![Bishop Receives Tri-County award, expresses hope for Catholic education #Catholic – On Nov. 2, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney graciously accepted the Making a Difference Award from the Tri-County Scholarship Fund during its 45th Annual Awards Dinner at Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, N.J. Bishop Sweeney and two other distinguished honorees were recognized for their leadership, exceptional accomplishments, and commitment to Tri-County’s mission of making quality, values-based, independent and parochial education accessible to the most financially disadvantaged children.
Pictured to the left of Bishop Sweeney are Lindsay Hans (fifth from left), president and co-head of Merrill Wealth Management and a member of Bank of America Corporation’s executive management team, and Deidre Meehan (next to bishop on his right), worldwide vice president and general counsel, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, who both received the Tri-County Hall of Fame Award. Also shown in the photo are Prudence Pigott, Tri-County’s president (left), and student scholarship recipients from various Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
Bishop Sweeney has served on the Tri-County board since becoming the eighth Bishop of Paterson in 2020.
In a tribute video produced by Tri-County for the gala, Bishop Sweeney says, “Being able to visit our Catholic schools gives me a lift, an inspiration. I’m happy to do that because it inspires me. This is why we do what we do — for the children, for these communities, these families.” He also says that he and his sister and brother attended Catholic schools — an experience that helped prepare him for the call to priesthood.
“I’m very hopeful about the future of Catholic education,” Bishop Sweeney says in the video.
Founded in 1981, Tri-County Scholarship Fund raises funds to provide partial K-12 scholarships to financially disadvantaged children in NJ, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, so that they can obtain a quality, values-based education through accredited private elementary and secondary schools, including Catholic schools.
Schools partnering with Tri-County often offer discounted tuition. The families make significant sacrifices to pay their share. This shared responsibility means everyone is invested in these students’ success while they make the most of the educational opportunity.
The Annual Awards Dinner is the largest fundraiser for the New Jersey nonprofit, which has provided over million in scholarships to more than 40,000 students since Tri-County’s inception.
To learn more about Tri-County Scholarship Fund, visit tcsfund.org.
PHOTOS | JOSH CUPPEK / CUPPEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Courtesy Tri-County Scholarship Fund
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/bishop-receives-tri-county-award-expresses-hope-for-catholic-education-catholic-on-nov-2-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-graciously-accepted-the-making-a-difference-award-from-the-tri-county-scholarship.jpg "Bishop Receives Tri-County award, expresses hope for Catholic education #Catholic – On Nov. 2, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney graciously accepted the Making a Difference Award from the Tri-County Scholarship Fund during its 45th Annual Awards Dinner at Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, N.J. Bishop Sweeney and two other distinguished honorees were recognized for their leadership, exceptional accomplishments, and commitment to Tri-County’s mission of making quality, values-based, independent and parochial education accessible to the most financially disadvantaged children.
Pictured to the left of Bishop Sweeney are Lindsay Hans (fifth from left), president and co-head of Merrill Wealth Management and a member of Bank of America Corporation’s executive management team, and Deidre Meehan (next to bishop on his right), worldwide vice president and general counsel, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, who both received the Tri-County Hall of Fame Award. Also shown in the photo are Prudence Pigott, Tri-County’s president (left), and student scholarship recipients from various Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
Bishop Sweeney has served on the Tri-County board since becoming the eighth Bishop of Paterson in 2020.
In a tribute video produced by Tri-County for the gala, Bishop Sweeney says, “Being able to visit our Catholic schools gives me a lift, an inspiration. I’m happy to do that because it inspires me. This is why we do what we do — for the children, for these communities, these families.” He also says that he and his sister and brother attended Catholic schools — an experience that helped prepare him for the call to priesthood.
“I’m very hopeful about the future of Catholic education,” Bishop Sweeney says in the video.
Founded in 1981, Tri-County Scholarship Fund raises funds to provide partial K-12 scholarships to financially disadvantaged children in NJ, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, so that they can obtain a quality, values-based education through accredited private elementary and secondary schools, including Catholic schools.
Schools partnering with Tri-County often offer discounted tuition. The families make significant sacrifices to pay their share. This shared responsibility means everyone is invested in these students’ success while they make the most of the educational opportunity.
The Annual Awards Dinner is the largest fundraiser for the New Jersey nonprofit, which has provided over million in scholarships to more than 40,000 students since Tri-County’s inception.
To learn more about Tri-County Scholarship Fund, visit tcsfund.org.
PHOTOS | JOSH CUPPEK / CUPPEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Courtesy Tri-County Scholarship Fund
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
Bishop Receives Tri-County award, expresses hope for Catholic education #Catholic – 
On Nov. 2, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney graciously accepted the Making a Difference Award from the Tri-County Scholarship Fund during its 45th Annual Awards Dinner at Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, N.J. Bishop Sweeney and two other distinguished honorees were recognized for their leadership, exceptional accomplishments, and commitment to Tri-County’s mission of making quality, values-based, independent and parochial education accessible to the most financially disadvantaged children.
Pictured to the left of Bishop Sweeney are Lindsay Hans (fifth from left), president and co-head of Merrill Wealth Management and a member of Bank of America Corporation’s executive management team, and Deidre Meehan (next to bishop on his right), worldwide vice president and general counsel, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, who both received the Tri-County Hall of Fame Award. Also shown in the photo are Prudence Pigott, Tri-County’s president (left), and student scholarship recipients from various Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
Bishop Sweeney has served on the Tri-County board since becoming the eighth Bishop of Paterson in 2020.
In a tribute video produced by Tri-County for the gala, Bishop Sweeney says, “Being able to visit our Catholic schools gives me a lift, an inspiration. I’m happy to do that because it inspires me. This is why we do what we do — for the children, for these communities, these families.” He also says that he and his sister and brother attended Catholic schools — an experience that helped prepare him for the call to priesthood.
“I’m very hopeful about the future of Catholic education,” Bishop Sweeney says in the video.
Founded in 1981, Tri-County Scholarship Fund raises funds to provide partial K-12 scholarships to financially disadvantaged children in NJ, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, so that they can obtain a quality, values-based education through accredited private elementary and secondary schools, including Catholic schools.
Schools partnering with Tri-County often offer discounted tuition. The families make significant sacrifices to pay their share. This shared responsibility means everyone is invested in these students’ success while they make the most of the educational opportunity.
The Annual Awards Dinner is the largest fundraiser for the New Jersey nonprofit, which has provided over $44 million in scholarships to more than 40,000 students since Tri-County’s inception.
To learn more about Tri-County Scholarship Fund, visit tcsfund.org.
PHOTOS | JOSH CUPPEK / CUPPEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Courtesy Tri-County Scholarship Fund
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
– On Nov. 2, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney graciously accepted the Making a Difference Award from the Tri-County Scholarship Fund during its 45th Annual Awards Dinner at Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, N.J. Bishop Sweeney and two other distinguished honorees were recognized for their leadership, exceptional accomplishments, and commitment to Tri-County’s mission of making quality, values-based, independent and parochial education accessible to the most financially disadvantaged children. Pictured to the left of Bishop Sweeney are Lindsay Hans (fifth from left), president and co-head of Merrill Wealth Management and a member of Bank of America Corporation’s executive management team, and Deidre Meehan
![A beautiful night of Caritas: Love in action #Catholic – More than 375 friends, supporters, clergy, religious, community leaders, and members of the Catholic Charities family gathered at The Meadow Wood in Randolph for the annual Caritas Gala, sharing an elegant evening of cocktails, honoree presentations, dinner, and a festive Venetian Hour.
The Gala honored five extraordinary individuals whose commitment to others reflects the mission of Catholic Charities. Joseph and Karen Jaworski received the Diocese of Paterson Bishop’s Award; Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A., received the Father Jack Wehrlen Award; Jonathan Camiolo received the Monsignor Mark Giordani Award; and Paul Natoli received the Father Norman James O’Connor Award. During the program, guests watched videos celebrating each honoree and heard tributes recognizing their contributions.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Father Martin Glynn, Catholic Charities board president, and Scott Milliken, CEO, joined friends of Catholic Charities and parishioners and community members from across the diocese for the celebration, underscoring the strong community of support behind the organization’s mission.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The evening also featured a moving tribute to veterans and recognized Lucy Del Gaudio as Catholic Charities’ Veteran Partner of the Year, along with the inspiring story of Debra Hunter, who is served by the Department for Persons with Disabilities. Debra’s story offered a powerful reminder that behind every program, every gift, and every act of generosity is a person with dreams, talents, and a unique story to share.
Above all, the Caritas Gala was a celebration of community and hope. The generosity of guests, sponsors, honorees, and supporters helps Catholic Charities feed families, support veterans, bring healing to people in recovery, empower individuals with disabilities, and provide hope to neighbors in need.
As one of Catholic Charities’ largest fundraising events of the year, the annual Caritas Gala brings together a remarkable community united by compassion and service. Catholic Charities is deeply grateful to everyone who attended, celebrated the honorees, sponsored the evening, and continues to champion its mission. That generosity transforms compassion into action, helping bring hope and meaningful support to neighbors throughout Passaic, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/a-beautiful-night-of-caritas-love-in-action-catholic-more-than-375-friends-supporters-clergy-religious-community-leaders-and-members-of-the-catholic-charities-family-gathered-at-the-meadow-wo.jpg "A beautiful night of Caritas: Love in action #Catholic – More than 375 friends, supporters, clergy, religious, community leaders, and members of the Catholic Charities family gathered at The Meadow Wood in Randolph for the annual Caritas Gala, sharing an elegant evening of cocktails, honoree presentations, dinner, and a festive Venetian Hour.
The Gala honored five extraordinary individuals whose commitment to others reflects the mission of Catholic Charities. Joseph and Karen Jaworski received the Diocese of Paterson Bishop’s Award; Sister Theresa Lee, F.M.A., received the Father Jack Wehrlen Award; Jonathan Camiolo received the Monsignor Mark Giordani Award; and Paul Natoli received the Father Norman James O’Connor Award. During the program, guests watched videos celebrating each honoree and heard tributes recognizing their contributions.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Father Martin Glynn, Catholic Charities board president, and Scott Milliken, CEO, joined friends of Catholic Charities and parishioners and community members from across the diocese for the celebration, underscoring the strong community of support behind the organization’s mission.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The evening also featured a moving tribute to veterans and recognized Lucy Del Gaudio as Catholic Charities’ Veteran Partner of the Year, along with the inspiring story of Debra Hunter, who is served by the Department for Persons with Disabilities. Debra’s story offered a powerful reminder that behind every program, every gift, and every act of generosity is a person with dreams, talents, and a unique story to share.
Above all, the Caritas Gala was a celebration of community and hope. The generosity of guests, sponsors, honorees, and supporters helps Catholic Charities feed families, support veterans, bring healing to people in recovery, empower individuals with disabilities, and provide hope to neighbors in need.
As one of Catholic Charities’ largest fundraising events of the year, the annual Caritas Gala brings together a remarkable community united by compassion and service. Catholic Charities is deeply grateful to everyone who attended, celebrated the honorees, sponsored the evening, and continues to champion its mission. That generosity transforms compassion into action, helping bring hope and meaningful support to neighbors throughout Passaic, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Married couples celebrate enduring love at cathedral Mass #Catholic – The gift of marital love was celebrated and renewed on Nov. 1, All Saints Day, during the Paterson Diocesan annual Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., where 71 couples married 25, 50, and up to 70 years ago marked their milestone anniversaries.
During the Mass, these happy couples also renewed their wedding vows before Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the main celebrant of the liturgy, and several priests from around the diocese who concelebrated the liturgy. The Diocesan Family Life Office coordinated the Mass.
As on their wedding days, the couples exchanged vows, held each other’s hands, and renewed their love, fidelity, and commitment in Holy Matrimony. The couples celebrated often with their families present.
The couples received certificates signed by Bishop Sweeney honoring their anniversaries. Each couple was invited to meet the bishop and take a photo with him.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Couples marking milestone anniversaries:
70 Years
Louis & Concetta Golia
St. Mary’s Parish, Denville
61 Years
Joseph & Mary Bono
St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln Park
60 Years
Francesco and Caterina Anello
Padre Pio Parish, Paterson
Robert & Susan Bantang
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
John & Ellen Baxter
St. Joseph Church, Mendham
James & Rita Behan
St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln Park
Walter & Maria Breakey
St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln Park
Richard and Mary Ann Decker
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Jeff And Joyce Fitzgerald
Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish, Little Falls
Fred & Kathleen Iradi
St. Ann Parish, Parsippany
William & Susan Kadar
St. Joseph Church, Newton
Robert and Barbara Lussier
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta
Joseph & Mary Louise Mazzarella
St. Joseph Church, Sparta
John & Ellen Mitro
St. Michael Parish, Netcong
William J. Murphy & Joanne M. Murphy
Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Wayne
John & Carol Pasqua
St. Vincent Martyr Parish, Madison
Roger & Jadwiga Siara
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
Anna and Antonio Vacca
St. James of the Marches Parish, Totowa
Robert & Maria Werner
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Whippany
50 Years
Joan and Alan Bocchino
St. Mary’s Parish, Dover
Stefano and Jackie Castaldo
St. Philip The Apostle Parish, Clifton
Richard & Rosemarie Conklin
St. Pius X Church, Montville
Edward & Joanne Connell
St. Francis de Sales Parish, Vernon
Jorge & Julia Curi
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson
Victor T. and Mathilda H. DeLorenzo
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Chris and Elizabeth Dennis
St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany
Michael & Vivian Fabrizio
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Butler
Jane & Robert Fahey
St. Catherine of Bologna Parish, Ringwood
Frederick & Donna Fania
St. Luke Parish, Long Valley
James & Kathy Frega
St. Anthony Parish, Hawthorne
Kathy and Joseph Heatter
Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sparta
John and Dorothea Heine
Good Shepherd RC Church, Andover
George & Jo-Ann Higgs
St. Joseph Church, Newton
Vincent and Margaret LoProto
St. Philip The Apostle Parish, Clifton
John & Joan Lucas
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Sparta
Jerome & Anne Memory
St. Joseph Church, Newton
Wayne and Susan Merckling
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Joseph & Josephine Muller
St. Clare Church, Clifton
Craig & Mary Jane Osberg
Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Parish, Cedar Knolls
Frank and Maryann Palmieri
St Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippanay
Ricardo and Mary Ann Perez
St. Virgil Parish, Morris Plains
Robert & Annette Putts
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Whippany
Stephen & Ann Reale
St. Joseph Church, Mendham
Santo and Peggy Recchia
St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Flanders
Donna & James Scarmazzo
St. James of the Marches Parish, Totowa
Anthony & Denise Schlachter
Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Wayne
David & Marie Smith
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta
Michael & Karen Spiecker
St. Therese Parish, Succasunna
Gabriel & Dolores Tardive
St. Michael Parish, Netcong
John & Alice Wojtowicz
St. Clare Church Parish, Clifton
Fay and Michael D. Woomer
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Oak Ridge
25 Years
Luis and Annette Barragan
St. Clement Pope & Martyr Parish, Dover
John and Mirabel Bautista
St. Virgil Parish, Morris Plains
Gail & Susan Braden
St. Michael Parish, Netcong
Sergio Guaman & Gloria Calle
Sacred Heart Parish, Dover
Lisa & Bob Carey
Corpus Christi Parish, Chatham
Vincent Hoye and Eileen Conti
St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, Chester
Matthew & Christine DiBrienza
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
Nazario and Cristina Fuentes
St. Paul Parish, Clifton
Rafael & Arleth Galindo
Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas Parish, Passaic
Ramon & Susana Gallego
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson
Jason & Nicole Geary
St. Joseph Parish, Mendham
Mary Kathleen Iellimo & Matteo Giacomo
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Whippany
José Alejandro & Sonia Yanira Guerra
St. Paul Parish, Clifton
Bernardo Lopez & Viviana Lopez
St. Brendan & St. George Parish, Clifton
Thomas & Therese Paragano
St. Joseph Church, Mendham
Christopher and Chris Ann Patrick
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Juan & Alba Lucia Pavlowski,
St. Padre Pio Parish, Paterson
Richard & Elizabeth Poore
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
John & Taryn Pry
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Sparta
Jorge Juan Ramirez and Maria Virginia Mendoza
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Margaret and Thomas Sanders
Our Lady of the Mountain Parish, Long Valley
Michael & Jennifer Schermerhorn
St. Mary’s Parish, Denville
Paul & Stephanie Schuckalo
Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish, Kinnelon
Joseph & Maria Schwab
Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish, Kinnelon
Hermes & Luz Tafur
St. Paul Parish, Clifton
King Yun Tsoi & Kitsum Joyce Chan
St Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/married-couples-celebrate-enduring-love-at-cathedral-mass-catholic-the-gift-of-marital-love-was-celebrated-and-renewed-on-nov-1-all-saints-day-during-the-paterson-diocesan-annual-silver-and-gold.jpg "Married couples celebrate enduring love at cathedral Mass #Catholic – The gift of marital love was celebrated and renewed on Nov. 1, All Saints Day, during the Paterson Diocesan annual Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., where 71 couples married 25, 50, and up to 70 years ago marked their milestone anniversaries.
During the Mass, these happy couples also renewed their wedding vows before Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the main celebrant of the liturgy, and several priests from around the diocese who concelebrated the liturgy. The Diocesan Family Life Office coordinated the Mass.
As on their wedding days, the couples exchanged vows, held each other’s hands, and renewed their love, fidelity, and commitment in Holy Matrimony. The couples celebrated often with their families present.
The couples received certificates signed by Bishop Sweeney honoring their anniversaries. Each couple was invited to meet the bishop and take a photo with him.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Couples marking milestone anniversaries:
70 Years
Louis & Concetta Golia
St. Mary’s Parish, Denville
61 Years
Joseph & Mary Bono
St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln Park
60 Years
Francesco and Caterina Anello
Padre Pio Parish, Paterson
Robert & Susan Bantang
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
John & Ellen Baxter
St. Joseph Church, Mendham
James & Rita Behan
St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln Park
Walter & Maria Breakey
St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln Park
Richard and Mary Ann Decker
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Jeff And Joyce Fitzgerald
Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish, Little Falls
Fred & Kathleen Iradi
St. Ann Parish, Parsippany
William & Susan Kadar
St. Joseph Church, Newton
Robert and Barbara Lussier
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta
Joseph & Mary Louise Mazzarella
St. Joseph Church, Sparta
John & Ellen Mitro
St. Michael Parish, Netcong
William J. Murphy & Joanne M. Murphy
Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Wayne
John & Carol Pasqua
St. Vincent Martyr Parish, Madison
Roger & Jadwiga Siara
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
Anna and Antonio Vacca
St. James of the Marches Parish, Totowa
Robert & Maria Werner
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Whippany
50 Years
Joan and Alan Bocchino
St. Mary’s Parish, Dover
Stefano and Jackie Castaldo
St. Philip The Apostle Parish, Clifton
Richard & Rosemarie Conklin
St. Pius X Church, Montville
Edward & Joanne Connell
St. Francis de Sales Parish, Vernon
Jorge & Julia Curi
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson
Victor T. and Mathilda H. DeLorenzo
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Chris and Elizabeth Dennis
St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany
Michael & Vivian Fabrizio
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Butler
Jane & Robert Fahey
St. Catherine of Bologna Parish, Ringwood
Frederick & Donna Fania
St. Luke Parish, Long Valley
James & Kathy Frega
St. Anthony Parish, Hawthorne
Kathy and Joseph Heatter
Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sparta
John and Dorothea Heine
Good Shepherd RC Church, Andover
George & Jo-Ann Higgs
St. Joseph Church, Newton
Vincent and Margaret LoProto
St. Philip The Apostle Parish, Clifton
John & Joan Lucas
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Sparta
Jerome & Anne Memory
St. Joseph Church, Newton
Wayne and Susan Merckling
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Joseph & Josephine Muller
St. Clare Church, Clifton
Craig & Mary Jane Osberg
Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Parish, Cedar Knolls
Frank and Maryann Palmieri
St Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippanay
Ricardo and Mary Ann Perez
St. Virgil Parish, Morris Plains
Robert & Annette Putts
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Whippany
Stephen & Ann Reale
St. Joseph Church, Mendham
Santo and Peggy Recchia
St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Flanders
Donna & James Scarmazzo
St. James of the Marches Parish, Totowa
Anthony & Denise Schlachter
Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Wayne
David & Marie Smith
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta
Michael & Karen Spiecker
St. Therese Parish, Succasunna
Gabriel & Dolores Tardive
St. Michael Parish, Netcong
John & Alice Wojtowicz
St. Clare Church Parish, Clifton
Fay and Michael D. Woomer
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Oak Ridge
25 Years
Luis and Annette Barragan
St. Clement Pope & Martyr Parish, Dover
John and Mirabel Bautista
St. Virgil Parish, Morris Plains
Gail & Susan Braden
St. Michael Parish, Netcong
Sergio Guaman & Gloria Calle
Sacred Heart Parish, Dover
Lisa & Bob Carey
Corpus Christi Parish, Chatham
Vincent Hoye and Eileen Conti
St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, Chester
Matthew & Christine DiBrienza
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
Nazario and Cristina Fuentes
St. Paul Parish, Clifton
Rafael & Arleth Galindo
Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas Parish, Passaic
Ramon & Susana Gallego
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson
Jason & Nicole Geary
St. Joseph Parish, Mendham
Mary Kathleen Iellimo & Matteo Giacomo
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Whippany
José Alejandro & Sonia Yanira Guerra
St. Paul Parish, Clifton
Bernardo Lopez & Viviana Lopez
St. Brendan & St. George Parish, Clifton
Thomas & Therese Paragano
St. Joseph Church, Mendham
Christopher and Chris Ann Patrick
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Juan & Alba Lucia Pavlowski,
St. Padre Pio Parish, Paterson
Richard & Elizabeth Poore
Holy Family Parish, Florham Park
John & Taryn Pry
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Sparta
Jorge Juan Ramirez and Maria Virginia Mendoza
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
Margaret and Thomas Sanders
Our Lady of the Mountain Parish, Long Valley
Michael & Jennifer Schermerhorn
St. Mary’s Parish, Denville
Paul & Stephanie Schuckalo
Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish, Kinnelon
Joseph & Maria Schwab
Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish, Kinnelon
Hermes & Luz Tafur
St. Paul Parish, Clifton
King Yun Tsoi & Kitsum Joyce Chan
St Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Diocese of Metuchen welcomes its sixth shepherd #Catholic – The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese.
Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate began with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, and Father Edmund A. Luciano, pastor of the host parish, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. Father Toborowsky presented Bishop-Designate Saporito with a crucifix resting upon a pillow to reverence, then he sprinkled holy water on those in the narthex. Numerous bishops of New Jersey joined other clergy in the procession, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. of Trenton; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson; Bishop Joseph A. Williams of Camden, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, of Newark.
His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, read the papal mandate from Pope Leo XIV naming Bishop Saporito the spiritual head of the Metuchen Diocese. Archbishop Caccia noted that the Mass coincided with the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who established the Diocese 45 years ago.
Bishop Saporito, smiling broadly, presented the mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, then, holding it aloft, walked throughout the church so that the faithful might see the Pope’s declaration up close. The bishops in the sanctuary extended a sign of peace, then Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin presented the new Bishop of Metuchen his cathedra and crozier.
Bishop Saporito began his homily recalling the advice by St. Pope John Paul II at his Oct. 22, 1978, inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. The bishop’s own motto was inspired by the Gospel of John wherein Jesus had eaten breakfast with them and told them: Feed My Sheep.
“Our mission together in proclaiming the Good News … allows us to focus on three things: the meal, the mercy, and the mission,” said the Bishop. “Jesus used meals as places of encounter with others, he shared food and opened his heart, [and] here the word is proclaimed.” The meal, or Eucharist “fills our hearts and lives, joins us as one family, takes what we have received and offers it to the world… Jesus sought to touch people’s hearts, and so must we.”
Mercy, the Bishop continued, “frees us from shackles of our own sins. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, my own sense of mercy expanded. We come to Jesus in distress, profound suffering, brokenness, and misery, and he offers freedom and redemption regardless of the baggage. I often picture the gaze of Jesus at Peter; that’s why the song is entitled ‘Amazing Grace’: he lets yesterday go so we can embrace tomorrow with joy. We are not perfect, but all can stand tall by his grace.”
Bishop Saporito cautioned the congregation not to simply fulfill the bare minimums of their faith, but rather to embrace the mission of holiness. “Purpose ignites a passion and a hope within us, for living and meaning and purpose all of our days. We know a better way, let’s show others what we know, let’s lead others to what we know.”
He continued, “It is not enough for us to simply maintain what we have, we must have a heart that aches for those who are missing… Become a Church that does not wait for people to find us, but we should risk leaving the shores of own comfort and seek out the missing. The mission of the Church must go beyond those already here.”
His voice rising in volume and intensity, Bishop Saporito issued a challenge to his new flock. Referring to his new ceremonial chair, or cathedra, he admitted, “Today I sit in a chair that is not mine to keep, but mine to steward, after the command of Christ for a time. Let us take advantage of it together.
“My new sisters and brothers of Metuchen, let us set out together to be a people of the Eucharist, a people of Mercy and a people on a mission,” he concluded. “The waiting is over, and responding to the call now begins. Let us not be afraid, let us open wide the doors to Christ. Amen?” he asked them. They answered with a loud, fervent, “AMEN!!” and resounding applause.
This article appears in the Metuchen Diocese’s October special supplement, “With Open Hearts,” welcoming Bishop Saporito as their new shepherd. Christina Leslie is a contributing editor and correspondent for The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey.
PHOTOS | HAL BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/diocese-of-metuchen-welcomes-its-sixth-shepherd-catholic-the-people-of-metuchen-were-overjoyed-to-welcome-the-most-reverend-michael-arsenio-saporito-as-their-sixth-bishop-during-an-installation-mas.jpg "Diocese of Metuchen welcomes its sixth shepherd #Catholic – The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese.
Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate began with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, and Father Edmund A. Luciano, pastor of the host parish, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. Father Toborowsky presented Bishop-Designate Saporito with a crucifix resting upon a pillow to reverence, then he sprinkled holy water on those in the narthex. Numerous bishops of New Jersey joined other clergy in the procession, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. of Trenton; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson; Bishop Joseph A. Williams of Camden, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, of Newark.
His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, read the papal mandate from Pope Leo XIV naming Bishop Saporito the spiritual head of the Metuchen Diocese. Archbishop Caccia noted that the Mass coincided with the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who established the Diocese 45 years ago.
Bishop Saporito, smiling broadly, presented the mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, then, holding it aloft, walked throughout the church so that the faithful might see the Pope’s declaration up close. The bishops in the sanctuary extended a sign of peace, then Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin presented the new Bishop of Metuchen his cathedra and crozier.
Bishop Saporito began his homily recalling the advice by St. Pope John Paul II at his Oct. 22, 1978, inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. The bishop’s own motto was inspired by the Gospel of John wherein Jesus had eaten breakfast with them and told them: Feed My Sheep.
“Our mission together in proclaiming the Good News … allows us to focus on three things: the meal, the mercy, and the mission,” said the Bishop. “Jesus used meals as places of encounter with others, he shared food and opened his heart, [and] here the word is proclaimed.” The meal, or Eucharist “fills our hearts and lives, joins us as one family, takes what we have received and offers it to the world… Jesus sought to touch people’s hearts, and so must we.”
Mercy, the Bishop continued, “frees us from shackles of our own sins. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, my own sense of mercy expanded. We come to Jesus in distress, profound suffering, brokenness, and misery, and he offers freedom and redemption regardless of the baggage. I often picture the gaze of Jesus at Peter; that’s why the song is entitled ‘Amazing Grace’: he lets yesterday go so we can embrace tomorrow with joy. We are not perfect, but all can stand tall by his grace.”
Bishop Saporito cautioned the congregation not to simply fulfill the bare minimums of their faith, but rather to embrace the mission of holiness. “Purpose ignites a passion and a hope within us, for living and meaning and purpose all of our days. We know a better way, let’s show others what we know, let’s lead others to what we know.”
He continued, “It is not enough for us to simply maintain what we have, we must have a heart that aches for those who are missing… Become a Church that does not wait for people to find us, but we should risk leaving the shores of own comfort and seek out the missing. The mission of the Church must go beyond those already here.”
His voice rising in volume and intensity, Bishop Saporito issued a challenge to his new flock. Referring to his new ceremonial chair, or cathedra, he admitted, “Today I sit in a chair that is not mine to keep, but mine to steward, after the command of Christ for a time. Let us take advantage of it together.
“My new sisters and brothers of Metuchen, let us set out together to be a people of the Eucharist, a people of Mercy and a people on a mission,” he concluded. “The waiting is over, and responding to the call now begins. Let us not be afraid, let us open wide the doors to Christ. Amen?” he asked them. They answered with a loud, fervent, “AMEN!!” and resounding applause.
This article appears in the Metuchen Diocese’s October special supplement, “With Open Hearts,” welcoming Bishop Saporito as their new shepherd. Christina Leslie is a contributing editor and correspondent for The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey.
PHOTOS | HAL BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Catholics urged to strengthen missionary spirit in Prospect Park #Catholic – It was a day to unite the whole Church in one mission, in response to Pope Leo XIV’s call, and for Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to bring that missionary spirit to a united home church in the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
A nearly full, bilingual crowd of pilgrims, including m missionary priests, religious, and laity, gathered on Oct. 18 at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, N.J., to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in marking the 100th World Mission Sunday at the parish’s noon Mass.
That afternoon, a video from Pope Leo XIV was shown for World Mission Sunday, which was guided by the theme, One in Christ, United in Mission.
“You saw him smiling in the video, right? He has that beautiful ‘alma misionera,’ that missionary heart and joy that comes, and you can see it in his smile, and in the example that he lives as he asks the whole Church to continue our missionary journey with joy and zeal, enthusiasm,” Bishop Sweeney said after the video. “This requires hearts united, corazones unidos, in Cristo, hearts united in Christ,” he said.
A papal decree from the Second Vatican Council says that our pilgrim Church, by its nature, is a missionary Church.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“It is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin,” the decree expresses.
Pope Leo has been recovering from recent surgery to remove that area of his lungs after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and is waiting for his upcoming trip to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. Bishop Sweeney linked the missionary call to the experience of immigrants to the United States, past and present.
During the Mass, St. Paul’s faithful donated to the second collection, the World Mission Sunday collection. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, proceeds from the collection:
• Support more than 1,100 missionary dioceses across the earth, including Pope Leo XIV’s previous diocese of Chiclayo in Peru,
•Fund religious formation and seminaries worldwide, helping about 80,000 seminarians,
•Support the Missionary Childhood Association, which helps the faith formation and practical needs of children worldwide,
• Fund the Pontifical Missionary Union, which works in formation to help empower missionary disciples.
• Support the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The Vatican says the society “aims to open the heart of every believer to the vastness of the missionary horizon, through spiritual and material support for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.”
• Fund the Society of St. Peter the Apostle for priestly and religious vocations.
“As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission,” Bishop Sweeney told the congregation in his English and Spanish homily, “let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by grace, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation, cada uno de nosotros, each one of us, and advance together, juntos como hermanos, that together [as] sisters and brothers, we go forward as missionaries in the commitment of evangelization, sharing the good news of the faith in this new missionary age in the history of the Church.”
Bishop Sweeney continued, “Let us pray at this Mass that we can be renewed in our hearts, at home, in our families, in school, at work, as we live our faith, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation.”
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/catholics-urged-to-strengthen-missionary-spirit-in-prospect-park-catholic-it-was-a-day-to-unite-the-whole-church-in-one-mission-in-response-to-pope-leo-xivs-call-and-for-bishop-kevin-j-sw.jpg "Catholics urged to strengthen missionary spirit in Prospect Park #Catholic – It was a day to unite the whole Church in one mission, in response to Pope Leo XIV’s call, and for Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to bring that missionary spirit to a united home church in the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
A nearly full, bilingual crowd of pilgrims, including m missionary priests, religious, and laity, gathered on Oct. 18 at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, N.J., to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in marking the 100th World Mission Sunday at the parish’s noon Mass.
That afternoon, a video from Pope Leo XIV was shown for World Mission Sunday, which was guided by the theme, One in Christ, United in Mission.
“You saw him smiling in the video, right? He has that beautiful ‘alma misionera,’ that missionary heart and joy that comes, and you can see it in his smile, and in the example that he lives as he asks the whole Church to continue our missionary journey with joy and zeal, enthusiasm,” Bishop Sweeney said after the video. “This requires hearts united, corazones unidos, in Cristo, hearts united in Christ,” he said.
A papal decree from the Second Vatican Council says that our pilgrim Church, by its nature, is a missionary Church.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“It is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin,” the decree expresses.
Pope Leo has been recovering from recent surgery to remove that area of his lungs after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and is waiting for his upcoming trip to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. Bishop Sweeney linked the missionary call to the experience of immigrants to the United States, past and present.
During the Mass, St. Paul’s faithful donated to the second collection, the World Mission Sunday collection. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, proceeds from the collection:
• Support more than 1,100 missionary dioceses across the earth, including Pope Leo XIV’s previous diocese of Chiclayo in Peru,
•Fund religious formation and seminaries worldwide, helping about 80,000 seminarians,
•Support the Missionary Childhood Association, which helps the faith formation and practical needs of children worldwide,
• Fund the Pontifical Missionary Union, which works in formation to help empower missionary disciples.
• Support the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The Vatican says the society “aims to open the heart of every believer to the vastness of the missionary horizon, through spiritual and material support for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.”
• Fund the Society of St. Peter the Apostle for priestly and religious vocations.
“As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission,” Bishop Sweeney told the congregation in his English and Spanish homily, “let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by grace, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation, cada uno de nosotros, each one of us, and advance together, juntos como hermanos, that together [as] sisters and brothers, we go forward as missionaries in the commitment of evangelization, sharing the good news of the faith in this new missionary age in the history of the Church.”
Bishop Sweeney continued, “Let us pray at this Mass that we can be renewed in our hearts, at home, in our families, in school, at work, as we live our faith, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation.”
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![St. Mary’s man found faith through pre-game football Masses #Catholic – Billy Harris, longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville, N.J., “is a person who lives his faith, and you can see it in his actions, in his words, and in his deeds. He lives it very faithfully every single day,” according to Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor.
That faith was in motion back in 1980, when Harris and his Whippany Park High School Wildcat teammates faced reigning state champion Madison High School in the 1980 Group II Section II state football final.
Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats led 3-0 and had the ball at their own 40-yard line when quarterback Mark Grasso heaved a 50-yard pass, which Harris took away from the opposing defender at the 10-yard line and scooted for the touchdown and an eventual 10-0 lead.
It was the biggest catch of the season for the 1980 Wildcats football team, a team that rarely passed the ball. The Wildcats would go on to win, 10 – 9, for Whippany Park High School’s lone state football crown, and they finished the season with 10 wins and one loss.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Harris said, “We [he and his former teammates] have gotten together and brought back the old game films, and I just remember smiling the entire time. It is almost indescribable how the bond has stayed with us.”
Harris and his teammates also had deep faith and relied on God. Before every game, except one [coincidentally, that game against Chatham was their only loss], the team would travel in the morning to the chapel at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood in Hanover Township, N.J. There, they attended a Mass celebrated by the late Father Regis Wallace. The club would also recite a pre-game prayer in the locker room before heading out to the gridiron.
In 1980, Harris was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel. Later, he was part of their Operation Appalachia Ministry group, where he spent a week each year in Preston County, W.V. doing volunteer construction work. Harris eventually moved to Denville, where he became a member of St. Mary’s Parish and joined its Outreach Ministry. The ministry combined with that of Notre Dame’s to travel to West Virginia with more than 50 volunteers. Harris has been part of that first-week-of-August volunteer effort for 20 years.
Harris, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his brother, Joseph, an ordained permanent deacon at Notre Dame, would bring their children with them on Operation Appalachia Ministry mission trips. Joseph’s daughter, Julia, met and later married Dan Rizos, a member of Saint Mary’s volunteer group, and now runs Operation Appalachia for Notre Dame.
In 1980, Father Wallace’s pregame homily spoke about teamwork and friendship, which moved Harris and his teammates.
“That team was comprised of friends, and we grew together for a common goal. And playing together built relationships that are still very dear to us today,” Harris said.
With his wife, Dawn, Harris has a daughter, Kelsey, and his son, Mark, who are also involved at St. Mary’s. In addition to Operation Appalachia, Harris helps with the annual parish picnic and live streaming of the Sunday Masses.
“Billy is very much involved with our outreach programs,” Father Glynn said. “He has a very open heart, especially for those who are vulnerable. And he really comes to the plate when you need him. He’s also involved in the celebration for the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Mary’s,” the pastor said.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/st-marys-man-found-faith-through-pre-game-football-masses-catholic-billy-harris-longtime-parishioner-at-st-marys-parish-in-denville-n-j-is-a-person-who-lives-his-fa.jpg "St. Mary’s man found faith through pre-game football Masses #Catholic – Billy Harris, longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville, N.J., “is a person who lives his faith, and you can see it in his actions, in his words, and in his deeds. He lives it very faithfully every single day,” according to Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor.
That faith was in motion back in 1980, when Harris and his Whippany Park High School Wildcat teammates faced reigning state champion Madison High School in the 1980 Group II Section II state football final.
Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats led 3-0 and had the ball at their own 40-yard line when quarterback Mark Grasso heaved a 50-yard pass, which Harris took away from the opposing defender at the 10-yard line and scooted for the touchdown and an eventual 10-0 lead.
It was the biggest catch of the season for the 1980 Wildcats football team, a team that rarely passed the ball. The Wildcats would go on to win, 10 – 9, for Whippany Park High School’s lone state football crown, and they finished the season with 10 wins and one loss.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Harris said, “We [he and his former teammates] have gotten together and brought back the old game films, and I just remember smiling the entire time. It is almost indescribable how the bond has stayed with us.”
Harris and his teammates also had deep faith and relied on God. Before every game, except one [coincidentally, that game against Chatham was their only loss], the team would travel in the morning to the chapel at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood in Hanover Township, N.J. There, they attended a Mass celebrated by the late Father Regis Wallace. The club would also recite a pre-game prayer in the locker room before heading out to the gridiron.
In 1980, Harris was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel. Later, he was part of their Operation Appalachia Ministry group, where he spent a week each year in Preston County, W.V. doing volunteer construction work. Harris eventually moved to Denville, where he became a member of St. Mary’s Parish and joined its Outreach Ministry. The ministry combined with that of Notre Dame’s to travel to West Virginia with more than 50 volunteers. Harris has been part of that first-week-of-August volunteer effort for 20 years.
Harris, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his brother, Joseph, an ordained permanent deacon at Notre Dame, would bring their children with them on Operation Appalachia Ministry mission trips. Joseph’s daughter, Julia, met and later married Dan Rizos, a member of Saint Mary’s volunteer group, and now runs Operation Appalachia for Notre Dame.
In 1980, Father Wallace’s pregame homily spoke about teamwork and friendship, which moved Harris and his teammates.
“That team was comprised of friends, and we grew together for a common goal. And playing together built relationships that are still very dear to us today,” Harris said.
With his wife, Dawn, Harris has a daughter, Kelsey, and his son, Mark, who are also involved at St. Mary’s. In addition to Operation Appalachia, Harris helps with the annual parish picnic and live streaming of the Sunday Masses.
“Billy is very much involved with our outreach programs,” Father Glynn said. “He has a very open heart, especially for those who are vulnerable. And he really comes to the plate when you need him. He’s also involved in the celebration for the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Mary’s,” the pastor said.")
![More than 1,000 spend a day at ‘Mary’s Shrine’ in Washington, D.C. for triennial pilgrimage #Catholic – Boarding buses as early as 6 a.m., more than 1,000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. traveled to Washington, D.C. to spend the day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Oct. 17. Affectionately known as “Mary’s Shrine,” the pilgrimage to the basilica is a triennial diocesan event, with the last one held in 2023.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney led the daylong event, which included a crowning of an image of the Blessed Mother, the opportunity for confessions, a catechetical presentation, multilingual recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Mass. Priests from all three counties of the diocese led 17 bus groups. Father Michael Rodak, diocesan director of pilgrimages and pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Hardyston, coordinated the buses and an overnight trip in which about 100 pilgrims participated.
Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of worship and pastor of St. Brendan and St. George Parish in Clifton, organized the liturgical events of the day.
The Marian-themed pilgrimage allowed diocesan visitors to see more than 80 chapels dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Some of the chapels are dedicated to Marian titles such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Miraculous Medal.
The apses in the basilica’s Great Upper Church retell the life of Jesus through the mysteries of the rosary depicted through mosaics. The basilica’s Trinity Dome, the central and largest dome of the National Shrine, is another visual highlight.
In the Lower Church, confessions were held for pilgrims seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There were also catechetical talks led by Father Yojaneider Garcia, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Randolph and diocesan director of the Catechetical Office and Faith Formation. The basilica also remembers the many Americans who have helped shape the Catholic Church in the United States in its Hall of American Saints.
BEACON PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/more-than-1000-spend-a-day-at-marys-shrine-in-washington-d-c-for-triennial-pilgrimage-catholic-boarding-buses-as-early-as-6-a-m-more-than-1000-pilgrims-from-the-dio.jpg "More than 1,000 spend a day at ‘Mary’s Shrine’ in Washington, D.C. for triennial pilgrimage #Catholic – Boarding buses as early as 6 a.m., more than 1,000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. traveled to Washington, D.C. to spend the day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Oct. 17. Affectionately known as “Mary’s Shrine,” the pilgrimage to the basilica is a triennial diocesan event, with the last one held in 2023.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney led the daylong event, which included a crowning of an image of the Blessed Mother, the opportunity for confessions, a catechetical presentation, multilingual recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Mass. Priests from all three counties of the diocese led 17 bus groups. Father Michael Rodak, diocesan director of pilgrimages and pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Hardyston, coordinated the buses and an overnight trip in which about 100 pilgrims participated.
Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of worship and pastor of St. Brendan and St. George Parish in Clifton, organized the liturgical events of the day.
The Marian-themed pilgrimage allowed diocesan visitors to see more than 80 chapels dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Some of the chapels are dedicated to Marian titles such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Miraculous Medal.
The apses in the basilica’s Great Upper Church retell the life of Jesus through the mysteries of the rosary depicted through mosaics. The basilica’s Trinity Dome, the central and largest dome of the National Shrine, is another visual highlight.
In the Lower Church, confessions were held for pilgrims seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There were also catechetical talks led by Father Yojaneider Garcia, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Randolph and diocesan director of the Catechetical Office and Faith Formation. The basilica also remembers the many Americans who have helped shape the Catholic Church in the United States in its Hall of American Saints.
BEACON PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Paterson rector hailed for inspiring hope and supporting children #Catholic – The community of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., beamed with pride on Oct. 18 as Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh presented the Key to the City to Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector, for “being a champion for children and a beacon of hope for Paterson.” The mayor made the presentation that day at the end of the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
Msgr. Sylva has served as rector of St. John’s, the mother church of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., for about eight years. He also serves as diocesan vicar for special projects. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Holy See, reflecting his commitment to evangelization.
Under Msgr. Sylva’s leadership, St. John’s has expanded its outreach to children. The cathedral established Compostela, a faith-filled after-school and catechetical program for K- 8; Young Prophets youth ministry; a Special Needs Ministry with a monthly Mass; and a Cathedral Summer Camp. It’s active music ministry includes a Children’s Choir. St. John’s also welcomed KIPP Paterson Elementary Prep, a K-4 public charter school housed in its Catechetical and Educational Building.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
St. John’s holds Bethlehem in Paterson, a major holiday outreach and gift-giving program that transforms the cathedral area, also known as the Block of Mercy, into a festive setting to share the spirit of Christmas. The cathedral has also expanded its social justice ministries and outreach to Hispanic Catholics among many other initiatives.
After the Mass, Mayor Sayegh called Msgr. Sylva “an MVP: Most Valuable Priest,” on social media.
“He’s also a champion for children, especially our youth at the Paterson Prep School and the Young Prophets program,” Mayor Sayegh said about Msgr. Sylva. “He’s a credit to our community, and he has been a blessing everywhere he has served, including the Vatican. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating a Mighty Man of God!” he said.
Msgr. Sylva called the Key to the City presentation “a beautiful celebration of our mission here to the children of the city through the school and Compostela. We are blessed.”
In his homily at the Mass before the presentation, Msgr. Sylva thanked all those involved in St. John’s, Compostela, KIPP Paterson Prep, diocesan leadership, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and Paterson emergency services and government, including Mayor Sayegh.
“As I receive the key to the City of Paterson, I find myself thinking about the children of this city and about [William] Wordsworth’s beautiful image of those children trailing clouds of glory. What a responsibility and opportunity we have to give our children the keys of beauty, truth, and goodness with which to unlock the gates of heaven. Nothing more merciful than that,” Msgr. Sylva said in his homily. “Mr. Mayor, thank you for presenting us with the key to the City. I promise, we will keep working to place these keys in the hands of our children, for Wordsworth was right: children come into this world trailing clouds of glory. Our responsibility is to make sure that as they grow older, those clouds of glory do not simply disappear into the darkness of the world, but lead them to the eternal Compostela, that heavenly field of stars,” the rector said.
Ordained a priest in 1993, Msgr. Sylva also sits on the Board of the Paterson Prep Charter School as one of its founding members. He also serves as chaplain for the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York Division of the FBI.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/paterson-rector-hailed-for-inspiring-hope-and-supporting-children-catholic-the-community-of-the-cathedral-of-st-john-the-baptist-in-paterson-n-j-beamed-with-pride-on-oct-18-as-paterson-mayor-a.jpg "Paterson rector hailed for inspiring hope and supporting children #Catholic – The community of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., beamed with pride on Oct. 18 as Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh presented the Key to the City to Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector, for “being a champion for children and a beacon of hope for Paterson.” The mayor made the presentation that day at the end of the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
Msgr. Sylva has served as rector of St. John’s, the mother church of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., for about eight years. He also serves as diocesan vicar for special projects. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Holy See, reflecting his commitment to evangelization.
Under Msgr. Sylva’s leadership, St. John’s has expanded its outreach to children. The cathedral established Compostela, a faith-filled after-school and catechetical program for K- 8; Young Prophets youth ministry; a Special Needs Ministry with a monthly Mass; and a Cathedral Summer Camp. It’s active music ministry includes a Children’s Choir. St. John’s also welcomed KIPP Paterson Elementary Prep, a K-4 public charter school housed in its Catechetical and Educational Building.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
St. John’s holds Bethlehem in Paterson, a major holiday outreach and gift-giving program that transforms the cathedral area, also known as the Block of Mercy, into a festive setting to share the spirit of Christmas. The cathedral has also expanded its social justice ministries and outreach to Hispanic Catholics among many other initiatives.
After the Mass, Mayor Sayegh called Msgr. Sylva “an MVP: Most Valuable Priest,” on social media.
“He’s also a champion for children, especially our youth at the Paterson Prep School and the Young Prophets program,” Mayor Sayegh said about Msgr. Sylva. “He’s a credit to our community, and he has been a blessing everywhere he has served, including the Vatican. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating a Mighty Man of God!” he said.
Msgr. Sylva called the Key to the City presentation “a beautiful celebration of our mission here to the children of the city through the school and Compostela. We are blessed.”
In his homily at the Mass before the presentation, Msgr. Sylva thanked all those involved in St. John’s, Compostela, KIPP Paterson Prep, diocesan leadership, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and Paterson emergency services and government, including Mayor Sayegh.
“As I receive the key to the City of Paterson, I find myself thinking about the children of this city and about [William] Wordsworth’s beautiful image of those children trailing clouds of glory. What a responsibility and opportunity we have to give our children the keys of beauty, truth, and goodness with which to unlock the gates of heaven. Nothing more merciful than that,” Msgr. Sylva said in his homily. “Mr. Mayor, thank you for presenting us with the key to the City. I promise, we will keep working to place these keys in the hands of our children, for Wordsworth was right: children come into this world trailing clouds of glory. Our responsibility is to make sure that as they grow older, those clouds of glory do not simply disappear into the darkness of the world, but lead them to the eternal Compostela, that heavenly field of stars,” the rector said.
Ordained a priest in 1993, Msgr. Sylva also sits on the Board of the Paterson Prep Charter School as one of its founding members. He also serves as chaplain for the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York Division of the FBI.")
![Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/advocates-speak-for-voiceless-at-n-j-march-for-life-catholic-from-around-the-paterson-diocese-and-throughout-new-jersey-thousands-of-pro-life-advocates-traveled-to-trenton-to-be-a-voice-for-the-v.jpg "Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Emaús Retreat at cathedral fosters deeper life of evangelization #Catholic – Linked arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand in sung prayer, believers filled the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist as alumni of a retreat experience that has connected thousands across the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey.
Pilgrims who have experienced the powerful Emaús retreat celebrated Christ’s love at a Spanish-language Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Sept. 25 at the cathedral.
Each of them has participated in the three-day, mainly Spanish-language experience, in which Deacon German Vargas from the cathedral has played a major part in infusing the life of faith in the diocese. He calls the “siblinghood” of Emaús a community of brothers and sisters who, after the retreat, encounter the presence, grace, love, and mercy of Christ and make the Catholic faith the center of their lives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“The bishop affirmed that the movement of the Holy Spirit has gifted us the Emaús fellowship,” Deacon Vargas shared. “The bishop emphasized the need not to be afraid and to keep walking together, like the disciples of Emmaus, strengthened by the Word of God,” he said.
The retreat program has touched thousands of New Jerseyans. Its title comes from the story of the road to Emmaus as shared in Luke. In it, Christ draws near to two people taking that road without identifying himself until he breaks bread with them in a Eucharistic expression, following the pattern of the Last Supper.
“Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” the two men say about Jesus.
Emaús, a retreat program that began at a parish in 1978 at St. Louis Parish in Miami, came to St. Mary Help of Christians in Paterson, N.J., in 2017 and has spread to 10 parishes in the diocese.
“The idea was to make a retreat for people who didn’t have the chance to go to other retreats,” said Father Duberney Villamizar, pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Morristown, N.J., who also helps facilitate Emaús.
Father Villamizar added, “There are some retreats that require some background for the people — a discernment retreat for those thinking about vocations or retreats for couples, married couples. There were other requirements at the time this Emmaus retreat started in Florida. The parish priest wanted to have a retreat for anybody, those who are in the pews, those who are just arriving in the church.”
Through Emaús, men and women hold separate retreats that become deeply personal encounters with the Lord.
“It grew organically here at the cathedral,” said Msgr. Geno Sylva, the rector of St. John’s and diocesan vicar for special projects. “After the retreat, I started seeing not only that the lives of people who went on the retreat converted and changed, but they became so faithful, not only with being here [on] Sunday, but getting involved in so many other areas of the cathedral’s life. It’s part of my vision for evangelization here at the cathedral,” he said.
Msgr. Sylva credits Deacon Vargas and Father Villamizar with helping expand the retreat, which has become a key outreach tool, inviting people into the faith who have not had that deeper encounter with Christ.
“I have a St. John Paul II, Pope Francis, and Benedict XIV [approach] to New Evangelization. It has to be about going beyond the walls to inviting people to a larger communion and to Sunday Mass,” Msgr. Sylva said.
That invitation often comes from Emaús alums who also help make the retreat happen.
“It started forming what we call now the brotherhoods and the sisterhoods in the different parishes,” Father Villamizar said. “Those who leave the retreat already are the ones who prepare a new retreat and invite new people,” he said.
Those alumni also create regular follow-up opportunities for others who have gone on the retreat to continue the spiritual growth in community with others who know the power of the experience.
“They meet biweekly after the retreat,” Msgr. Sylva said, “and you have to make the retreat to be at those meetings because there’s a real focus on trust and confidentiality at that level of faith sharing.”
Leaders are launching a school with Emaús alums to form disciples who can support the New Evangelization. They aim to bring the fire for Christ that was launched when the Lord approached a pair of people who didn’t initially recognize him — the kind that changes hearts so passionately that they come together on a Friday night for a Mass that fills a cathedral.
“Just like the disciples of Emmaus,” said Deacon Vargas, “we must ask the Lord to stay with us, in our hearts and in our families.”
Click here to find more on Emaús in New Jersey.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/emaus-retreat-at-cathedral-fosters-deeper-life-of-evangelization-catholic-linked-arm-in-arm-hand-in-hand-in-sung-prayer-believers-filled-the-cathedral-of-st-john-the-baptist-as-alumni-of-a-retre.jpg "Emaús Retreat at cathedral fosters deeper life of evangelization #Catholic – Linked arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand in sung prayer, believers filled the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist as alumni of a retreat experience that has connected thousands across the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey.
Pilgrims who have experienced the powerful Emaús retreat celebrated Christ’s love at a Spanish-language Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Sept. 25 at the cathedral.
Each of them has participated in the three-day, mainly Spanish-language experience, in which Deacon German Vargas from the cathedral has played a major part in infusing the life of faith in the diocese. He calls the “siblinghood” of Emaús a community of brothers and sisters who, after the retreat, encounter the presence, grace, love, and mercy of Christ and make the Catholic faith the center of their lives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“The bishop affirmed that the movement of the Holy Spirit has gifted us the Emaús fellowship,” Deacon Vargas shared. “The bishop emphasized the need not to be afraid and to keep walking together, like the disciples of Emmaus, strengthened by the Word of God,” he said.
The retreat program has touched thousands of New Jerseyans. Its title comes from the story of the road to Emmaus as shared in Luke. In it, Christ draws near to two people taking that road without identifying himself until he breaks bread with them in a Eucharistic expression, following the pattern of the Last Supper.
“Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” the two men say about Jesus.
Emaús, a retreat program that began at a parish in 1978 at St. Louis Parish in Miami, came to St. Mary Help of Christians in Paterson, N.J., in 2017 and has spread to 10 parishes in the diocese.
“The idea was to make a retreat for people who didn’t have the chance to go to other retreats,” said Father Duberney Villamizar, pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Morristown, N.J., who also helps facilitate Emaús.
Father Villamizar added, “There are some retreats that require some background for the people — a discernment retreat for those thinking about vocations or retreats for couples, married couples. There were other requirements at the time this Emmaus retreat started in Florida. The parish priest wanted to have a retreat for anybody, those who are in the pews, those who are just arriving in the church.”
Through Emaús, men and women hold separate retreats that become deeply personal encounters with the Lord.
“It grew organically here at the cathedral,” said Msgr. Geno Sylva, the rector of St. John’s and diocesan vicar for special projects. “After the retreat, I started seeing not only that the lives of people who went on the retreat converted and changed, but they became so faithful, not only with being here [on] Sunday, but getting involved in so many other areas of the cathedral’s life. It’s part of my vision for evangelization here at the cathedral,” he said.
Msgr. Sylva credits Deacon Vargas and Father Villamizar with helping expand the retreat, which has become a key outreach tool, inviting people into the faith who have not had that deeper encounter with Christ.
“I have a St. John Paul II, Pope Francis, and Benedict XIV [approach] to New Evangelization. It has to be about going beyond the walls to inviting people to a larger communion and to Sunday Mass,” Msgr. Sylva said.
That invitation often comes from Emaús alums who also help make the retreat happen.
“It started forming what we call now the brotherhoods and the sisterhoods in the different parishes,” Father Villamizar said. “Those who leave the retreat already are the ones who prepare a new retreat and invite new people,” he said.
Those alumni also create regular follow-up opportunities for others who have gone on the retreat to continue the spiritual growth in community with others who know the power of the experience.
“They meet biweekly after the retreat,” Msgr. Sylva said, “and you have to make the retreat to be at those meetings because there’s a real focus on trust and confidentiality at that level of faith sharing.”
Leaders are launching a school with Emaús alums to form disciples who can support the New Evangelization. They aim to bring the fire for Christ that was launched when the Lord approached a pair of people who didn’t initially recognize him — the kind that changes hearts so passionately that they come together on a Friday night for a Mass that fills a cathedral.
“Just like the disciples of Emmaus,” said Deacon Vargas, “we must ask the Lord to stay with us, in our hearts and in our families.”
Click here to find more on Emaús in New Jersey.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![In Morristown, Bishop offers hope to fearful migrants, refugees #Catholic – On Sept. 27, many Hispanic Catholics joined Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who celebrated a Spanish Mass for the 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Morristown, N.J. During the liturgy, the bishop offered Latino Catholics hope at a time when many of them are in fear of being targeted by law enforcement in the current immigration crisis or mistreated because of their ethnicity.
“The message is [to] know that whatever is going on, you are not alone, and the Church is here for you,” Father Duberney Villamizar, the pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland, said.
The Mass was filled with praiseful songs, assisted by dozens of altar servers, and concelebrated by many priests. Bishop Sweeney and the other clergy shared a bilingual message of solidarity and symbolism with the pilgrimage to heaven.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“We’re blessed to live in a community, an immigrant community here in Morristown,” said Bishop Sweeney in English during the mostly Spanish Mass.
“As members of the Church, we’re all migrants; we’re all peregrinos [pilgrims] in pilgrimage together, hopefully one day to God, to the life of Heaven. Pope Leo invited us all to be part of this 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees. We pray for migrants and refugees in a special way during this Mass,” Bishop Sweeney said.
Bishop Sweeney said that while the Church respects the law, every person is a child of God and deserves treatment that reflects that human dignity.
Bishop Sweeney’s message of “you are not alone” reflects the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Justice for Immigrants Initiative. It offers Church resources for emergency support, solidarity in public witness and prayer, and pastoral support for immigrants and those suffering during the current crisis.
The Mass at St. Margaret’s was part of a week planned by the USCCB dedicated to immigrants and refugees in the U.S. St. Margaret of Scotland Parish held an additional rosary this week.
“It’s something that we have been trying to do in the last almost two years [with] everything that is going on in the country,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar estimates that about 800 people came to Sunday’s Mass, which happened just five days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted activity in the Morristown.
“People are afraid to even go to church,” Father Villamizar said. “People are really concerned, not because we are doing anything wrong.”
Father Villamizar even shared his own concern, as he is an immigrant from Colombia who took the proper steps to become an American citizen.
“What if I just work without my wallet, or I don’t have any proof that I am an American citizen? They can detain me until I prove that I am here doing good things,’ Father Villamizar said.
In this climate, the Mass celebrated on Sunday at his church helps people enduring such fear recognize the human sanctity they have, which cannot be taken away from them, and gives them the courage to endure while living their lives, Father Villamizar said.
“There is a dignity that comes only from God,” Father Villamizar said.
“The suffering is real. So many people try to keep going on with their lives, with their businesses, with whatever they are doing, making this place a better place with everything they are, with everything they are giving,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar said the message on Sept. 27 will remain true for everyone who feels the anxiety of the current age and culture surrounding Latinos: that the Catholic Church may not be able to fix every issue, but that Christ and his Church will be here to accompany them every step, no matter what happens.
“We are not promising to solve everyone’s problems, but at least you know that you are not by yourself,” Father Villamizar said. “Somebody cares about you, somebody wants to be with you, somebody wants to be in this experience with you,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/in-morristown-bishop-offers-hope-to-fearful-migrants-refugees-catholic-on-sept-27-many-hispanic-catholics-joined-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-who-celebrated-a-spanish-mass-for-the-112th-world-day-f.jpg "In Morristown, Bishop offers hope to fearful migrants, refugees #Catholic – On Sept. 27, many Hispanic Catholics joined Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who celebrated a Spanish Mass for the 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Morristown, N.J. During the liturgy, the bishop offered Latino Catholics hope at a time when many of them are in fear of being targeted by law enforcement in the current immigration crisis or mistreated because of their ethnicity.
“The message is [to] know that whatever is going on, you are not alone, and the Church is here for you,” Father Duberney Villamizar, the pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland, said.
The Mass was filled with praiseful songs, assisted by dozens of altar servers, and concelebrated by many priests. Bishop Sweeney and the other clergy shared a bilingual message of solidarity and symbolism with the pilgrimage to heaven.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“We’re blessed to live in a community, an immigrant community here in Morristown,” said Bishop Sweeney in English during the mostly Spanish Mass.
“As members of the Church, we’re all migrants; we’re all peregrinos [pilgrims] in pilgrimage together, hopefully one day to God, to the life of Heaven. Pope Leo invited us all to be part of this 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees. We pray for migrants and refugees in a special way during this Mass,” Bishop Sweeney said.
Bishop Sweeney said that while the Church respects the law, every person is a child of God and deserves treatment that reflects that human dignity.
Bishop Sweeney’s message of “you are not alone” reflects the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Justice for Immigrants Initiative. It offers Church resources for emergency support, solidarity in public witness and prayer, and pastoral support for immigrants and those suffering during the current crisis.
The Mass at St. Margaret’s was part of a week planned by the USCCB dedicated to immigrants and refugees in the U.S. St. Margaret of Scotland Parish held an additional rosary this week.
“It’s something that we have been trying to do in the last almost two years [with] everything that is going on in the country,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar estimates that about 800 people came to Sunday’s Mass, which happened just five days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted activity in the Morristown.
“People are afraid to even go to church,” Father Villamizar said. “People are really concerned, not because we are doing anything wrong.”
Father Villamizar even shared his own concern, as he is an immigrant from Colombia who took the proper steps to become an American citizen.
“What if I just work without my wallet, or I don’t have any proof that I am an American citizen? They can detain me until I prove that I am here doing good things,’ Father Villamizar said.
In this climate, the Mass celebrated on Sunday at his church helps people enduring such fear recognize the human sanctity they have, which cannot be taken away from them, and gives them the courage to endure while living their lives, Father Villamizar said.
“There is a dignity that comes only from God,” Father Villamizar said.
“The suffering is real. So many people try to keep going on with their lives, with their businesses, with whatever they are doing, making this place a better place with everything they are, with everything they are giving,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar said the message on Sept. 27 will remain true for everyone who feels the anxiety of the current age and culture surrounding Latinos: that the Catholic Church may not be able to fix every issue, but that Christ and his Church will be here to accompany them every step, no matter what happens.
“We are not promising to solve everyone’s problems, but at least you know that you are not by yourself,” Father Villamizar said. “Somebody cares about you, somebody wants to be with you, somebody wants to be in this experience with you,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Denville parish celebrates century of Catholic faith and generosity #Catholic – The St. Mary Parish community in Denville, N.J., consistently demonstrates “phenomenal generosity” to people in need, whether donating to the parish food pantry, the Christmas Giving Tree, or the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Mary’s to help the parish celebrate a century of Catholic faith, community — and boundless generosity — during a Mass he presided over in the church. Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s since 2007, was among several priests who concelebrated the historic Mass with the bishop.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 100 years since St. Mary’s was founded as a mission from St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J.,” said Father Glynn, who also serves as president of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. “It was great to see so many people come and celebrate with us and to have the bishop here,” he said.
Guided by the theme, “A Century of Faith, Service and Unity Rooted in Christ,” St. Mary’s held 100th anniversary activities, including a picnic in August and a gala after the Mass on Sept. 26. In addition, the parish plans to build a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother on the property next year.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“St. Mary’s has a phenomenal sense of generosity — caring for those on the margins,” Father Glynn said. “This parish is a close-knit community. When parishioners retire, most of them stay in Denville,” he said.
With Father Glynn, other priests who concelebrated the centennial Mass included Father Stephen Delia Jr., St. Mary’s current parochial vicar; Father Richard Tartaglia, a retired diocesan priest, who is a weekend assistant at St. Mary’s and preceded Father Glynn’s as pastor of the parish; Msgr. Martin McDonnell, a retired diocesan priest who served the parish on his first assignment; Msgr. Mark Olenowski, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Montville, N.J., a former resident of Denville; and Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired diocesan priest.
St. Mary’s has an array of ministries, including liturgical ministries such as lectoring, as well as faith formation, high-school youth group, centering prayer, nocturnal adoration, Bible study, bereavement, Respect Life Ministry, and MASH, or St. Mary’s Association of Service and Help.
Founded as a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in 1926, St. Mary’s was raised to full parish status by Bishop Thomas McLaughlin in1941. A small brick English Gothic church was built at the intersection of Route 46 and Myers Avenue. Early parishioners were primarily Irish or German, coming from the old minefields in Hibernia.
The parish built its school in 1954 and enlarged the church building in 1956 to accommodate the growing year-round community as Denville transitioned from a summer lake resort into a permanent residential town.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] ‘](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/denville-parish-celebrates-century-of-catholic-faith-and-generosity-catholic-the-st-mary-parish-community-in-denville-n-j-consistently-demonstrates-phenomenal-generosity-to-pe.jpg "Denville parish celebrates century of Catholic faith and generosity #Catholic – The St. Mary Parish community in Denville, N.J., consistently demonstrates “phenomenal generosity” to people in need, whether donating to the parish food pantry, the Christmas Giving Tree, or the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Mary’s to help the parish celebrate a century of Catholic faith, community — and boundless generosity — during a Mass he presided over in the church. Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s since 2007, was among several priests who concelebrated the historic Mass with the bishop.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 100 years since St. Mary’s was founded as a mission from St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J.,” said Father Glynn, who also serves as president of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. “It was great to see so many people come and celebrate with us and to have the bishop here,” he said.
Guided by the theme, “A Century of Faith, Service and Unity Rooted in Christ,” St. Mary’s held 100th anniversary activities, including a picnic in August and a gala after the Mass on Sept. 26. In addition, the parish plans to build a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother on the property next year.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“St. Mary’s has a phenomenal sense of generosity — caring for those on the margins,” Father Glynn said. “This parish is a close-knit community. When parishioners retire, most of them stay in Denville,” he said.
With Father Glynn, other priests who concelebrated the centennial Mass included Father Stephen Delia Jr., St. Mary’s current parochial vicar; Father Richard Tartaglia, a retired diocesan priest, who is a weekend assistant at St. Mary’s and preceded Father Glynn’s as pastor of the parish; Msgr. Martin McDonnell, a retired diocesan priest who served the parish on his first assignment; Msgr. Mark Olenowski, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Montville, N.J., a former resident of Denville; and Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired diocesan priest.
St. Mary’s has an array of ministries, including liturgical ministries such as lectoring, as well as faith formation, high-school youth group, centering prayer, nocturnal adoration, Bible study, bereavement, Respect Life Ministry, and MASH, or St. Mary’s Association of Service and Help.
Founded as a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in 1926, St. Mary’s was raised to full parish status by Bishop Thomas McLaughlin in1941. A small brick English Gothic church was built at the intersection of Route 46 and Myers Avenue. Early parishioners were primarily Irish or German, coming from the old minefields in Hibernia.
The parish built its school in 1954 and enlarged the church building in 1956 to accommodate the growing year-round community as Denville transitioned from a summer lake resort into a permanent residential town.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] ‘")
![Diocese joins Randolph tribute to fallen War on Terror veterans #Catholic – On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney joined local officials and veterans groups to welcome a national traveling memorial honoring U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the Global War on Terrorism, which stopped for a public visit at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., from Sept. 25 to 27. The poignant visit of the memorial occurred almost two weeks after the United States commemorated the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial with large panels that display more than 5,500 U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial features the faces, names, and biographies of the featured fallen heroes, making the experience personal for visitors. It includes those who served in the combat zone, died in training accidents stateside or overseas, and those who died because of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group made this tribute possible, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., the County College of Morris, Morris County Government, the N.J. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the N.J. National Guard. Proceeds from the annual Tank Pull fundraiser, a collaboration between the Knights of Columbus and diocesan Catholic Charities which raises funds to support New Jersey veterans in need, funded the memorial visit.
Bishop Sweeney delivered the invocation during the opening ceremony on Sept. 26 at the County College of Morris. It included remarks from Vincent Solomeno, U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Jersey’s first commissioner of Veterans Affairs; retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Vivyen Ray, the college’s vice president of human resources and labor relations; and David Pearson, assistant director of Veteran Services for Catholic Charities.
Pearson coordinated the three-day visit with disabled combat veteran A.J. Luna, program manager of the NJ Veterans Stakeholders Group, who served as master of ceremonies of the opening ceremony.
Veteran Services provides comprehensive support for military veterans facing crisis, homelessness, or housing instability, collaborating closely with local networks and media outlets such BeaconNJ.org to highlight resources and stakeholder groups
In his remarks, Pearson spoke about each generation “having the responsibility to carry on the memories” of those who sacrificed their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe from terrorism.
During the ceremony, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler presented a proclamation, while Rabbi Lenny Mandel and Deacon Richard Reck of Resurrection Parish offered prayers.
The three-day visit of the memorial also included a veterans dinner and a day for Gold Star families, immediate relatives of the fallen U.S. military service members.
“This memorial is not just a display — it is a sacred space where our community can come together to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Luna. “We are honored to bring Remembering Our Fallen to Morris County to bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/diocese-joins-randolph-tribute-to-fallen-war-on-terror-veterans-catholic-on-sept-26-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-joined-local-officials-and-veterans-groups-to-welcome-a-national-traveling-memorial-hon.jpg "Diocese joins Randolph tribute to fallen War on Terror veterans #Catholic – On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney joined local officials and veterans groups to welcome a national traveling memorial honoring U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the Global War on Terrorism, which stopped for a public visit at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., from Sept. 25 to 27. The poignant visit of the memorial occurred almost two weeks after the United States commemorated the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial with large panels that display more than 5,500 U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial features the faces, names, and biographies of the featured fallen heroes, making the experience personal for visitors. It includes those who served in the combat zone, died in training accidents stateside or overseas, and those who died because of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group made this tribute possible, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., the County College of Morris, Morris County Government, the N.J. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the N.J. National Guard. Proceeds from the annual Tank Pull fundraiser, a collaboration between the Knights of Columbus and diocesan Catholic Charities which raises funds to support New Jersey veterans in need, funded the memorial visit.
Bishop Sweeney delivered the invocation during the opening ceremony on Sept. 26 at the County College of Morris. It included remarks from Vincent Solomeno, U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Jersey’s first commissioner of Veterans Affairs; retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Vivyen Ray, the college’s vice president of human resources and labor relations; and David Pearson, assistant director of Veteran Services for Catholic Charities.
Pearson coordinated the three-day visit with disabled combat veteran A.J. Luna, program manager of the NJ Veterans Stakeholders Group, who served as master of ceremonies of the opening ceremony.
Veteran Services provides comprehensive support for military veterans facing crisis, homelessness, or housing instability, collaborating closely with local networks and media outlets such BeaconNJ.org to highlight resources and stakeholder groups
In his remarks, Pearson spoke about each generation “having the responsibility to carry on the memories” of those who sacrificed their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe from terrorism.
During the ceremony, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler presented a proclamation, while Rabbi Lenny Mandel and Deacon Richard Reck of Resurrection Parish offered prayers.
The three-day visit of the memorial also included a veterans dinner and a day for Gold Star families, immediate relatives of the fallen U.S. military service members.
“This memorial is not just a display — it is a sacred space where our community can come together to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Luna. “We are honored to bring Remembering Our Fallen to Morris County to bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
