent children who don’t have a voice for themselves” but that it was also important to “remember the mothers because a lot of these mothers are in really difficult situations, and so we have to keep them in our prayers as well and do everything we can to take care of them.” Lily Doyle, a student at Franciscan University, saw defending the dignity of the unborn as connected to the dignity of all vulnerable people. “It’s important now more than ever to be sure that everyone, no matter who they are, what they feel, young, old, pre-born, know that their life is worth living,” she emphasized, “every person matters no matter what.” Lichter noted the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its emphasis on the right to life, telling the crowd “never forget that the United States of America was built on the foundation of the right to life” and “you are standing in a great American tradition when you stand up for the right to life like you’re doing today.” Bringing her husband and three children out on stage, Lichter celebrated past generations of marchers and noted that her kids “have grown up as marchers and they are thrilled to see you all here today.” Amanda and Drew Ide from Minnesota were also a part of bringing the next generation of marchers as they went along the route with their young baby, Zoey, following the rally. Drew said he felt “like there’s a turn in our culture to be able to see people seeing the value in protecting even the youngest people of our society.” “We are just out here representing the value of life and hoping that it can impact legislation,” Amanda said, adding that as evangelical Christians they wanted to be “walking the walk, not just talking the talk.” Lauretta Brown is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @LaurettaBrown6.

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Marchers celebrate the unique gift of life at 53rd annual March for Life #Catholic –

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — As thousands gathered in the cold, to stand for the unborn, March for Life president Jennie Bradley Lichter reminded the crowd that what has “saved so many lives and moved countless hearts” on the abortion issue over the years is the marchers’ “unfailing hope” their “love for the littlest ones and for moms who need a hand,” their joy and “the sheer number of you who are here year after year.”

The theme of the 53rd annual March for Life was “Life Is a Gift” and both the crowd and the speakers at the rally embraced their personal experience of the gift of life.

At the start of the event, Lichter introduced the “Friends of Club 21” choir, a group of teens and young adults with Down syndrome who sang the national anthem. She said the group embodied the theme of the march.

For Ariel Hartshorn, who traveled 17 hours to the march on a bus from Benedictine College in Kansas, her brother with Down syndrome was a big part of her reason for attending.

“I know that a lot of people with Down syndrome are aborted and that just breaks my heart,” she told OSV News, calling her brother “the most joyful” person who “brings so much joy to everybody’s life.” She said “it’s really important that we march for life and that we be that change” in society for people like her brother.

Vice President JD Vance, who recently announced that he and his wife, Usha, are expecting their fourth child, also felt the march’s theme in a personal way, telling the crowd, “Life is a gift and I know for me personally this year, there is so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful to my own family, for my beautiful wife, Usha, and that God has given us the miracle of new life again.”

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

One speaker at the march, Sarah Hurm, told those gathered that she was “living proof” that life is a gift through her journey of nearly aborting her son with the abortion pill regimen and being able to reverse that procedure through the help of a pro-life ministry.

She spoke about being a 26-year-old single mom who already had three children and was not receiving support from her baby’s father or the abortion clinic where she felt like a “transaction,” not a person.

The words of an abortion clinic worker stuck with her. The worker told her the baby had a “strong heartbeat” and she was “lucky the heartbeat bill hadn’t passed because if it had we wouldn’t be able to continue.”

“As soon as I walked out of the facility,” Hurm said, “it was as if the world went from dark gray to bright blue. The clinic had felt lifeless, outside I felt life again. That sharp contrast between darkness and light made me feel something I will never forget. I instantly began to regret my decision and I broke down in my car.”

Despite having taken the first pill in the regimen, Hurm was able to save her son through a hotline number that offered abortion pill reversal treatment. “Today,” she said, “my son is one of the greatest joys of my life.”

She encouraged the crowd to make efforts to help women facing unexpected pregnancies. “Saving a life can be as simple as answering a phone call, driving a friend to an ultrasound, or helping her pick out a car seat,” she emphasized. “Small sacrifices can become enormous victories that support moms like me and children like mine. You have that power. Be that person who connects a woman to hope.”

Benedictine College student Maria Draves felt the importance of supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies, saying she traveled to the march “for the innocent children who don’t have a voice for themselves” but that it was also important to “remember the mothers because a lot of these mothers are in really difficult situations, and so we have to keep them in our prayers as well and do everything we can to take care of them.”

Lily Doyle, a student at Franciscan University, saw defending the dignity of the unborn as connected to the dignity of all vulnerable people. “It’s important now more than ever to be sure that everyone, no matter who they are, what they feel, young, old, pre-born, know that their life is worth living,” she emphasized, “every person matters no matter what.”

Lichter noted the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its emphasis on the right to life, telling the crowd “never forget that the United States of America was built on the foundation of the right to life” and “you are standing in a great American tradition when you stand up for the right to life like you’re doing today.”

Bringing her husband and three children out on stage, Lichter celebrated past generations of marchers and noted that her kids “have grown up as marchers and they are thrilled to see you all here today.”

Amanda and Drew Ide from Minnesota were also a part of bringing the next generation of marchers as they went along the route with their young baby, Zoey, following the rally. Drew said he felt “like there’s a turn in our culture to be able to see people seeing the value in protecting even the youngest people of our society.”

“We are just out here representing the value of life and hoping that it can impact legislation,” Amanda said, adding that as evangelical Christians they wanted to be “walking the walk, not just talking the talk.”

Lauretta Brown is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @LaurettaBrown6.

– WASHINGTON (OSV News) — As thousands gathered in the cold, to stand for the unborn, March for Life president Jennie Bradley Lichter reminded the crowd that what has “saved so many lives and moved countless hearts” on the abortion issue over the years is the marchers’ “unfailing hope” their “love for the littlest ones and for moms who need a hand,” their joy and “the sheer number of you who are here year after year.” The theme of the 53rd annual March for Life was “Life Is a Gift” and both the crowd and the speakers at the rally embraced

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Jan. 24, 1986: Voyager 2 flies by Uranus

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Over eight years after its launch, Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Uranus on Jan. 24, 1986. The encounter and data-gathering was complicated by Uranus’ 98-degree axial tilt and the low light levels, but the spacecraft was able to pass by at about 50,600 miles (over 81,400 kilometers) above the cloud tops. Many uniqueContinue reading “Jan. 24, 1986: Voyager 2 flies by Uranus”

The post Jan. 24, 1986: Voyager 2 flies by Uranus appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Diocese of Paterson prepares for massive winter storm to hit area #Catholic – A severe Arctic cold front threatens to bring up to 14 inches of snow from late Saturday night to Monday afternoon, impacting northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and southeast New York as the Paterson Diocese braces for the storm. Diocesan parishes, schools, and agencies are preparing to ensure the safety of the faithful and protect Church property ahead of the anxiety-inducing storm. The Arctic blast is expected to plunge area temperatures into the teens during the day and into the single digits at night. The heaviest snow should fall from Sunday morning into early evening, according to the National Weather Service. The Paterson Diocese, located in northern New Jersey, issued the following statement to the local faith community before the storm: “In case of emergency weather conditions, please follow State of New Jersey and local travel recommendations and do not attempt to travel until conditions significantly improve. Please check your local parish website or its social media for Mass livestreaming possibilities and giving options.” So far, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney has changed one stop on his busy schedule. The opening Catholic Schools Week Mass for the diocese at St. Anthony Parish in Hawthorne, N.J., was moved from Sunday, Jan. 25, to Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Some parishes, such as St. Joseph Parish in West Milford, N.J., have added vigil Masses on Saturday for those not comfortable traveling on Sunday due to the weather. St. Joseph’s scheduled an extra vigil Mass at 6:15 p.m., in addition to its regular 5 p.m. vigil Mass. A few parishes cancelled Masses or religious education classes. In rural Sussex County, N.J., St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Sandyston and St. James the Greater Parish in Montague “will figure out how to handle” the storm and its aftereffects, said Father Wayne Varga, pastor of both parishes. Usually, they cancel daytime Masses when local schools close or have delayed openings, or use their best judgment. The parishes are 10 miles apart in the diocese’s most northern part, connected by winding roads “Everybody is traveling from a distance to Mass. The temperature up here is about five degrees colder than the parishes south of us. That makes a difference whether we get snow or rain,” said Father Varga. He added, “The county plows the main roads well — and quickly. I just hope the storm doesn’t cause any power outages. Each storm is different. People are rugged up there. Many have pick-up trucks and SUVs. They’re concerned but take it in stride.” The 22 diocesan Catholic schools are ready for whatever the storm throws at them, said Mary Baier, the schools superintendent. Depending on the severity of the storm, schools may close or switch to remote learning on Monday. These schools normally close if their local school district closes, she said. “If we could get through COVID, we can get through anything. We’re prepared for the storm. We are making sure of everything,” Baier said. However, the storm could impact more CSW events or other school events on Sunday, as it did with the rescheduled Mass with Bishop Sweeney at St. Anthony’s in Hawthorne. St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson has already postponed its open house for Sunday to Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. In urban Passaic County, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., will cancel its 650-student Faith Formation classes for Sunday. However, it will hold regular Masses on that day, regardless of the weather. Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects, predicts the storm will drive more people to attend its Spanish and English vigil Masses on Saturday. If snow-plow crews cannot reach St. John’s during the storm, the parish will be ready with shovels and salt for sidewalks and stairs. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney still plans to celebrate a Mass for Altagracia at 1 p.m. on Sunday, if he can make it. Msgr. Sylva emphasized that St. John’s top priority is the safety of parishioners. Many travel a great distance for Mass. On Jan. 21, Richard Ziccardi, the risk manager who oversees the diocese’s Insurance Office, sent a notice to diocesan leaders, cautioning them about the risk of hypothermia and burst pipes due to the impending storm. He said buildings should be heated to 55 degrees or higher to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. He also said all outdoor hoses should be disconnected, and indoor valves that supply outdoor water should be turned off. “Be safe. Don’t put your life in jeopardy. If the State of New Jersey declares a state of emergency, don’t drive on the roads at all. Many people are scared, but we’ll know more as the storm gets closer,” Ziccardi said. For the latest updates on storm preparations in the Paterson Diocese, check back with BeaconNJ.org
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Diocese of Paterson prepares for massive winter storm to hit area #Catholic – A severe Arctic cold front threatens to bring up to 14 inches of snow from late Saturday night to Monday afternoon, impacting northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and southeast New York as the Paterson Diocese braces for the storm. Diocesan parishes, schools, and agencies are preparing to ensure the safety of the faithful and protect Church property ahead of the anxiety-inducing storm. The Arctic blast is expected to plunge area temperatures into the teens during the day and into the single digits at night. The heaviest snow should fall from Sunday morning into early evening, according to the National Weather Service. The Paterson Diocese, located in northern New Jersey, issued the following statement to the local faith community before the storm: “In case of emergency weather conditions, please follow State of New Jersey and local travel recommendations and do not attempt to travel until conditions significantly improve. Please check your local parish website or its social media for Mass livestreaming possibilities and giving options.” So far, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney has changed one stop on his busy schedule. The opening Catholic Schools Week Mass for the diocese at St. Anthony Parish in Hawthorne, N.J., was moved from Sunday, Jan. 25, to Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Some parishes, such as St. Joseph Parish in West Milford, N.J., have added vigil Masses on Saturday for those not comfortable traveling on Sunday due to the weather. St. Joseph’s scheduled an extra vigil Mass at 6:15 p.m., in addition to its regular 5 p.m. vigil Mass. A few parishes cancelled Masses or religious education classes. In rural Sussex County, N.J., St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Sandyston and St. James the Greater Parish in Montague “will figure out how to handle” the storm and its aftereffects, said Father Wayne Varga, pastor of both parishes. Usually, they cancel daytime Masses when local schools close or have delayed openings, or use their best judgment. The parishes are 10 miles apart in the diocese’s most northern part, connected by winding roads “Everybody is traveling from a distance to Mass. The temperature up here is about five degrees colder than the parishes south of us. That makes a difference whether we get snow or rain,” said Father Varga. He added, “The county plows the main roads well — and quickly. I just hope the storm doesn’t cause any power outages. Each storm is different. People are rugged up there. Many have pick-up trucks and SUVs. They’re concerned but take it in stride.” The 22 diocesan Catholic schools are ready for whatever the storm throws at them, said Mary Baier, the schools superintendent. Depending on the severity of the storm, schools may close or switch to remote learning on Monday. These schools normally close if their local school district closes, she said. “If we could get through COVID, we can get through anything. We’re prepared for the storm. We are making sure of everything,” Baier said. However, the storm could impact more CSW events or other school events on Sunday, as it did with the rescheduled Mass with Bishop Sweeney at St. Anthony’s in Hawthorne. St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson has already postponed its open house for Sunday to Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. In urban Passaic County, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., will cancel its 650-student Faith Formation classes for Sunday. However, it will hold regular Masses on that day, regardless of the weather. Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects, predicts the storm will drive more people to attend its Spanish and English vigil Masses on Saturday. If snow-plow crews cannot reach St. John’s during the storm, the parish will be ready with shovels and salt for sidewalks and stairs. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney still plans to celebrate a Mass for Altagracia at 1 p.m. on Sunday, if he can make it. Msgr. Sylva emphasized that St. John’s top priority is the safety of parishioners. Many travel a great distance for Mass. On Jan. 21, Richard Ziccardi, the risk manager who oversees the diocese’s Insurance Office, sent a notice to diocesan leaders, cautioning them about the risk of hypothermia and burst pipes due to the impending storm. He said buildings should be heated to 55 degrees or higher to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. He also said all outdoor hoses should be disconnected, and indoor valves that supply outdoor water should be turned off. “Be safe. Don’t put your life in jeopardy. If the State of New Jersey declares a state of emergency, don’t drive on the roads at all. Many people are scared, but we’ll know more as the storm gets closer,” Ziccardi said. For the latest updates on storm preparations in the Paterson Diocese, check back with BeaconNJ.org

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Diocese of Paterson prepares for massive winter storm to hit area #Catholic –

A severe Arctic cold front threatens to bring up to 14 inches of snow from late Saturday night to Monday afternoon, impacting northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and southeast New York as the Paterson Diocese braces for the storm.

Diocesan parishes, schools, and agencies are preparing to ensure the safety of the faithful and protect Church property ahead of the anxiety-inducing storm. The Arctic blast is expected to plunge area temperatures into the teens during the day and into the single digits at night. The heaviest snow should fall from Sunday morning into early evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The Paterson Diocese, located in northern New Jersey, issued the following statement to the local faith community before the storm:

“In case of emergency weather conditions, please follow State of New Jersey and local travel recommendations and do not attempt to travel until conditions significantly improve. Please check your local parish website or its social media for Mass livestreaming possibilities and giving options.”

So far, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney has changed one stop on his busy schedule. The opening Catholic Schools Week Mass for the diocese at St. Anthony Parish in Hawthorne, N.J., was moved from Sunday, Jan. 25, to Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Some parishes, such as St. Joseph Parish in West Milford, N.J., have added vigil Masses on Saturday for those not comfortable traveling on Sunday due to the weather. St. Joseph’s scheduled an extra vigil Mass at 6:15 p.m., in addition to its regular 5 p.m. vigil Mass. A few parishes cancelled Masses or religious education classes.

In rural Sussex County, N.J., St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Sandyston and St. James the Greater Parish in Montague “will figure out how to handle” the storm and its aftereffects, said Father Wayne Varga, pastor of both parishes. Usually, they cancel daytime Masses when local schools close or have delayed openings, or use their best judgment. The parishes are 10 miles apart in the diocese’s most northern part, connected by winding roads

“Everybody is traveling from a distance to Mass. The temperature up here is about five degrees colder than the parishes south of us. That makes a difference whether we get snow or rain,” said Father Varga. He added, “The county plows the main roads well — and quickly. I just hope the storm doesn’t cause any power outages. Each storm is different. People are rugged up there. Many have pick-up trucks and SUVs. They’re concerned but take it in stride.”

The 22 diocesan Catholic schools are ready for whatever the storm throws at them, said Mary Baier, the schools superintendent. Depending on the severity of the storm, schools may close or switch to remote learning on Monday. These schools normally close if their local school district closes, she said.

“If we could get through COVID, we can get through anything. We’re prepared for the storm. We are making sure of everything,” Baier said.

However, the storm could impact more CSW events or other school events on Sunday, as it did with the rescheduled Mass with Bishop Sweeney at St. Anthony’s in Hawthorne. St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson has already postponed its open house for Sunday to Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m.

In urban Passaic County, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., will cancel its 650-student Faith Formation classes for Sunday. However, it will hold regular Masses on that day, regardless of the weather. Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects, predicts the storm will drive more people to attend its Spanish and English vigil Masses on Saturday.

If snow-plow crews cannot reach St. John’s during the storm, the parish will be ready with shovels and salt for sidewalks and stairs. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney still plans to celebrate a Mass for Altagracia at 1 p.m. on Sunday, if he can make it. Msgr. Sylva emphasized that St. John’s top priority is the safety of parishioners. Many travel a great distance for Mass.

On Jan. 21, Richard Ziccardi, the risk manager who oversees the diocese’s Insurance Office, sent a notice to diocesan leaders, cautioning them about the risk of hypothermia and burst pipes due to the impending storm. He said buildings should be heated to 55 degrees or higher to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. He also said all outdoor hoses should be disconnected, and indoor valves that supply outdoor water should be turned off.

“Be safe. Don’t put your life in jeopardy. If the State of New Jersey declares a state of emergency, don’t drive on the roads at all. Many people are scared, but we’ll know more as the storm gets closer,” Ziccardi said.

For the latest updates on storm preparations in the Paterson Diocese, check back with BeaconNJ.org

– A severe Arctic cold front threatens to bring up to 14 inches of snow from late Saturday night to Monday afternoon, impacting northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and southeast New York as the Paterson Diocese braces for the storm. Diocesan parishes, schools, and agencies are preparing to ensure the safety of the faithful and protect Church property ahead of the anxiety-inducing storm. The Arctic blast is expected to plunge area temperatures into the teens during the day and into the single digits at night. The heaviest snow should fall from Sunday morning into early evening, according to the National Weather

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Jan. 23, 2003: Pioneer 10’s last words

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When Pioneer 10 flew by Jupiter on Dec. 3, 1973, its margin of survival was closer to the knife-edge than it seemed. It absorbed a thousand times the lethal dose of radiation for a human, suffering darkened optics and fried transistor circuits. Other unwanted side effects included the generation of false commands, which caused theContinue reading “Jan. 23, 2003: Pioneer 10’s last words”

The post Jan. 23, 2003: Pioneer 10’s last words appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Beyond The Beacon Ep. 104: Faith in action, How the Interfaith Food Pantry serves the community #Catholic – Morris County is among the wealthiest counties in New Jersey, but food insecurity is very real for many families living there. For this episode, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish visited the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains to learn more. After touring the facility and meeting clients and volunteers, they sat down for this remote episode with Carolyn Lake, executive director of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, and Board President Helen Hallberg. 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.
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Beyond The Beacon Ep. 104: Faith in action, How the Interfaith Food Pantry serves the community #Catholic – Morris County is among the wealthiest counties in New Jersey, but food insecurity is very real for many families living there. For this episode, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish visited the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains to learn more. After touring the facility and meeting clients and volunteers, they sat down for this remote episode with Carolyn Lake, executive director of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, and Board President Helen Hallberg. 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.

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Beyond The Beacon Ep. 104: Faith in action, How the Interfaith Food Pantry serves the community #Catholic –

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

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.

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

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Obituary: Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, St. Padre Pio secretary, 85 #Catholic - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., for Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, former personal secretary of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy and a former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., who died on Jan. 13 at St. Francis of Assisi Friary, also in Wilmington. Father Aurilia was 85. Father Aurilia was considered one of the last direct links to Padre Pio. He also was well known for sharing firsthand accounts of the Italian saint’s mystical gifts and daily life, according to Shekinah Global News. Born on Dec. 8, 1940, in Montemarano, Italy, Father Aurilia entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order and was ordained a priest in 1966. He spent a month during the first year of his priesthood as the personal secretary of Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, ministering from the Capuchin friary in San Giovanni Rotondo in rural Italy. Father Aurilia witnessed the miracle of the stigmata suffered by St. Pio, like the profuse bleeding in his hands, feet, and left side of his body that corresponded with the wounds suffered by the crucified Christ. This miracle attracted the devotion of faithful around the globe, as well as great fascination and even disbelief from some people, according to a story about Father Aurilia published in The Beacon on Jan. 3, 2013. Padre Pio was canonized a saint in 2002 in Rome. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “Thousands of people around the world would write to St. Pio for prayers and advice. Hundreds of people would wait in line before his Masses at 4 a.m. It wasn’t St. Pio’s miracles [like the stigmata] that impressed me, but rather his simplicity and humility,” Father Aurilia told the Beacon. Later, Father Aurilia came to the United States to work with the Italian-speaking community in northern New Jersey, including serving as associate pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., from 1974 to 1976, and as pastor of the parish from approximately 2012 to 2015. Father Aurilia continued his studies of philosophy, earning a doctorate, while serving in various parishes and ministries. He wrote a book, “Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio,” published by Our Sunday Visitor in 2024. The priest also served in other locations in the Garden State, including the former Don Bosco College, Newton, where he taught ethics; St. Francis Seminary in Lafayette; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Orange. He also served parishes in New York and North Carolina. Virginia, Florida, and Delaware. Father Aurilia was predeceased by his sister, Sophia Ricciadi, and his brother, Orazio. He is survived by his sister, Maria Riccio; his brother, Generoso; his nephews, Michael Riccio and Anthony Ricciadi; and his nieces, Emanuela Harting and Nancy Rodriquez, and their spouses and children. A viewing for Father Aurilia will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., followed by his 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. A repast will be offered at the Francis X. Norton Center after the Mass. Burial will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon, N.Y.  
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Obituary: Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, St. Padre Pio secretary, 85 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., for Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, former personal secretary of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy and a former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., who died on Jan. 13 at St. Francis of Assisi Friary, also in Wilmington. Father Aurilia was 85. Father Aurilia was considered one of the last direct links to Padre Pio. He also was well known for sharing firsthand accounts of the Italian saint’s mystical gifts and daily life, according to Shekinah Global News. Born on Dec. 8, 1940, in Montemarano, Italy, Father Aurilia entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order and was ordained a priest in 1966. He spent a month during the first year of his priesthood as the personal secretary of Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, ministering from the Capuchin friary in San Giovanni Rotondo in rural Italy. Father Aurilia witnessed the miracle of the stigmata suffered by St. Pio, like the profuse bleeding in his hands, feet, and left side of his body that corresponded with the wounds suffered by the crucified Christ. This miracle attracted the devotion of faithful around the globe, as well as great fascination and even disbelief from some people, according to a story about Father Aurilia published in The Beacon on Jan. 3, 2013. Padre Pio was canonized a saint in 2002 in Rome. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “Thousands of people around the world would write to St. Pio for prayers and advice. Hundreds of people would wait in line before his Masses at 4 a.m. It wasn’t St. Pio’s miracles [like the stigmata] that impressed me, but rather his simplicity and humility,” Father Aurilia told the Beacon. Later, Father Aurilia came to the United States to work with the Italian-speaking community in northern New Jersey, including serving as associate pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., from 1974 to 1976, and as pastor of the parish from approximately 2012 to 2015. Father Aurilia continued his studies of philosophy, earning a doctorate, while serving in various parishes and ministries. He wrote a book, “Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio,” published by Our Sunday Visitor in 2024. The priest also served in other locations in the Garden State, including the former Don Bosco College, Newton, where he taught ethics; St. Francis Seminary in Lafayette; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Orange. He also served parishes in New York and North Carolina. Virginia, Florida, and Delaware. Father Aurilia was predeceased by his sister, Sophia Ricciadi, and his brother, Orazio. He is survived by his sister, Maria Riccio; his brother, Generoso; his nephews, Michael Riccio and Anthony Ricciadi; and his nieces, Emanuela Harting and Nancy Rodriquez, and their spouses and children. A viewing for Father Aurilia will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., followed by his 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. A repast will be offered at the Francis X. Norton Center after the Mass. Burial will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon, N.Y.  

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Obituary: Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, St. Padre Pio secretary, 85 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., for Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, former personal secretary of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy and a former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., who died on Jan. 13 at St. Francis of Assisi Friary, also in Wilmington. Father Aurilia was 85.

Father Aurilia was considered one of the last direct links to Padre Pio. He also was well known for sharing firsthand accounts of the Italian saint’s mystical gifts and daily life, according to Shekinah Global News.

Born on Dec. 8, 1940, in Montemarano, Italy, Father Aurilia entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order and was ordained a priest in 1966. He spent a month during the first year of his priesthood as the personal secretary of Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, ministering from the Capuchin friary in San Giovanni Rotondo in rural Italy.

Father Aurilia witnessed the miracle of the stigmata suffered by St. Pio, like the profuse bleeding in his hands, feet, and left side of his body that corresponded with the wounds suffered by the crucified Christ. This miracle attracted the devotion of faithful around the globe, as well as great fascination and even disbelief from some people, according to a story about Father Aurilia published in The Beacon on Jan. 3, 2013. Padre Pio was canonized a saint in 2002 in Rome.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“Thousands of people around the world would write to St. Pio for prayers and advice. Hundreds of people would wait in line before his Masses at 4 a.m. It wasn’t St. Pio’s miracles [like the stigmata] that impressed me, but rather his simplicity and humility,” Father Aurilia told the Beacon.

Later, Father Aurilia came to the United States to work with the Italian-speaking community in northern New Jersey, including serving as associate pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., from 1974 to 1976, and as pastor of the parish from approximately 2012 to 2015.

Father Aurilia continued his studies of philosophy, earning a doctorate, while serving in various parishes and ministries. He wrote a book, “Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio,” published by Our Sunday Visitor in 2024.

The priest also served in other locations in the Garden State, including the former Don Bosco College, Newton, where he taught ethics; St. Francis Seminary in Lafayette; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Orange. He also served parishes in New York and North Carolina. Virginia, Florida, and Delaware.

Father Aurilia was predeceased by his sister, Sophia Ricciadi, and his brother, Orazio. He is survived by his sister, Maria Riccio; his brother, Generoso; his nephews, Michael Riccio and Anthony Ricciadi; and his nieces, Emanuela Harting and Nancy Rodriquez, and their spouses and children.

A viewing for Father Aurilia will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., followed by his 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. A repast will be offered at the Francis X. Norton Center after the Mass. Burial will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon, N.Y.

 

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, Del., for Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia, former personal secretary of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy and a former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Passaic, N.J., who died on Jan. 13 at St. Francis of Assisi Friary, also in Wilmington. Father Aurilia was 85. Father Aurilia was considered one of the last direct links to Padre Pio. He also was well known for sharing firsthand accounts of the Italian saint’s mystical gifts and daily life, according to

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The Sky This Week from January 16 to 23: Caroline’s Rose blooms

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Sky This Week is brought to you in part by Celestron. Friday, January 9Cygnus may be sinking toward the horizon a few hours after sunset, but there’s still a bit of time to glimpse some of this constellation’s many treasures. Today let’s try for M39, a loose open cluster in the northeastern reaches of theContinue reading “The Sky This Week from January 16 to 23: Caroline’s Rose blooms”

The post The Sky This Week from January 16 to 23: Caroline’s Rose blooms appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Young men moved to consider vocations at Jefferson event #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and three seminarians of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey encouraged nine young men to discern their vocations, including to the Catholic priesthood, during a Project Andrew event at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood in Jefferson, N.J. In Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Bishop Sweeney led the congregation in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The men, high-school age and older, and some of their parents listened to the bishop preach about how St. Andrew was the first Apostle to invite others to follow Jesus, including his brother, St. Peter, to meet the Messiah. The bishop then asked the men to identify their “Andrews”: people in their lives who have been leading them to Jesus or a vocation. Afterward, those assembled had dinner with Bishop Sweeney. There, Eric D. Hasenbein, John Peter Zappe, and Jean-Baptiste Mollet spoke about their vocation journeys and their time as seminarians. Hasenbein is a second-year pre-theology student at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J., and Zappe is a second-year theology student at Immaculate Conception. Mollet is in his first year of studies, called a Propaedeutic Year, at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The diocesan Vocations Office sponsored the Project Andrew gathering, held monthly at various parishes. Priests, including Father Sean McDonnell, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, attended the event. “The Project Andrew helps young men learn more about vocations and the priesthood. They also get to hear from priests and seminarians about what led them to follow Jesus’ call to pursue a priestly vocation,” said Father Charles Lana Jr., diocesan vocations director. The next Project Andrew event will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Denville, N.J. To register, call the Vocations Office at 973-77-8818, ext. 711.  
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Young men moved to consider vocations at Jefferson event #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and three seminarians of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey encouraged nine young men to discern their vocations, including to the Catholic priesthood, during a Project Andrew event at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood in Jefferson, N.J. In Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Bishop Sweeney led the congregation in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The men, high-school age and older, and some of their parents listened to the bishop preach about how St. Andrew was the first Apostle to invite others to follow Jesus, including his brother, St. Peter, to meet the Messiah. The bishop then asked the men to identify their “Andrews”: people in their lives who have been leading them to Jesus or a vocation. Afterward, those assembled had dinner with Bishop Sweeney. There, Eric D. Hasenbein, John Peter Zappe, and Jean-Baptiste Mollet spoke about their vocation journeys and their time as seminarians. Hasenbein is a second-year pre-theology student at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J., and Zappe is a second-year theology student at Immaculate Conception. Mollet is in his first year of studies, called a Propaedeutic Year, at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The diocesan Vocations Office sponsored the Project Andrew gathering, held monthly at various parishes. Priests, including Father Sean McDonnell, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, attended the event. “The Project Andrew helps young men learn more about vocations and the priesthood. They also get to hear from priests and seminarians about what led them to follow Jesus’ call to pursue a priestly vocation,” said Father Charles Lana Jr., diocesan vocations director. The next Project Andrew event will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Denville, N.J. To register, call the Vocations Office at 973-77-8818, ext. 711.  

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Young men moved to consider vocations at Jefferson event #Catholic –

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and three seminarians of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey encouraged nine young men to discern their vocations, including to the Catholic priesthood, during a Project Andrew event at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood in Jefferson, N.J.

In Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Bishop Sweeney led the congregation in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The men, high-school age and older, and some of their parents listened to the bishop preach about how St. Andrew was the first Apostle to invite others to follow Jesus, including his brother, St. Peter, to meet the Messiah. The bishop then asked the men to identify their “Andrews”: people in their lives who have been leading them to Jesus or a vocation.

Afterward, those assembled had dinner with Bishop Sweeney. There, Eric D. Hasenbein, John Peter Zappe, and Jean-Baptiste Mollet spoke about their vocation journeys and their time as seminarians. Hasenbein is a second-year pre-theology student at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J., and Zappe is a second-year theology student at Immaculate Conception. Mollet is in his first year of studies, called a Propaedeutic Year, at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The diocesan Vocations Office sponsored the Project Andrew gathering, held monthly at various parishes. Priests, including Father Sean McDonnell, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, attended the event.

“The Project Andrew helps young men learn more about vocations and the priesthood. They also get to hear from priests and seminarians about what led them to follow Jesus’ call to pursue a priestly vocation,” said Father Charles Lana Jr., diocesan vocations director.

The next Project Andrew event will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Denville, N.J. To register, call the Vocations Office at 973-77-8818, ext. 711.

 

– Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and three seminarians of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey encouraged nine young men to discern their vocations, including to the Catholic priesthood, during a Project Andrew event at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood in Jefferson, N.J. In Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Bishop Sweeney led the congregation in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The men, high-school age and older, and some of their parents listened to the bishop preach about how St. Andrew was the first Apostle to invite others to follow Jesus, including his

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Two Assumption charities deliver love, hope to impoverished Africans #Catholic - Dennis, a 30-year-old who lives in a village of the impoverished African nation of Sierra Leone, had been suffering from excruciating leg pain for the past few years. Cellulitis, a bacterial infection, had caused a burning red sore up the entire side of his left leg. Thanks to Africa Surgery, a non-profit based at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., Dennis received surgery that relieved his pain. Surgeons in Sierra Leone took skin from the thigh of his right leg and grafted it to the infected left leg. Dennis has since returned to his daily activities, including work. Last month, Assumption helped ensure that two non-profit outreaches started at the parish — Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania — continue transforming the lives of poor people in Africa. The parish held its 15th Annual Christmas Market, which raised a record $27,792 to support urgent medical care, food, and education in Sierra Leone and Tanzania. In addition, men from Assumption filled two large shipping containers late last year with items such as crutches and hand-powered mobility carts. The first container arrived in Sierra Leone on Jan. 14. Tom Johnson, founder of Africa Surgery and an Assumption parishioner, will distribute the items in Sierra Leone, where he is situated now. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In 2007, Johnson founded African Surgery, which has helped thousands of Sierra Leonians with medical issues ranging from simple tooth extractions to complex spinal surgeries around Freetown and Makeni. For about six months a year, he lives in Sierra Leone, working with international and local medical programs and facilities that provide diagnoses and treatment on a wide range of medical issues. For the rest of the year, Johnson coordinates activities from Morristown, NJ, with help from some in-country assistants. “It’s hard for people in Sierra Leone. They are desperately poor and work but don’t have enough food,” said Johnson, a home repairs contractor. “I’m overwhelmed by the number of people in great need. We don’t have enough resources for everyone. But when we can help, it’s exhilarating,” he said. Africa Surgery also supports some students in their education and provides some locals with part-time jobs and food. “I’m grateful for Assumption’s support. Their donations mean a lot to the people of Sierra Leone,” Johnson said. Founded in 2015, the Village Angels provides urgently needed food, clothing, and basic home furnishings to residents of several small villages in northwest Tanzania. They are mainly elderly people who have little to eat and live in remote huts. The program partners with the local Franciscan Sisters of St. Bernadette to provide jobs to local youths, who visit the isolated elderly people every week. Sergio Burani and his wife, Johanna, also parishioners of Assumption, established the outreach. The Village Angels reaches people in the area, which welcomed 500,000 refugees of the Rwandan War of 1994. The U.N. built a huge tent city where some refugees stayed for 10 years, straining family dynamics, infrastructure, farmland, and other resources. The impoverished conditions forced middle-aged people to take their children and move to the cities, leaving the elderly to live alone with no pensions or family support. The youth bring them food, water, and firewood. Meanwhile, Sister Dativa Mukebita, the program’s director, and other sisters in her community provide moral support and minor medical attention. In 2017, the Village Angels dedicated a new multipurpose building in honor of the late Msgr. Martin Rauscher, Assumption’s former pastor, who supported both non-profits. The youths in the program weave baskets, sew clothing and household items, harvest honey from their bee farm, and harvest bananas from their plantation to generate local revenue for the program. The Village Angels also purchase food items, clothing, and furnishings for the elderly. “Our efforts give dignity to the young and the old. We’re saying, ‘We see you. You’re important.’ The Village Angels fills a void. The youth like visiting the elderly. The elderly like it when the youth call them ‘grandma’ or ‘grandpa.’ Everybody wins,” Johanna Burani said. “This is what the Lord wants us to do. We know these people and want to be their voice.” Like his predecessor, Msgr. Rauscher, Msgr. John Hart, Assumption’s current pastor, is supportive of Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania. “Our generous parishioners support these two charities, founded by people we know and love. We have parishioners who work to help them in many ways. These charities are always in our prayers,” Msgr. Hart said. Information: visit Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
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Two Assumption charities deliver love, hope to impoverished Africans #Catholic – Dennis, a 30-year-old who lives in a village of the impoverished African nation of Sierra Leone, had been suffering from excruciating leg pain for the past few years. Cellulitis, a bacterial infection, had caused a burning red sore up the entire side of his left leg. Thanks to Africa Surgery, a non-profit based at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., Dennis received surgery that relieved his pain. Surgeons in Sierra Leone took skin from the thigh of his right leg and grafted it to the infected left leg. Dennis has since returned to his daily activities, including work. Last month, Assumption helped ensure that two non-profit outreaches started at the parish — Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania — continue transforming the lives of poor people in Africa. The parish held its 15th Annual Christmas Market, which raised a record $27,792 to support urgent medical care, food, and education in Sierra Leone and Tanzania. In addition, men from Assumption filled two large shipping containers late last year with items such as crutches and hand-powered mobility carts. The first container arrived in Sierra Leone on Jan. 14. Tom Johnson, founder of Africa Surgery and an Assumption parishioner, will distribute the items in Sierra Leone, where he is situated now. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In 2007, Johnson founded African Surgery, which has helped thousands of Sierra Leonians with medical issues ranging from simple tooth extractions to complex spinal surgeries around Freetown and Makeni. For about six months a year, he lives in Sierra Leone, working with international and local medical programs and facilities that provide diagnoses and treatment on a wide range of medical issues. For the rest of the year, Johnson coordinates activities from Morristown, NJ, with help from some in-country assistants. “It’s hard for people in Sierra Leone. They are desperately poor and work but don’t have enough food,” said Johnson, a home repairs contractor. “I’m overwhelmed by the number of people in great need. We don’t have enough resources for everyone. But when we can help, it’s exhilarating,” he said. Africa Surgery also supports some students in their education and provides some locals with part-time jobs and food. “I’m grateful for Assumption’s support. Their donations mean a lot to the people of Sierra Leone,” Johnson said. Founded in 2015, the Village Angels provides urgently needed food, clothing, and basic home furnishings to residents of several small villages in northwest Tanzania. They are mainly elderly people who have little to eat and live in remote huts. The program partners with the local Franciscan Sisters of St. Bernadette to provide jobs to local youths, who visit the isolated elderly people every week. Sergio Burani and his wife, Johanna, also parishioners of Assumption, established the outreach. The Village Angels reaches people in the area, which welcomed 500,000 refugees of the Rwandan War of 1994. The U.N. built a huge tent city where some refugees stayed for 10 years, straining family dynamics, infrastructure, farmland, and other resources. The impoverished conditions forced middle-aged people to take their children and move to the cities, leaving the elderly to live alone with no pensions or family support. The youth bring them food, water, and firewood. Meanwhile, Sister Dativa Mukebita, the program’s director, and other sisters in her community provide moral support and minor medical attention. In 2017, the Village Angels dedicated a new multipurpose building in honor of the late Msgr. Martin Rauscher, Assumption’s former pastor, who supported both non-profits. The youths in the program weave baskets, sew clothing and household items, harvest honey from their bee farm, and harvest bananas from their plantation to generate local revenue for the program. The Village Angels also purchase food items, clothing, and furnishings for the elderly. “Our efforts give dignity to the young and the old. We’re saying, ‘We see you. You’re important.’ The Village Angels fills a void. The youth like visiting the elderly. The elderly like it when the youth call them ‘grandma’ or ‘grandpa.’ Everybody wins,” Johanna Burani said. “This is what the Lord wants us to do. We know these people and want to be their voice.” Like his predecessor, Msgr. Rauscher, Msgr. John Hart, Assumption’s current pastor, is supportive of Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania. “Our generous parishioners support these two charities, founded by people we know and love. We have parishioners who work to help them in many ways. These charities are always in our prayers,” Msgr. Hart said. Information: visit Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

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Two Assumption charities deliver love, hope to impoverished Africans #Catholic –

Dennis, a 30-year-old who lives in a village of the impoverished African nation of Sierra Leone, had been suffering from excruciating leg pain for the past few years. Cellulitis, a bacterial infection, had caused a burning red sore up the entire side of his left leg.

Thanks to Africa Surgery, a non-profit based at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., Dennis received surgery that relieved his pain. Surgeons in Sierra Leone took skin from the thigh of his right leg and grafted it to the infected left leg. Dennis has since returned to his daily activities, including work.

Last month, Assumption helped ensure that two non-profit outreaches started at the parish — Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania — continue transforming the lives of poor people in Africa. The parish held its 15th Annual Christmas Market, which raised a record $27,792 to support urgent medical care, food, and education in Sierra Leone and Tanzania.

In addition, men from Assumption filled two large shipping containers late last year with items such as crutches and hand-powered mobility carts. The first container arrived in Sierra Leone on Jan. 14. Tom Johnson, founder of Africa Surgery and an Assumption parishioner, will distribute the items in Sierra Leone, where he is situated now.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

In 2007, Johnson founded African Surgery, which has helped thousands of Sierra Leonians with medical issues ranging from simple tooth extractions to complex spinal surgeries around Freetown and Makeni. For about six months a year, he lives in Sierra Leone, working with international and local medical programs and facilities that provide diagnoses and treatment on a wide range of medical issues. For the rest of the year, Johnson coordinates activities from Morristown, NJ, with help from some in-country assistants.

“It’s hard for people in Sierra Leone. They are desperately poor and work but don’t have enough food,” said Johnson, a home repairs contractor. “I’m overwhelmed by the number of people in great need. We don’t have enough resources for everyone. But when we can help, it’s exhilarating,” he said.

Africa Surgery also supports some students in their education and provides some locals with part-time jobs and food.

“I’m grateful for Assumption’s support. Their donations mean a lot to the people of Sierra Leone,” Johnson said.

Founded in 2015, the Village Angels provides urgently needed food, clothing, and basic home furnishings to residents of several small villages in northwest Tanzania. They are mainly elderly people who have little to eat and live in remote huts. The program partners with the local Franciscan Sisters of St. Bernadette to provide jobs to local youths, who visit the isolated elderly people every week. Sergio Burani and his wife, Johanna, also parishioners of Assumption, established the outreach.

The Village Angels reaches people in the area, which welcomed 500,000 refugees of the Rwandan War of 1994. The U.N. built a huge tent city where some refugees stayed for 10 years, straining family dynamics, infrastructure, farmland, and other resources. The impoverished conditions forced middle-aged people to take their children and move to the cities, leaving the elderly to live alone with no pensions or family support. The youth bring them food, water, and firewood. Meanwhile, Sister Dativa Mukebita, the program’s director, and other sisters in her community provide moral support and minor medical attention.

In 2017, the Village Angels dedicated a new multipurpose building in honor of the late Msgr. Martin Rauscher, Assumption’s former pastor, who supported both non-profits. The youths in the program weave baskets, sew clothing and household items, harvest honey from their bee farm, and harvest bananas from their plantation to generate local revenue for the program. The Village Angels also purchase food items, clothing, and furnishings for the elderly.

“Our efforts give dignity to the young and the old. We’re saying, ‘We see you. You’re important.’ The Village Angels fills a void. The youth like visiting the elderly. The elderly like it when the youth call them ‘grandma’ or ‘grandpa.’ Everybody wins,” Johanna Burani said. “This is what the Lord wants us to do. We know these people and want to be their voice.”

Like his predecessor, Msgr. Rauscher, Msgr. John Hart, Assumption’s current pastor, is supportive of Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania.

“Our generous parishioners support these two charities, founded by people we know and love. We have parishioners who work to help them in many ways. These charities are always in our prayers,” Msgr. Hart said.

Information: visit Africa Surgery and the Village Angels of Tanzania.

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] – Dennis, a 30-year-old who lives in a village of the impoverished African nation of Sierra Leone, had been suffering from excruciating leg pain for the past few years. Cellulitis, a bacterial infection, had caused a burning red sore up the entire side of his left leg. Thanks to Africa Surgery, a non-profit based at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J., Dennis received surgery that relieved his pain. Surgeons in Sierra Leone took skin from the thigh of his right leg and grafted it to the infected left leg. Dennis has since returned to his daily activities, including work. Last month, Assumption

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Has Mars had an effect on Earth’s climate?

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Stephen Kane, a professor of planetary astrophysics at UC Riverside, was skeptical when he read recent studies that showed the gravitational pull from Mars being connected to Earth’s long-term climate patterns. These studies suggested that sediment layers on the floor of our oceans have recorded climate cycles influenced by the Red Planet despite its distanceContinue reading “Has Mars had an effect on Earth’s climate?”

The post Has Mars had an effect on Earth’s climate? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Retreat in Newton equips men for life’s faith challenges #Catholic – On the weekend of Jan. 9 to 11, the 5th Annual Called To Courage (CTC) retreat was held at the Sacred Heart Center in Newton. Forty-two Catholic men from the following local parishes in New Jersey participated: St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Sparta; St. Matthew the Apostle and Resurrection, both in Randolph; Annunciation and Our Lady of the Valley, both in Wayne; Corpus Christi in Chatham Township; and St. Mary in Wharton — all in the Paterson Diocese — as well as St Michael in Cranford in the Newark Archdiocese. The CTC retreat theme is “Sacred Journey: Transitions and Transformation.” The theme focused on the various ways in which men share in the Paschal Mystery of Christ, dying and rising in life experiences such as growing from childhood to adulthood, transitioning through the aging process and retirement, and facing other losses and disappointments, including recovery from addictions. During this annual retreat, men listen and speak from the heart, developing lasting friendships and support systems. This year, four laymen and Salesian Sister Theresa Kelly, director of the Sacred Heart Center, gave witness talks about their spiritual journeys of transformation. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The retreat also featured small- and large-group discussions and several liturgical services. These services included morning prayer services, Stations of the Cross, a reconciliation service, Eucharistic adoration and Benediction, and a Sunday-morning Mass. Father Daniel Murphy, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese and the CTC’s spiritual director, celebrated the Mass. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited the men on retreat on Saturday for lunch. Then, he listened to one of the talks, participated in a small-group discussion, was present for the reconciliation service, and heard individual confessions along with other priests. The men also had free time to spend as they wished, which included fellowship with the other men and quiet time for prayer and reflection. The CTC retreat program originated in the various Cornerstone and Men’s retreat programs in the Paterson Diocese, which have been very successful over the years. These retreats are designed to equip men to face faith challenges, focusing on themes such as brotherhood, discipline, and living a holy Catholic life. Father Murphy and a team of laymen lead CTC, which offers a retreat experience for all men, including those from parishes without a men’s retreat ministry.  
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Retreat in Newton equips men for life’s faith challenges #Catholic – On the weekend of Jan. 9 to 11, the 5th Annual Called To Courage (CTC) retreat was held at the Sacred Heart Center in Newton. Forty-two Catholic men from the following local parishes in New Jersey participated: St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Sparta; St. Matthew the Apostle and Resurrection, both in Randolph; Annunciation and Our Lady of the Valley, both in Wayne; Corpus Christi in Chatham Township; and St. Mary in Wharton — all in the Paterson Diocese — as well as St Michael in Cranford in the Newark Archdiocese. The CTC retreat theme is “Sacred Journey: Transitions and Transformation.” The theme focused on the various ways in which men share in the Paschal Mystery of Christ, dying and rising in life experiences such as growing from childhood to adulthood, transitioning through the aging process and retirement, and facing other losses and disappointments, including recovery from addictions. During this annual retreat, men listen and speak from the heart, developing lasting friendships and support systems. This year, four laymen and Salesian Sister Theresa Kelly, director of the Sacred Heart Center, gave witness talks about their spiritual journeys of transformation. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The retreat also featured small- and large-group discussions and several liturgical services. These services included morning prayer services, Stations of the Cross, a reconciliation service, Eucharistic adoration and Benediction, and a Sunday-morning Mass. Father Daniel Murphy, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese and the CTC’s spiritual director, celebrated the Mass. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited the men on retreat on Saturday for lunch. Then, he listened to one of the talks, participated in a small-group discussion, was present for the reconciliation service, and heard individual confessions along with other priests. The men also had free time to spend as they wished, which included fellowship with the other men and quiet time for prayer and reflection. The CTC retreat program originated in the various Cornerstone and Men’s retreat programs in the Paterson Diocese, which have been very successful over the years. These retreats are designed to equip men to face faith challenges, focusing on themes such as brotherhood, discipline, and living a holy Catholic life. Father Murphy and a team of laymen lead CTC, which offers a retreat experience for all men, including those from parishes without a men’s retreat ministry.  

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Retreat in Newton equips men for life’s faith challenges #Catholic –

On the weekend of Jan. 9 to 11, the 5th Annual Called To Courage (CTC) retreat was held at the Sacred Heart Center in Newton.

Forty-two Catholic men from the following local parishes in New Jersey participated: St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Sparta; St. Matthew the Apostle and Resurrection, both in Randolph; Annunciation and Our Lady of the Valley, both in Wayne; Corpus Christi in Chatham Township; and St. Mary in Wharton — all in the Paterson Diocese — as well as St Michael in Cranford in the Newark Archdiocese.

The CTC retreat theme is “Sacred Journey: Transitions and Transformation.” The theme focused on the various ways in which men share in the Paschal Mystery of Christ, dying and rising in life experiences such as growing from childhood to adulthood, transitioning through the aging process and retirement, and facing other losses and disappointments, including recovery from addictions.

During this annual retreat, men listen and speak from the heart, developing lasting friendships and support systems. This year, four laymen and Salesian Sister Theresa Kelly, director of the Sacred Heart Center, gave witness talks about their spiritual journeys of transformation.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The retreat also featured small- and large-group discussions and several liturgical services. These services included morning prayer services, Stations of the Cross, a reconciliation service, Eucharistic adoration and Benediction, and a Sunday-morning Mass. Father Daniel Murphy, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese and the CTC’s spiritual director, celebrated the Mass.

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited the men on retreat on Saturday for lunch. Then, he listened to one of the talks, participated in a small-group discussion, was present for the reconciliation service, and heard individual confessions along with other priests. The men also had free time to spend as they wished, which included fellowship with the other men and quiet time for prayer and reflection.

The CTC retreat program originated in the various Cornerstone and Men’s retreat programs in the Paterson Diocese, which have been very successful over the years. These retreats are designed to equip men to face faith challenges, focusing on themes such as brotherhood, discipline, and living a holy Catholic life. Father Murphy and a team of laymen lead CTC, which offers a retreat experience for all men, including those from parishes without a men’s retreat ministry.

 

– On the weekend of Jan. 9 to 11, the 5th Annual Called To Courage (CTC) retreat was held at the Sacred Heart Center in Newton. Forty-two Catholic men from the following local parishes in New Jersey participated: St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Sparta; St. Matthew the Apostle and Resurrection, both in Randolph; Annunciation and Our Lady of the Valley, both in Wayne; Corpus Christi in Chatham Township; and St. Mary in Wharton — all in the Paterson Diocese — as well as St Michael in Cranford in the Newark Archdiocese. The CTC retreat theme is “Sacred Journey: Transitions and Transformation.” The

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Jan. 11, 1787: William Herschel discovers two moons of Uranus

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In March of 1781, William Herschel spotted the seventh-known planet of our solar system. He wanted to name it Georgium sidus (George’s star), after King George III. Astronomers outside the U.K. weren’t keen on the planet being named for the British monarch, and recommended sticking with the tradition of naming planets for mythical characters; itContinue reading “Jan. 11, 1787: William Herschel discovers two moons of Uranus”

The post Jan. 11, 1787: William Herschel discovers two moons of Uranus appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Michael’s Miscellany: Observe Herschel’s Spiral Cluster

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You’ll find this terrific open cluster midway between 5th-magnitude Sigma Cassiopeiae and 6th-magnitude Rho Cas. This group glows at magnitude 6.7, so even through a 4-inch telescope, you’ll see 50 stars evenly spread across this rich cluster’s face. An 8-inch telescope shows more than a hundred members and the number just keeps increasing with aperture.Continue reading “Michael’s Miscellany: Observe Herschel’s Spiral Cluster”

The post Michael’s Miscellany: Observe Herschel’s Spiral Cluster appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Beyond The Beacon Episode 103: A shepherd’s approach to a new year with Bishop Kevin Sweeney #Catholic – For this special episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney looks back on the year and offers his perspective on the Universal and local Catholic Church for 2026. Joining him are Communications Director Jai Agnish and Digital Media Specialist Cecile Pagliarulo. We reflect on some of the biggest stories, social media posts, Beacon articles, and podcast episodes that resonated with our audience. Bishop Sweeney takes a few questions and discusses some of the noteworthy happenings planned for 2026. 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.
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Beyond The Beacon Episode 103: A shepherd’s approach to a new year with Bishop Kevin Sweeney #Catholic – For this special episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney looks back on the year and offers his perspective on the Universal and local Catholic Church for 2026. Joining him are Communications Director Jai Agnish and Digital Media Specialist Cecile Pagliarulo. We reflect on some of the biggest stories, social media posts, Beacon articles, and podcast episodes that resonated with our audience. Bishop Sweeney takes a few questions and discusses some of the noteworthy happenings planned for 2026. 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 Episode 103: A shepherd’s approach to a new year with Bishop Kevin Sweeney #Catholic –

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

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.

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

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New Madison evangelization center head pledges to advance mission #Catholic – John Cammarata wants to make it his mission as the new executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls at Bayley-Ellard in Madison, N.J., to promote even more widely the Catholic evangelization center’s already dynamic mission: to invite all people to explore a life of faith and inspire them to live that life as missionary disciples of Christ. In an email last week to the community of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, Msgr. T. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia, announced the appointment of Cammarata, 48, as St. Paul’s executive director on behalf of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Cammarata started his new position on Jan. 5. He oversees the staff and operations of the Office of Evangelization at St. Paul’s with Father Paul Manning, diocesan vicar for evangelization and vicar for education. Cammarata comes to St. Paul’s with more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry and catechetical formation. He will continue his duties as diocesan youth ministry director, a post he has held since 2022. Until his appointment to St. Paul’s, he served for 25 years in many capacities as a pastoral minister at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, N.J., most recently as youth minister and religious education coordinator. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “I’m excited. As executive director, I want to continue the great work of the center, and over time, implement other programs or initiatives that I think might benefit the diocesan Catholic community,” Cammarata said. He also views his new position as a way to utilize the master’s degree in Church management he earned from Villanova University in Villanova, Penn., in 2022. “I also want to get out to every corner of the diocese to reach every parish — their pastors and staff —to encourage their faithful to take advantage of what St. Paul’s has to offer,” he said. As executive director, Cammarata succeeds Brian Honsberger, who was a St. Paul’s staff member for 15 years and also served as diocesan director of mission and technology integration. He was also the administrator of the diocesan Certificate in Catholic Evangelization (CCE) program, and started the Paul Street Journal podcast with Freddy Garcia, associate diocesan coordinator of evangelization and a campus minister. Cammarata’s responsibilities will include organizational leadership; programming and scheduling; oversight and management of the budget, finances, and facilities; conducting and/or cooperating with diocesan initiatives, programs, and events; staff development; and mission and technology integration. His duties also include continued partnering with Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., and St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J. St. Paul’s was founded by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli, who dedicated the center in 2010 as a training center for evangelization, equipping Catholic leaders to share their faith with others. The center is home to several ministries and offices, including Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, and the Office of Catechesis. “Within these walls, through conversation and community, self-discovery and shared mission, we try to inspire people of all ages, beliefs, cultures, perspectives, and professions to engage in the quest for truth, for meaning, and for God,” according to St. Paul’s website. As diocesan youth minister, Cammarata and his office have provided tools, training, and support to help youth ministers build their programs and make the best possible impact on the youth, and have held activities to help local youth deepen their faith. He helped the diocese, parishes, and schools restart their youth programs that had closed during COVID-19. Cammarata also revived the annual diocesan Youth Conference, started annual regional youth retreats, and formed a Diocesan Youth Leadership Team to help plan activities. Cammarata is the happy and proud husband of Veronica and father of Raymond and Lindsey. He sees a link between his work in youth ministry and at St. Paul’s. “Being Catholic involves lifelong formation from childhood and throughout adulthood,” said Cammarata, taking note of St. Paul’s wide variety of programs, which offer “formation for everyone.” Click here for information about St. Paul Inside the Walls.  
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New Madison evangelization center head pledges to advance mission #Catholic – John Cammarata wants to make it his mission as the new executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls at Bayley-Ellard in Madison, N.J., to promote even more widely the Catholic evangelization center’s already dynamic mission: to invite all people to explore a life of faith and inspire them to live that life as missionary disciples of Christ. In an email last week to the community of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, Msgr. T. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia, announced the appointment of Cammarata, 48, as St. Paul’s executive director on behalf of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Cammarata started his new position on Jan. 5. He oversees the staff and operations of the Office of Evangelization at St. Paul’s with Father Paul Manning, diocesan vicar for evangelization and vicar for education. Cammarata comes to St. Paul’s with more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry and catechetical formation. He will continue his duties as diocesan youth ministry director, a post he has held since 2022. Until his appointment to St. Paul’s, he served for 25 years in many capacities as a pastoral minister at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, N.J., most recently as youth minister and religious education coordinator. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “I’m excited. As executive director, I want to continue the great work of the center, and over time, implement other programs or initiatives that I think might benefit the diocesan Catholic community,” Cammarata said. He also views his new position as a way to utilize the master’s degree in Church management he earned from Villanova University in Villanova, Penn., in 2022. “I also want to get out to every corner of the diocese to reach every parish — their pastors and staff —to encourage their faithful to take advantage of what St. Paul’s has to offer,” he said. As executive director, Cammarata succeeds Brian Honsberger, who was a St. Paul’s staff member for 15 years and also served as diocesan director of mission and technology integration. He was also the administrator of the diocesan Certificate in Catholic Evangelization (CCE) program, and started the Paul Street Journal podcast with Freddy Garcia, associate diocesan coordinator of evangelization and a campus minister. Cammarata’s responsibilities will include organizational leadership; programming and scheduling; oversight and management of the budget, finances, and facilities; conducting and/or cooperating with diocesan initiatives, programs, and events; staff development; and mission and technology integration. His duties also include continued partnering with Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., and St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J. St. Paul’s was founded by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli, who dedicated the center in 2010 as a training center for evangelization, equipping Catholic leaders to share their faith with others. The center is home to several ministries and offices, including Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, and the Office of Catechesis. “Within these walls, through conversation and community, self-discovery and shared mission, we try to inspire people of all ages, beliefs, cultures, perspectives, and professions to engage in the quest for truth, for meaning, and for God,” according to St. Paul’s website. As diocesan youth minister, Cammarata and his office have provided tools, training, and support to help youth ministers build their programs and make the best possible impact on the youth, and have held activities to help local youth deepen their faith. He helped the diocese, parishes, and schools restart their youth programs that had closed during COVID-19. Cammarata also revived the annual diocesan Youth Conference, started annual regional youth retreats, and formed a Diocesan Youth Leadership Team to help plan activities. Cammarata is the happy and proud husband of Veronica and father of Raymond and Lindsey. He sees a link between his work in youth ministry and at St. Paul’s. “Being Catholic involves lifelong formation from childhood and throughout adulthood,” said Cammarata, taking note of St. Paul’s wide variety of programs, which offer “formation for everyone.” Click here for information about St. Paul Inside the Walls.  

unitedyam

New Madison evangelization center head pledges to advance mission #Catholic –

John Cammarata wants to make it his mission as the new executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls at Bayley-Ellard in Madison, N.J., to promote even more widely the Catholic evangelization center’s already dynamic mission: to invite all people to explore a life of faith and inspire them to live that life as missionary disciples of Christ.

In an email last week to the community of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, Msgr. T. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia, announced the appointment of Cammarata, 48, as St. Paul’s executive director on behalf of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Cammarata started his new position on Jan. 5. He oversees the staff and operations of the Office of Evangelization at St. Paul’s with Father Paul Manning, diocesan vicar for evangelization and vicar for education.

Cammarata comes to St. Paul’s with more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry and catechetical formation. He will continue his duties as diocesan youth ministry director, a post he has held since 2022. Until his appointment to St. Paul’s, he served for 25 years in many capacities as a pastoral minister at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany, N.J., most recently as youth minister and religious education coordinator.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“I’m excited. As executive director, I want to continue the great work of the center, and over time, implement other programs or initiatives that I think might benefit the diocesan Catholic community,” Cammarata said. He also views his new position as a way to utilize the master’s degree in Church management he earned from Villanova University in Villanova, Penn., in 2022. “I also want to get out to every corner of the diocese to reach every parish — their pastors and staff —to encourage their faithful to take advantage of what St. Paul’s has to offer,” he said.

As executive director, Cammarata succeeds Brian Honsberger, who was a St. Paul’s staff member for 15 years and also served as diocesan director of mission and technology integration. He was also the administrator of the diocesan Certificate in Catholic Evangelization (CCE) program, and started the Paul Street Journal podcast with Freddy Garcia, associate diocesan coordinator of evangelization and a campus minister.

Cammarata’s responsibilities will include organizational leadership; programming and scheduling; oversight and management of the budget, finances, and facilities; conducting and/or cooperating with diocesan initiatives, programs, and events; staff development; and mission and technology integration. His duties also include continued partnering with Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., and St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.

St. Paul’s was founded by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli, who dedicated the center in 2010 as a training center for evangelization, equipping Catholic leaders to share their faith with others. The center is home to several ministries and offices, including Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, and the Office of Catechesis.

“Within these walls, through conversation and community, self-discovery and shared mission, we try to inspire people of all ages, beliefs, cultures, perspectives, and professions to engage in the quest for truth, for meaning, and for God,” according to St. Paul’s website.

As diocesan youth minister, Cammarata and his office have provided tools, training, and support to help youth ministers build their programs and make the best possible impact on the youth, and have held activities to help local youth deepen their faith. He helped the diocese, parishes, and schools restart their youth programs that had closed during COVID-19. Cammarata also revived the annual diocesan Youth Conference, started annual regional youth retreats, and formed a Diocesan Youth Leadership Team to help plan activities.

Cammarata is the happy and proud husband of Veronica and father of Raymond and Lindsey. He sees a link between his work in youth ministry and at St. Paul’s.

“Being Catholic involves lifelong formation from childhood and throughout adulthood,” said Cammarata, taking note of St. Paul’s wide variety of programs, which offer “formation for everyone.”

Click here for information about St. Paul Inside the Walls.

 

– John Cammarata wants to make it his mission as the new executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls at Bayley-Ellard in Madison, N.J., to promote even more widely the Catholic evangelization center’s already dynamic mission: to invite all people to explore a life of faith and inspire them to live that life as missionary disciples of Christ. In an email last week to the community of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, Msgr. T. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia, announced the appointment of Cammarata, 48, as St. Paul’s executive director on behalf of Bishop

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Obituary: Father Edward M. Davey, oldest diocesan priest, 100 #Catholic - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township for Father Edward M. Davey, the oldest priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on Jan. 4 at Merry Heart Senior Care Services in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township. He turned 100 years old on Oct. 4, 2025. Born on Oct. 4, 1925, Father Davey was ordained a priest on April 22, 1953, by Archbishop Thomas Boland for St. Mary’s Benedictine Abbey in Morristown, N.J. He was incardinated into the Paterson Diocese on June 8, 1973. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. For the Paterson Diocese, Father Davey’s assignments included Our Lady of Consolation Parish and Our Lady of the Valley Parish, both in Wayne, N.J., and Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J. In 1980, he was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Newton, N.J., where he served for 19 years until his retirement in 1999. “I’m surprised I made it to 100. I never really thought about it. I take what comes along,” Father Davey, who was hard of hearing and was unable to drive, when he spoke to BeaconNJ.org for a story about his 100th birthday, which was posted on Oct. 4 last year. “I’m still here to do the work [of a priest]. I’m limited, of course.” Father Davey credited his longevity not to his diet, family history, or the exercise he did as a younger man, but to the daytime naps he took and to a practice that sustained him throughout his priesthood: constant prayer. “Prayer is the answer to most people’s problems. I’m successful because of prayer,” said Father Davey, who served as a priest for 72 years. “I pray for people and encourage them to pray, but I don’t tell them what to pray for.” Along with praying, Father Davey enjoyed concelebrating Mass on Sundays and Wednesdays for the Merry Heart community with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Dominic Marconi of the Newark Archdiocese in New Jersey, and fellow retired resident priests. He was also a fan of the N.Y. Yankees. “I was inspired to become a priest by my parish priest. I thought a lot of him. He could work with young people. I thought that was great work,” Father Davey said. Visitation for Father Davey will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Our Lady of the Mountain Church, followed by a 4 p.m. prayer service. Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton. Please send condolences for Father Davey to the attention of the Office of Clergy Personnel, c/o St. Paul Inside the Walls, 205 Madison Ave., Madison, N.J. 07940 Click here to read the BeaconNJ.org story about Father Davey’s 100th birthday. 
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Obituary: Father Edward M. Davey, oldest diocesan priest, 100 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township for Father Edward M. Davey, the oldest priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on Jan. 4 at Merry Heart Senior Care Services in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township. He turned 100 years old on Oct. 4, 2025. Born on Oct. 4, 1925, Father Davey was ordained a priest on April 22, 1953, by Archbishop Thomas Boland for St. Mary’s Benedictine Abbey in Morristown, N.J. He was incardinated into the Paterson Diocese on June 8, 1973. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. For the Paterson Diocese, Father Davey’s assignments included Our Lady of Consolation Parish and Our Lady of the Valley Parish, both in Wayne, N.J., and Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J. In 1980, he was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Newton, N.J., where he served for 19 years until his retirement in 1999. “I’m surprised I made it to 100. I never really thought about it. I take what comes along,” Father Davey, who was hard of hearing and was unable to drive, when he spoke to BeaconNJ.org for a story about his 100th birthday, which was posted on Oct. 4 last year. “I’m still here to do the work [of a priest]. I’m limited, of course.” Father Davey credited his longevity not to his diet, family history, or the exercise he did as a younger man, but to the daytime naps he took and to a practice that sustained him throughout his priesthood: constant prayer. “Prayer is the answer to most people’s problems. I’m successful because of prayer,” said Father Davey, who served as a priest for 72 years. “I pray for people and encourage them to pray, but I don’t tell them what to pray for.” Along with praying, Father Davey enjoyed concelebrating Mass on Sundays and Wednesdays for the Merry Heart community with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Dominic Marconi of the Newark Archdiocese in New Jersey, and fellow retired resident priests. He was also a fan of the N.Y. Yankees. “I was inspired to become a priest by my parish priest. I thought a lot of him. He could work with young people. I thought that was great work,” Father Davey said. Visitation for Father Davey will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Our Lady of the Mountain Church, followed by a 4 p.m. prayer service. Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton. Please send condolences for Father Davey to the attention of the Office of Clergy Personnel, c/o St. Paul Inside the Walls, 205 Madison Ave., Madison, N.J. 07940 Click here to read the BeaconNJ.org story about Father Davey’s 100th birthday. 

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Obituary: Father Edward M. Davey, oldest diocesan priest, 100 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township for Father Edward M. Davey, the oldest priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on Jan. 4 at Merry Heart Senior Care Services in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township. He turned 100 years old on Oct. 4, 2025.

Born on Oct. 4, 1925, Father Davey was ordained a priest on April 22, 1953, by Archbishop Thomas Boland for St. Mary’s Benedictine Abbey in Morristown, N.J. He was incardinated into the Paterson Diocese on June 8, 1973.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

For the Paterson Diocese, Father Davey’s assignments included Our Lady of Consolation Parish and Our Lady of the Valley Parish, both in Wayne, N.J., and Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J. In 1980, he was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Newton, N.J., where he served for 19 years until his retirement in 1999.

“I’m surprised I made it to 100. I never really thought about it. I take what comes along,” Father Davey, who was hard of hearing and was unable to drive, when he spoke to BeaconNJ.org for a story about his 100th birthday, which was posted on Oct. 4 last year. “I’m still here to do the work [of a priest]. I’m limited, of course.”

Father Davey credited his longevity not to his diet, family history, or the exercise he did as a younger man, but to the daytime naps he took and to a practice that sustained him throughout his priesthood: constant prayer.

“Prayer is the answer to most people’s problems. I’m successful because of prayer,” said Father Davey, who served as a priest for 72 years. “I pray for people and encourage them to pray, but I don’t tell them what to pray for.”

Along with praying, Father Davey enjoyed concelebrating Mass on Sundays and Wednesdays for the Merry Heart community with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Dominic Marconi of the Newark Archdiocese in New Jersey, and fellow retired resident priests. He was also a fan of the N.Y. Yankees.

“I was inspired to become a priest by my parish priest. I thought a lot of him. He could work with young people. I thought that was great work,” Father Davey said.

Visitation for Father Davey will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Our Lady of the Mountain Church, followed by a 4 p.m. prayer service. Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton.

Please send condolences for Father Davey to the attention of the Office of Clergy Personnel, c/o St. Paul Inside the Walls, 205 Madison Ave., Madison, N.J. 07940

Click here to read the BeaconNJ.org story about Father Davey’s 100th birthday. 

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township for Father Edward M. Davey, the oldest priest of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on Jan. 4 at Merry Heart Senior Care Services in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township. He turned 100 years old on Oct. 4, 2025. Born on Oct. 4, 1925, Father Davey was ordained a priest on April 22, 1953, by Archbishop Thomas Boland for St. Mary’s Benedictine Abbey in Morristown, N.J. He

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Obituary: Sister of Charity Jean Marie Stabile, 100 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister Jean Marie Stabile, formerly Sister Jean Francis, a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth, who died on Dec. 23, at Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, N.J. She was 100. Sister Stabile was born in Somerville, N.J., the daughter of Frank and Helen (Brown) Stabile. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1943 and was a member for 82 years. Sister Stabile earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of St. Elizabeth, now St. Elizabeth University, in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.; a master’s degree in English from Villanova University in Villanova, Penn.; and a master’s degree in education, administration, and supervision from Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y. For more than 50 years, Sister Stabile served in the education ministry. She taught elementary school at the former St. Rose of Lima School in Newark, N.J., and the former St. Anastasia School in Teaneck, N.J. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Then, Sister Stabile taught English at the former St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, N.J., her alma mater; the former St. Mary’s High School in Jersey City, N.J.; Ss. Peter and Paul High School on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; the former St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, N.J.; and the former Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J., where she also served as assistant principal. In 1979, Sister Stabile returned to St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick as principal. During her tenure, St. Peter’s met or exceeded the “ideal curriculum” mandated by the U.S. Office of Education. Sister Jean remained active in the classroom, teaching a class daily. Afterwards, she was a teacher and dean of students at the Academy of St. Elizabeth, also in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township. Sister Stabile served the congregation as assistant provincial of the Western Province and as a volunteer driver for the local community at the Convent of St. Elizabeth. She was a lector at Masses in the motherhouse chapel and welcomed guests staying overnight at the motherhouse. Also, Sister Stabile volunteered in the Sisters of Charity Development Office until medical issues caused her to move to Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, where she resided until her death. She was an avid sports fan, supporting the student athletes in the schools where she served and cheering for the N.Y. Giants and N.Y. Yankees. Sister Stabile was predeceased by her parents and her five brothers, Francis, Jack, Richard, Michael, and Joseph. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Geraldine (Penny); three nieces and one nephew, all children of her brother, Michael; nine grandnieces and grandnephews; and six great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. Sister Stabile’s wake will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Holy Family Chapel, before her 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, which will be livestreamed. She will be buried in Holy Family Cemetery after the Mass. Please make memorial donations in memory of Sister Jean Stabile to the Sisters of Charity Legacy and Mission Advancement Office, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J., 07961.
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Obituary: Sister of Charity Jean Marie Stabile, 100 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister Jean Marie Stabile, formerly Sister Jean Francis, a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth, who died on Dec. 23, at Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, N.J. She was 100. Sister Stabile was born in Somerville, N.J., the daughter of Frank and Helen (Brown) Stabile. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1943 and was a member for 82 years. Sister Stabile earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of St. Elizabeth, now St. Elizabeth University, in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.; a master’s degree in English from Villanova University in Villanova, Penn.; and a master’s degree in education, administration, and supervision from Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y. For more than 50 years, Sister Stabile served in the education ministry. She taught elementary school at the former St. Rose of Lima School in Newark, N.J., and the former St. Anastasia School in Teaneck, N.J. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Then, Sister Stabile taught English at the former St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, N.J., her alma mater; the former St. Mary’s High School in Jersey City, N.J.; Ss. Peter and Paul High School on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; the former St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, N.J.; and the former Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J., where she also served as assistant principal. In 1979, Sister Stabile returned to St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick as principal. During her tenure, St. Peter’s met or exceeded the “ideal curriculum” mandated by the U.S. Office of Education. Sister Jean remained active in the classroom, teaching a class daily. Afterwards, she was a teacher and dean of students at the Academy of St. Elizabeth, also in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township. Sister Stabile served the congregation as assistant provincial of the Western Province and as a volunteer driver for the local community at the Convent of St. Elizabeth. She was a lector at Masses in the motherhouse chapel and welcomed guests staying overnight at the motherhouse. Also, Sister Stabile volunteered in the Sisters of Charity Development Office until medical issues caused her to move to Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, where she resided until her death. She was an avid sports fan, supporting the student athletes in the schools where she served and cheering for the N.Y. Giants and N.Y. Yankees. Sister Stabile was predeceased by her parents and her five brothers, Francis, Jack, Richard, Michael, and Joseph. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Geraldine (Penny); three nieces and one nephew, all children of her brother, Michael; nine grandnieces and grandnephews; and six great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. Sister Stabile’s wake will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Holy Family Chapel, before her 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, which will be livestreamed. She will be buried in Holy Family Cemetery after the Mass. Please make memorial donations in memory of Sister Jean Stabile to the Sisters of Charity Legacy and Mission Advancement Office, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J., 07961.

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Obituary: Sister of Charity Jean Marie Stabile, 100 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister Jean Marie Stabile, formerly Sister Jean Francis, a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth, who died on Dec. 23, at Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, N.J. She was 100.

Sister Stabile was born in Somerville, N.J., the daughter of Frank and Helen (Brown) Stabile. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1943 and was a member for 82 years.

Sister Stabile earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of St. Elizabeth, now St. Elizabeth University, in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.; a master’s degree in English from Villanova University in Villanova, Penn.; and a master’s degree in education, administration, and supervision from Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y.

For more than 50 years, Sister Stabile served in the education ministry. She taught elementary school at the former St. Rose of Lima School in Newark, N.J., and the former St. Anastasia School in Teaneck, N.J.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Then, Sister Stabile taught English at the former St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, N.J., her alma mater; the former St. Mary’s High School in Jersey City, N.J.; Ss. Peter and Paul High School on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; the former St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, N.J.; and the former Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J., where she also served as assistant principal.

In 1979, Sister Stabile returned to St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick as principal. During her tenure, St. Peter’s met or exceeded the “ideal curriculum” mandated by the U.S. Office of Education. Sister Jean remained active in the classroom, teaching a class daily. Afterwards, she was a teacher and dean of students at the Academy of St. Elizabeth, also in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township.

Sister Stabile served the congregation as assistant provincial of the Western Province and as a volunteer driver for the local community at the Convent of St. Elizabeth. She was a lector at Masses in the motherhouse chapel and welcomed guests staying overnight at the motherhouse.

Also, Sister Stabile volunteered in the Sisters of Charity Development Office until medical issues caused her to move to Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, where she resided until her death.

She was an avid sports fan, supporting the student athletes in the schools where she served and cheering for the N.Y. Giants and N.Y. Yankees.

Sister Stabile was predeceased by her parents and her five brothers, Francis, Jack, Richard, Michael, and Joseph. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Geraldine (Penny); three nieces and one nephew, all children of her brother, Michael; nine grandnieces and grandnephews; and six great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

Sister Stabile’s wake will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Holy Family Chapel, before her 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, which will be livestreamed. She will be buried in Holy Family Cemetery after the Mass.

Please make memorial donations in memory of Sister Jean Stabile to the Sisters of Charity Legacy and Mission Advancement Office, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J., 07961.

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister Jean Marie Stabile, formerly Sister Jean Francis, a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth, who died on Dec. 23, at Complete Care at St. Vincent’s in Cedar Grove, N.J. She was 100. Sister Stabile was born in Somerville, N.J., the daughter of Frank and Helen (Brown) Stabile. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1943 and was a member for 82 years. Sister Stabile earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the College

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Jan. 6, 1998: Lunar Prospector launches

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NASA’s Discovery Program, begun in the 1990s and continuing today with missions like Lucy and Psyche, is focused on frequent, cost-effective investigations of our solar system. Its first mission launched in 1996 to near-Earth asteroid Shoemaker; the second mission was the Mars Pathfinder mission, also launched in 1996. On Jan. 6, 1998, the third missionContinue reading “Jan. 6, 1998: Lunar Prospector launches”

The post Jan. 6, 1998: Lunar Prospector launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Moon encounters Regulus

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In this episode, Astronomy magazine Editor Emeritus Dave Eicher invites you to head out in the evening of January 6 and find the Moon. Near Luna, glowing at magnitude 1.3, will be Regulus, the Alpha star of the constellation Leo the Lion. The distances between these two objects will change hourly, so maybe check them several times thatContinue reading “This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Moon encounters Regulus”

The post This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Moon encounters Regulus appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Jan. 4, 1797: The birth of Wilhelm Beer

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Though a banker by profession, Wilhelm Beer, who was born Jan. 4, 1797, in Germany, dedicated his life to astronomy, establishing a private observatory in Berlin and acting as a patron and collaborator to professional astronomer Johann Madler. Between 1834 and 1836, Beer and Madler created and published Mappa Selenographica, the most complete and correctContinue reading “Jan. 4, 1797: The birth of Wilhelm Beer”

The post Jan. 4, 1797: The birth of Wilhelm Beer appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Jan. 3, 2004: Spirit lands on Mars

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The Spirit rover landed on Mars on Jan. 4, 2004. Like its twin, Opportunity, Spirit was assigned an initial mission of only 90 sols. It exceeded this mission lifetime by more than 20 times, delivering invaluable science as it explored the Red Planet. It made its home in Gusev Crater, an ancient impact site andContinue reading “Jan. 3, 2004: Spirit lands on Mars”

The post Jan. 3, 2004: Spirit lands on Mars appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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2026 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases

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The phenomenon of a Full Moon arises when our planet, Earth, is precisely sandwiched between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment ensures the entire side of the Moon that faces us gleams under sunlight. Thanks to the Moon’s orbit around Earth, the angle of sunlight hitting the lunar surface and being reflected back toContinue reading “2026 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases”

The post 2026 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Blue Snowball

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If you have access to an 8-inch or larger telescope, look in the northern part of the constellation Andromeda the Princessfor a planetary nebula called the Blue Snowball. Insert an eyepiece that will give you a magnification around 100x, and you’ll see immediately why astronomers gave it that name. Specifically, point your scope roughly 4½° east of the magnitudeContinue reading “Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Blue Snowball”

The post Michael’s Miscellany: Observe the Blue Snowball appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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How did the atoms needed for life get into space?

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Starlight and stardust are not enough to drive the powerful winds of giant stars, transporting the building blocks of life through our galaxy. That’s the conclusion of a new study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. The team, from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, focused on the star R Doradus. Its result overturns a long-held ideaContinue reading “How did the atoms needed for life get into space?”

The post How did the atoms needed for life get into space? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Hope abounds at diocesan Closing Jubilee Mass in Paterson #Catholic - On Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney closed Jubilee of Hope 2025 observances in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey during a Mass he celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., the mother church of the diocese. On behalf of the diocese’s 400,000 faithful, the bishop prayed that the graces God bestowed during the Jubilee year “transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel as pilgrims of hope.” That Sunday afternoon, the faithful came from all corners of the diocese to fill the cathedral, uniting in gratitude to God during the Jubilee Year of Hope Closing Mass, the final diocesan event in observance of the Jubilee Year, which the Universal Church is celebrating. Originally declared by the late Pope Francis, the Jubilee year was designated as a time for Catholics to have a personal encounter with Jesus and be renewed as Pilgrims of Hope. The bishop was the principal celebrant and homilist of the liturgy, with many priests from the diocese concelebrating and deacons and seminarians assisting. At the Mass, the faithful had the opportunity to receive a Jubilee plenary indulgence, the complete remission of temporal punishment for forgiven sins for oneself or deceased loved ones. Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis’ successor, will close the Jubilee for the Universal Church on Jan. 6 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. At the start of the Mass, Bishop Sweeney declared, “We rejoice and give thanks, together with Pope Leo and the whole Church, now, and come bring to a close this great Jubilee of Hope.” “As a diocese, we have offered our praise and thanksgiving and supplications to our God, in union with those who are voiceless in the world —the sick, the aged, the prisoners, and the poor,” Bishop Sweeney said in his greeting. “Through the Jubilee indulgence, the Lord has caused a river of grace and blessing to flow. He has granted us all his hope and his peace. He has strengthened hands that are weak, made firm the feeble knees. He has said to each of us, ‘Take courage; do not be afraid,’” he said. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. After the Mass, Aura Monasterio of St. Paul Parish in Prospect Park, N.J., told BeaconNJ.org that the Jubilee inspired her to pray more often. She and her family pray before meals, before going to bed and waking, and in front of a shrine in their residence. Monasterio also attended a local Jubilee pilgrimage. “I’m closer to God and more connected to the [Catholic] community,” said Monasterio, an immigrant from Guatemala and a catechist at St. Paul’s. “I cried at Christmas Mass this year. It felt more special. I feel God more in my heart and home.” The Mass began with a short procession featuring representatives from many of the diocese’s 107 parishes, agencies, and communities, each carrying a banner for their parish or group. The Prayer of the Faithful was prayed in seven languages to highlight the diocese’s cultural diversity. In his homily, Bishop Sweeney asked the faithful to recall memories of the Jubilee, such as receiving the plenary indulgence or attending any of the five local pilgrimages to designated churches in the diocese for the holy year. The diocese held 26 events to help the faithful experience deeper hope and unity as one Church and to receive God’s grace, including a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy, led by Bishop Sweeney in the fall. Looking ahead, Bishop Sweeney suggested local faithful take inspiration from Mary and Joseph of the Holy Family to “prayerfully listen and discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us to be this wonderful local church of our diocese of Paterson.” With the words “Spes No Confundit” — Latin for “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5), the late Pope Francis declared a Jubilee Year of Hope for 2025 with a Bull of Indiction on May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The pope rang in the holy year by opening the holy doors at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome last Christmas Eve. Bishop Sweeney opened the holy year at the cathedral on Dec. 29 last year, the feast of the Holy Family. During the closing Mass, Bishop Sweeney thanked Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious, and Brian Honsberger, formerly of St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J., who worked with seven committees to coordinate the diocese’s Jubilee observances. The bishop also thanked the clergy, religious, laity, parishes, schools, and diocesan agencies that helped with Jubilee events. Again looking toward the future for the diocese, Bishop Sweeney said in his homily that Pope Leo might have given the Church some direction when he delivered his first address to the papal curia, Church leaders in Rome, on the Monday before Christmas. The pope asked them to reflect on two aspects of the Church: mission — the call to be “missionary disciples” and “witnesses to the Gospel”— and evangelization — to be a “joyful Church, welcoming to all and attentive to the poorest,” Bishop Sweeney said. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Hope abounds at diocesan Closing Jubilee Mass in Paterson #Catholic – On Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney closed Jubilee of Hope 2025 observances in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey during a Mass he celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., the mother church of the diocese. On behalf of the diocese’s 400,000 faithful, the bishop prayed that the graces God bestowed during the Jubilee year “transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel as pilgrims of hope.” That Sunday afternoon, the faithful came from all corners of the diocese to fill the cathedral, uniting in gratitude to God during the Jubilee Year of Hope Closing Mass, the final diocesan event in observance of the Jubilee Year, which the Universal Church is celebrating. Originally declared by the late Pope Francis, the Jubilee year was designated as a time for Catholics to have a personal encounter with Jesus and be renewed as Pilgrims of Hope. The bishop was the principal celebrant and homilist of the liturgy, with many priests from the diocese concelebrating and deacons and seminarians assisting. At the Mass, the faithful had the opportunity to receive a Jubilee plenary indulgence, the complete remission of temporal punishment for forgiven sins for oneself or deceased loved ones. Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis’ successor, will close the Jubilee for the Universal Church on Jan. 6 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. At the start of the Mass, Bishop Sweeney declared, “We rejoice and give thanks, together with Pope Leo and the whole Church, now, and come bring to a close this great Jubilee of Hope.” “As a diocese, we have offered our praise and thanksgiving and supplications to our God, in union with those who are voiceless in the world —the sick, the aged, the prisoners, and the poor,” Bishop Sweeney said in his greeting. “Through the Jubilee indulgence, the Lord has caused a river of grace and blessing to flow. He has granted us all his hope and his peace. He has strengthened hands that are weak, made firm the feeble knees. He has said to each of us, ‘Take courage; do not be afraid,’” he said. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. After the Mass, Aura Monasterio of St. Paul Parish in Prospect Park, N.J., told BeaconNJ.org that the Jubilee inspired her to pray more often. She and her family pray before meals, before going to bed and waking, and in front of a shrine in their residence. Monasterio also attended a local Jubilee pilgrimage. “I’m closer to God and more connected to the [Catholic] community,” said Monasterio, an immigrant from Guatemala and a catechist at St. Paul’s. “I cried at Christmas Mass this year. It felt more special. I feel God more in my heart and home.” The Mass began with a short procession featuring representatives from many of the diocese’s 107 parishes, agencies, and communities, each carrying a banner for their parish or group. The Prayer of the Faithful was prayed in seven languages to highlight the diocese’s cultural diversity. In his homily, Bishop Sweeney asked the faithful to recall memories of the Jubilee, such as receiving the plenary indulgence or attending any of the five local pilgrimages to designated churches in the diocese for the holy year. The diocese held 26 events to help the faithful experience deeper hope and unity as one Church and to receive God’s grace, including a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy, led by Bishop Sweeney in the fall. Looking ahead, Bishop Sweeney suggested local faithful take inspiration from Mary and Joseph of the Holy Family to “prayerfully listen and discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us to be this wonderful local church of our diocese of Paterson.” With the words “Spes No Confundit” — Latin for “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5), the late Pope Francis declared a Jubilee Year of Hope for 2025 with a Bull of Indiction on May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The pope rang in the holy year by opening the holy doors at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome last Christmas Eve. Bishop Sweeney opened the holy year at the cathedral on Dec. 29 last year, the feast of the Holy Family. During the closing Mass, Bishop Sweeney thanked Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious, and Brian Honsberger, formerly of St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J., who worked with seven committees to coordinate the diocese’s Jubilee observances. The bishop also thanked the clergy, religious, laity, parishes, schools, and diocesan agencies that helped with Jubilee events. Again looking toward the future for the diocese, Bishop Sweeney said in his homily that Pope Leo might have given the Church some direction when he delivered his first address to the papal curia, Church leaders in Rome, on the Monday before Christmas. The pope asked them to reflect on two aspects of the Church: mission — the call to be “missionary disciples” and “witnesses to the Gospel”— and evangelization — to be a “joyful Church, welcoming to all and attentive to the poorest,” Bishop Sweeney said. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

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Hope abounds at diocesan Closing Jubilee Mass in Paterson #Catholic –

On Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney closed Jubilee of Hope 2025 observances in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey during a Mass he celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., the mother church of the diocese. On behalf of the diocese’s 400,000 faithful, the bishop prayed that the graces God bestowed during the Jubilee year “transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel as pilgrims of hope.”

That Sunday afternoon, the faithful came from all corners of the diocese to fill the cathedral, uniting in gratitude to God during the Jubilee Year of Hope Closing Mass, the final diocesan event in observance of the Jubilee Year, which the Universal Church is celebrating. Originally declared by the late Pope Francis, the Jubilee year was designated as a time for Catholics to have a personal encounter with Jesus and be renewed as Pilgrims of Hope.

The bishop was the principal celebrant and homilist of the liturgy, with many priests from the diocese concelebrating and deacons and seminarians assisting. At the Mass, the faithful had the opportunity to receive a Jubilee plenary indulgence, the complete remission of temporal punishment for forgiven sins for oneself or deceased loved ones. Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis’ successor, will close the Jubilee for the Universal Church on Jan. 6 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

At the start of the Mass, Bishop Sweeney declared, “We rejoice and give thanks, together with Pope Leo and the whole Church, now, and come bring to a close this great Jubilee of Hope.”

“As a diocese, we have offered our praise and thanksgiving and supplications to our God, in union with those who are voiceless in the world —the sick, the aged, the prisoners, and the poor,” Bishop Sweeney said in his greeting. “Through the Jubilee indulgence, the Lord has caused a river of grace and blessing to flow. He has granted us all his hope and his peace. He has strengthened hands that are weak, made firm the feeble knees. He has said to each of us, ‘Take courage; do not be afraid,’” he said.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

After the Mass, Aura Monasterio of St. Paul Parish in Prospect Park, N.J., told BeaconNJ.org that the Jubilee inspired her to pray more often. She and her family pray before meals, before going to bed and waking, and in front of a shrine in their residence. Monasterio also attended a local Jubilee pilgrimage.

“I’m closer to God and more connected to the [Catholic] community,” said Monasterio, an immigrant from Guatemala and a catechist at St. Paul’s. “I cried at Christmas Mass this year. It felt more special. I feel God more in my heart and home.”

The Mass began with a short procession featuring representatives from many of the diocese’s 107 parishes, agencies, and communities, each carrying a banner for their parish or group. The Prayer of the Faithful was prayed in seven languages to highlight the diocese’s cultural diversity.
In his homily, Bishop Sweeney asked the faithful to recall memories of the Jubilee, such as receiving the plenary indulgence or attending any of the five local pilgrimages to designated churches in the diocese for the holy year. The diocese held 26 events to help the faithful experience deeper hope and unity as one Church and to receive God’s grace, including a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy, led by Bishop Sweeney in the fall.

Looking ahead, Bishop Sweeney suggested local faithful take inspiration from Mary and Joseph of the Holy Family to “prayerfully listen and discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us to be this wonderful local church of our diocese of Paterson.”

With the words “Spes No Confundit” — Latin for “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5), the late Pope Francis declared a Jubilee Year of Hope for 2025 with a Bull of Indiction on May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The pope rang in the holy year by opening the holy doors at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome last Christmas Eve. Bishop Sweeney opened the holy year at the cathedral on Dec. 29 last year, the feast of the Holy Family.

During the closing Mass, Bishop Sweeney thanked Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious, and Brian Honsberger, formerly of St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J., who worked with seven committees to coordinate the diocese’s Jubilee observances. The bishop also thanked the clergy, religious, laity, parishes, schools, and diocesan agencies that helped with Jubilee events.

Again looking toward the future for the diocese, Bishop Sweeney said in his homily that Pope Leo might have given the Church some direction when he delivered his first address to the papal curia, Church leaders in Rome, on the Monday before Christmas. The pope asked them to reflect on two aspects of the Church: mission — the call to be “missionary disciples” and “witnesses to the Gospel”— and evangelization — to be a “joyful Church, welcoming to all and attentive to the poorest,” Bishop Sweeney said.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– On Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney closed Jubilee of Hope 2025 observances in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey during a Mass he celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., the mother church of the diocese. On behalf of the diocese’s 400,000 faithful, the bishop prayed that the graces God bestowed during the Jubilee year “transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel as pilgrims of hope.” That Sunday afternoon, the faithful came from all corners of the diocese to fill the cathedral, uniting in

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This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Quadrantid meteor shower

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In this episode, Astronomy magazine Editor Emeritus Dave Eicher invites you to head out in the evening and early morning hours around January 4. The time before sunrise on that date will be the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower. The Moon will be bright, so look away from it. Hopefully, you’ll see some bright shooting stars.Continue reading “This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Quadrantid meteor shower”

The post This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: The Quadrantid meteor shower appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Bethlehem in Paterson brings Christmas spirit to people in need #Catholic - The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., had almost 200 volunteers — the largest number so far —to help spread Christmas cheer far and wide to those in need during one of its most beloved outreaches: the extraordinary annual Bethlehem in Paterson Christmas charity event, held this year on Dec. 21. A Winter Wonderland was established on an adjoining street to St. John’s. There, Santa’s helpers distributed an abundance of toys, new winter jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves to local people in need. The guests, who included upwards of 1,700 children, also visited Santa and enjoyed tasty treats. This year, the event had something new: Mary and Joseph handing each child a piece of swaddling cloth with the words, “Please bring this back to my son on Christmas.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bethlehem in Paterson was blessed with a visit from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who walked around greeting people with Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects. The legion of supporters and volunteers included the cathedral’s Knights of Columbus Council 7254, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, the New York division of the FBI, and Knights of Columbus from other councils. Many local parishes contributed toys or monetary donations. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Bethlehem in Paterson brings Christmas spirit to people in need #Catholic – The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., had almost 200 volunteers — the largest number so far —to help spread Christmas cheer far and wide to those in need during one of its most beloved outreaches: the extraordinary annual Bethlehem in Paterson Christmas charity event, held this year on Dec. 21. A Winter Wonderland was established on an adjoining street to St. John’s. There, Santa’s helpers distributed an abundance of toys, new winter jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves to local people in need. The guests, who included upwards of 1,700 children, also visited Santa and enjoyed tasty treats. This year, the event had something new: Mary and Joseph handing each child a piece of swaddling cloth with the words, “Please bring this back to my son on Christmas.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bethlehem in Paterson was blessed with a visit from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who walked around greeting people with Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects. The legion of supporters and volunteers included the cathedral’s Knights of Columbus Council 7254, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, the New York division of the FBI, and Knights of Columbus from other councils. Many local parishes contributed toys or monetary donations. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

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Bethlehem in Paterson brings Christmas spirit to people in need #Catholic –

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., had almost 200 volunteers — the largest number so far —to help spread Christmas cheer far and wide to those in need during one of its most beloved outreaches: the extraordinary annual Bethlehem in Paterson Christmas charity event, held this year on Dec. 21.

A Winter Wonderland was established on an adjoining street to St. John’s. There, Santa’s helpers distributed an abundance of toys, new winter jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves to local people in need. The guests, who included upwards of 1,700 children, also visited Santa and enjoyed tasty treats. This year, the event had something new: Mary and Joseph handing each child a piece of swaddling cloth with the words, “Please bring this back to my son on Christmas.”

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Bethlehem in Paterson was blessed with a visit from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who walked around greeting people with Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects.

The legion of supporters and volunteers included the cathedral’s Knights of Columbus Council 7254, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, the New York division of the FBI, and Knights of Columbus from other councils. Many local parishes contributed toys or monetary donations.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., had almost 200 volunteers — the largest number so far —to help spread Christmas cheer far and wide to those in need during one of its most beloved outreaches: the extraordinary annual Bethlehem in Paterson Christmas charity event, held this year on Dec. 21. A Winter Wonderland was established on an adjoining street to St. John’s. There, Santa’s helpers distributed an abundance of toys, new winter jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves to local people in need. The guests, who included upwards of 1,700 children, also visited Santa and enjoyed tasty

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Nativity gives world hope, says bishop during Mendham Advent reflection #Catholic - On Dec. 17 at St. Joseph Parish in Mendham, N.J., Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney gave an Advent reflection about the nativity as a gift of light for our world in need of hope as the Paterson Diocese and the Universal Church prepare for the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 on Sunday, Dec. 28. The bishop was the main celebrant of a Mass that evening at St. Joseph’s. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Sweeney will celebrate the closing Mass of the diocesan Jubilee of Hope on Sunday, Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Nativity gives world hope, says bishop during Mendham Advent reflection #Catholic – On Dec. 17 at St. Joseph Parish in Mendham, N.J., Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney gave an Advent reflection about the nativity as a gift of light for our world in need of hope as the Paterson Diocese and the Universal Church prepare for the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 on Sunday, Dec. 28. The bishop was the main celebrant of a Mass that evening at St. Joseph’s. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Sweeney will celebrate the closing Mass of the diocesan Jubilee of Hope on Sunday, Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

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Nativity gives world hope, says bishop during Mendham Advent reflection #Catholic –

On Dec. 17 at St. Joseph Parish in Mendham, N.J., Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney gave an Advent reflection about the nativity as a gift of light for our world in need of hope as the Paterson Diocese and the Universal Church prepare for the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 on Sunday, Dec. 28. The bishop was the main celebrant of a Mass that evening at St. Joseph’s.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Bishop Sweeney will celebrate the closing Mass of the diocesan Jubilee of Hope on Sunday, Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– On Dec. 17 at St. Joseph Parish in Mendham, N.J., Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney gave an Advent reflection about the nativity as a gift of light for our world in need of hope as the Paterson Diocese and the Universal Church prepare for the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 on Sunday, Dec. 28. The bishop was the main celebrant of a Mass that evening at St. Joseph’s. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Sweeney will celebrate the closing Mass of the diocesan Jubilee of Hope on Sunday, Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy

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Dec. 21, 2021: JWST sees its final delay

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When NASA’s $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) rode safely to space on an Ariane 5 booster from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the liftoff at 7:20 A.M. EST on Dec. 25, 2021, marked the end of a development full of delays and cost overruns — and the beginning of the telescope’s month-longContinue reading “Dec. 21, 2021: JWST sees its final delay”

The post Dec. 21, 2021: JWST sees its final delay appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Dec. 20, 1900: The discovery of 21P/Giacobini-Zinner

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On Dec. 20, 1900, astronomer Michel Giacobini spotted a 10th-magnitude comet while working at Nice Observatory, in France. Calculations following his discovery suggested the comet had an orbital period of a bit less than seven years. When German astronomer Ernst Zinner rediscovered the comet on Oct. 23, 1913, happening across it by accident while observingContinue reading “Dec. 20, 1900: The discovery of 21P/Giacobini-Zinner”

The post Dec. 20, 1900: The discovery of 21P/Giacobini-Zinner appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Obituary: Mary Mazzarella, former diocesan respect life director #Catholic – Dr. Mary Mazzarella, respect life director of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey for many years, died on Dec. 18 after a brief illness. She also practiced pediatrics for many years, conducted clinical research, and taught parish religious education. As respect life director, Mazzarella took seriously her diocesan responsibility to demonstrate that all life is sacred from natural conception to natural death. She provided education and pastoral outreach regarding Respect Life issues including post abortion healing, euthanasia, capital punishment, and use of adult stem cells. Her duties also included giving talks to physicians and high school and college students and helping to launch in the diocese “Walking with Moms in Need,” a nation-wide, parish-based initiative by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “We pray for Dr. Mary and thank God for the joy and love she brought as an advocate for life and as a healer,” Msgr. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia and pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., wrote in an email announcing Mazzarella’s death to diocesan staff on Dec. 19. Mazzarella also served as the medical consultant for the cause for the beatification and canonization of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a former Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., in the diocese. Her research and writing to the Vatican in support of a discovered medical cure through Blessed Miriam Teresa’s intercession helped make possible her beatification in 2014. Also, Mazzarella served as a consultant for the sainthood cause of Benedictine Brother Marinus LaRue, a former captain of a U.S. Merchant Marine cargo freighter, whose heroic efforts  saved thousands of Korean refugees during the Korean War. Later, he pursued a quieter life as a Benedictine monk at St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, N.J., in the diocese. Mazzarella grew up in Newark, N.J., one of six children of Italian parents. She graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth (now St. Elizabeth University), in Morris Township, N.J., and received her medical degree from the University Di Roma Sapienza, Fac Di Medicine E Chirurgria, Rome in 1960. She completed a residency in pediatrics at Newark City Hospital and Babies Hospital of Newark. From 1965 to 1972, Mazzarella conducted clinical research at Schering Plough. She practiced pediatrics in Nutley for 25 years and served as the physician for Belleville Public Schools for 15 years. From 1970 to 71, Mazzarella was president of the N.J. Medical Women’s Association. Mazzarella was named as the diocesan respect life director in 2007 and had retired by 2025. Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth presented her with their Caritas Award in 2014. Since 1992, Mazzarella had been a Seton Associate. She volunteered at St. Anne Villa of the Sisters of Charity, where she served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Mazzarella was an active parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J. She served as catechist for fifth to eighth grade students for 23 years. She is also a former member of the Board of the Clifton Boys & Girls Club. Mazzarella was married to late Dr. Joseph DeMayo, a primary care physician with a practice in Nutley. They are survived by a daughter and son, Dawn and Richard, and their grandchildren Amanda, Melania, Natalia, and Luciano.
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Obituary: Mary Mazzarella, former diocesan respect life director #Catholic – Dr. Mary Mazzarella, respect life director of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey for many years, died on Dec. 18 after a brief illness. She also practiced pediatrics for many years, conducted clinical research, and taught parish religious education. As respect life director, Mazzarella took seriously her diocesan responsibility to demonstrate that all life is sacred from natural conception to natural death. She provided education and pastoral outreach regarding Respect Life issues including post abortion healing, euthanasia, capital punishment, and use of adult stem cells. Her duties also included giving talks to physicians and high school and college students and helping to launch in the diocese “Walking with Moms in Need,” a nation-wide, parish-based initiative by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “We pray for Dr. Mary and thank God for the joy and love she brought as an advocate for life and as a healer,” Msgr. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia and pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., wrote in an email announcing Mazzarella’s death to diocesan staff on Dec. 19. Mazzarella also served as the medical consultant for the cause for the beatification and canonization of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a former Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., in the diocese. Her research and writing to the Vatican in support of a discovered medical cure through Blessed Miriam Teresa’s intercession helped make possible her beatification in 2014. Also, Mazzarella served as a consultant for the sainthood cause of Benedictine Brother Marinus LaRue, a former captain of a U.S. Merchant Marine cargo freighter, whose heroic efforts  saved thousands of Korean refugees during the Korean War. Later, he pursued a quieter life as a Benedictine monk at St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, N.J., in the diocese. Mazzarella grew up in Newark, N.J., one of six children of Italian parents. She graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth (now St. Elizabeth University), in Morris Township, N.J., and received her medical degree from the University Di Roma Sapienza, Fac Di Medicine E Chirurgria, Rome in 1960. She completed a residency in pediatrics at Newark City Hospital and Babies Hospital of Newark. From 1965 to 1972, Mazzarella conducted clinical research at Schering Plough. She practiced pediatrics in Nutley for 25 years and served as the physician for Belleville Public Schools for 15 years. From 1970 to 71, Mazzarella was president of the N.J. Medical Women’s Association. Mazzarella was named as the diocesan respect life director in 2007 and had retired by 2025. Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth presented her with their Caritas Award in 2014. Since 1992, Mazzarella had been a Seton Associate. She volunteered at St. Anne Villa of the Sisters of Charity, where she served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Mazzarella was an active parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J. She served as catechist for fifth to eighth grade students for 23 years. She is also a former member of the Board of the Clifton Boys & Girls Club. Mazzarella was married to late Dr. Joseph DeMayo, a primary care physician with a practice in Nutley. They are survived by a daughter and son, Dawn and Richard, and their grandchildren Amanda, Melania, Natalia, and Luciano.

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Obituary: Mary Mazzarella, former diocesan respect life director #Catholic –

Dr. Mary Mazzarella, respect life director of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey for many years, died on Dec. 18 after a brief illness. She also practiced pediatrics for many years, conducted clinical research, and taught parish religious education.

As respect life director, Mazzarella took seriously her diocesan responsibility to demonstrate that all life is sacred from natural conception to natural death. She provided education and pastoral outreach regarding Respect Life issues including post abortion healing, euthanasia, capital punishment, and use of adult stem cells. Her duties also included giving talks to physicians and high school and college students and helping to launch in the diocese “Walking with Moms in Need,” a nation-wide, parish-based initiative by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“We pray for Dr. Mary and thank God for the joy and love she brought as an advocate for life and as a healer,” Msgr. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia and pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., wrote in an email announcing Mazzarella’s death to diocesan staff on Dec. 19.

Mazzarella also served as the medical consultant for the cause for the beatification and canonization of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a former Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., in the diocese. Her research and writing to the Vatican in support of a discovered medical cure through Blessed Miriam Teresa’s intercession helped make possible her beatification in 2014.

Also, Mazzarella served as a consultant for the sainthood cause of Benedictine Brother Marinus LaRue, a former captain of a U.S. Merchant Marine cargo freighter, whose heroic efforts  saved thousands of Korean refugees during the Korean War. Later, he pursued a quieter life as a Benedictine monk at St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, N.J., in the diocese.

Mazzarella grew up in Newark, N.J., one of six children of Italian parents. She graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth (now St. Elizabeth University), in Morris Township, N.J., and received her medical degree from the University Di Roma Sapienza, Fac Di Medicine E Chirurgria, Rome in 1960. She completed a residency in pediatrics at Newark City Hospital and Babies Hospital of Newark.

From 1965 to 1972, Mazzarella conducted clinical research at Schering Plough. She practiced pediatrics in Nutley for 25 years and served as the physician for Belleville Public Schools for 15 years. From 1970 to 71, Mazzarella was president of the N.J. Medical Women’s Association.

Mazzarella was named as the diocesan respect life director in 2007 and had retired by 2025. Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth presented her with their Caritas Award in 2014.

Since 1992, Mazzarella had been a Seton Associate. She volunteered at St. Anne Villa of the Sisters of Charity, where she served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.

Mazzarella was an active parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J. She served as catechist for fifth to eighth grade students for 23 years. She is also a former member of the Board of the Clifton Boys & Girls Club.

Mazzarella was married to late Dr. Joseph DeMayo, a primary care physician with a practice in Nutley. They are survived by a daughter and son, Dawn and Richard, and their grandchildren Amanda, Melania, Natalia, and Luciano.

– Dr. Mary Mazzarella, respect life director of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey for many years, died on Dec. 18 after a brief illness. She also practiced pediatrics for many years, conducted clinical research, and taught parish religious education. As respect life director, Mazzarella took seriously her diocesan responsibility to demonstrate that all life is sacred from natural conception to natural death. She provided education and pastoral outreach regarding Respect Life issues including post abortion healing, euthanasia, capital punishment, and use of adult stem cells. Her duties also included giving talks to physicians and high school and college students and

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DECam captures the dark heart of Circinus the Compasses

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Beauty often comes in small packages. Take Circinus the Compasses. This southern constellation ranks 85th in size among the sky’s 88 stellar groupings, yet it holds the stunning dark nebula known as the Circinus West molecular cloud. A dense region of dust and cold gas, Circinus West effectively blocks all the light from the richContinue reading “DECam captures the dark heart of Circinus the Compasses”

The post DECam captures the dark heart of Circinus the Compasses appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Beyond The Beacon Episode 102: Two sisters and a lifetime of social justice advocacy #Catholic – “No Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem; they are part of our ‘family.’ They are ‘one of us.’ Nor can our relationship to the poor be reduced to merely another ecclesial activity or function.” – From Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation “Dilexi Te.” Social justice advocacy has long been a way of life for the two religious sisters who join the Diocese of Paterson’s Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish for the latest episode of Beyond The Beacon. Following the inspiration of their religious order’s charism and the example of Jesus and the Saints, Sister Patrice Owens, S.C.C., and Sister Janice Jolin, S.M.I.C., have advocated for the poor and marginalized in Brazil, The Bronx, and their own backyards in New Jersey. They share insights about this work and describe their vocation stories. 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.
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Beyond The Beacon Episode 102: Two sisters and a lifetime of social justice advocacy #Catholic – “No Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem; they are part of our ‘family.’ They are ‘one of us.’ Nor can our relationship to the poor be reduced to merely another ecclesial activity or function.” – From Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation “Dilexi Te.” Social justice advocacy has long been a way of life for the two religious sisters who join the Diocese of Paterson’s Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish for the latest episode of Beyond The Beacon. Following the inspiration of their religious order’s charism and the example of Jesus and the Saints, Sister Patrice Owens, S.C.C., and Sister Janice Jolin, S.M.I.C., have advocated for the poor and marginalized in Brazil, The Bronx, and their own backyards in New Jersey. They share insights about this work and describe their vocation stories. 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.

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Beyond The Beacon Episode 102: Two sisters and a lifetime of social justice advocacy #Catholic –



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

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

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

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

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.

–  “No Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem; they are part of our ‘family.’ They are ‘one of us.’ Nor can our relationship to the poor be reduced to merely another ecclesial activity or function.” – From Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation “Dilexi Te.” Social justice advocacy has long been a way of life for the two religious sisters who join the Diocese of Paterson’s Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish for the latest episode of Beyond The Beacon. Following the inspiration of their religious order’s charism and the example of Jesus

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Can game theory help declutter space? 

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The recent stranding of the Shenzhou-21 crew, caused by debris damage to the Shenzhou-20 return capsule, underscores the practical risks of an increasingly crowded low Earth orbit. With launch cadences nearly 12 times higher in 2024 than in 2014, the volume of debris in orbit traveling at dangerous speeds will only continue to grow, threateningContinue reading “Can game theory help declutter space? “

The post Can game theory help declutter space?  appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Can you 3D-print a telescope?

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Since 3D printing became accessible to the average consumer in the 2010s, the internet has exploded with printable designs from creators around the world. Sites like Thingiverse and Printables host millions of downloadable files, and decent printers can be had for as little as $200. I got a Prusa i3 Mk3s+ for Christmas in 2022Continue reading “Can you 3D-print a telescope?”

The post Can you 3D-print a telescope? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Conspiracy Theorists will adore this book! #JFKFiles

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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.

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