News - August 2015

August 27, 2015

A few select students of St. Gerard Majella School here gather around the intercom microphone in the main office one morning during homeroom, along with their principal, Filippini Sister Jo-Ann Pompa. Together, they lead classes in reciting prayers for their many intentions and singing hymns, such as “Walking Hand in Hand,” and read Scripture passages, filling these pre-k to eighth-grade students with a renewed sense of the Holy Spirit that helps power them through their busy school day.

“What does the Church say about Homosexuality?”

August 27, 2015

With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage is a right nationwide, the Catholic Church has been portrayed in a negative light by the secular media, which has attacked the Church for not accepting the ruling.

Pastoral visit to Sussex County’s second oldest parish

August 27, 2015

Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to Immaculate Conception Church here Aug. 23 where he celebrated Mass for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Boguslaw Kobus, pastor, concelebrated the Mass.

Bishop's Prayer Sparks Action

August 27, 2015

Following the call Bishop Serratelli made this month to pray for persecuted Christians in the Middle East and around the world, a group of families has joined together to support Christians to be able to practice their faith openly.

Planned Parenthood Protest

August 27, 2015

Hundreds of demonstrations were held outside of Planned Parenthood clinics across the United States Aug. 22 with protesters calling on the federal government to stop funding the nation’s largest provider of abortions.

Not a job, but a ministry

August 27, 2015

As you read this annual Back-to-School issue of The Beacon, teachers are preparing to welcome students back to class at Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Paterson. That makes it the perfect time to reflect on the dedication of all our Catholic educators.

Birth Parents Must Take Action to Preserve Their Privacy

August 21, 2015

For well over a century, the Catholic Church in New Jersey has provided adoption services. Throughout all those years, the Church promised to honor the privacy of birth parents and adoptees. That promise of privacy also was assured by law and affirmed by the State Superior Court. Those promises can no longer be kept.

Pastoral Visit to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Clifton

August 20, 2015

Parishioners of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish here welcomed Bishop Serratelli, who made a pastoral visit to the parish Aug. 16 where he celebrated Mass for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Pastoral Visit to Resurrection Parish, Randolph

August 20, 2015

Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to Resurrection Parish here Aug. 15 where he celebrated the vigil Mass for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Aug. 15 also marked the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

'From the Darkness To the Light'

August 20, 2015

From darkness to light best describes the journey of three women from three different parts of the globe. LoAnne Mayer, a Catholic from the United States, Uma Girish, a Hindu from India and Daniela Norris, a Jewish woman from Israel have never met until one common experience brought them together.

Bishop from new diocese in India visits area parish

August 20, 2015

Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy of Diocese of Sultanpet in Palakkad, India, has traveled thousands of miles from home to come to the Paterson Diocese to share the story about the faithful he leads in his new diocese, which is less than two years old.

'Where Is God?'

August 20, 2015

Most of us have suffered emotional or physical pain so crippling sometime in our lives that it left us feeling hurt, helpless and abandoned and caused us to cry out, asking, “Where is God?” — a question that Trinitarian Father Peter Krebs heard from people on the day of and in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Prayer for Creation

August 20, 2015

In keeping with the theme of Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical, Laudato Si, the Holy Father has instituted a new day of prayer and celebration for the Church, the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” to be celebrated on Sept. 1 each year.

Pastoral Visit to Mount Hope Parish

August 13, 2015

Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to St. Bernard Parish in Mount Hope August 2 and celebrated Mass for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Making the 'Global Neighborhood' a Tangible Reality

August 13, 2015

If they weren’t wearing habits, the sister-students at Assumption College for Sisters (ACS) could have been mistaken for movers as they transported boxes, suitcases, furniture and even mattresses to the college’s new home on the campus of Morris Catholic High School in Denville.

'Keeping the Fire Alive'

August 13, 2015

Perhaps Catholics can learn something about how to weather the storms of life from an Apostle, who actually battled the winds and waves of a gale on the Lake of Galilee: St. Peter.

'Heroic Love'

August 13, 2015

Tom Costello, of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Sandyston, admits that he did not know about — much less practice — the “heroic love” of chastity as a teen in high school. It took a few more years for this Branchville native to understand fully the Church’s teaching about living a life of “sexual integrity,” while studying at a renowned Catholic university.

'Catholic Families Fully Alive'

August 13, 2015

As the international community prepares for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, the Paterson Diocese is also preparing for a special family event before Pope Francis visits the U.S., titled, “Catholic Families Fully Alive” led by Bishop Serratelli Sunday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison.

'Cardboard City'

August 6, 2015

Some of the teenagers of St. Therese Parish here decided to spend a recent night outdoors, bringing only the “necessities,” such as a pillow, sleeping bag or blanket and a change of clothing. Others managed to pack a few “luxuries,” like a simple game, stuffed animal or comfy pajamas. Still, an even smaller “hard-core” group of these young people chose to “rough it,” sleeping in only the clothes on their backs.

Sneak peek

August 6, 2015

A sneak peek as to what issues Pope Francis may address in his speech to the United Nations in September can be gleaned from his recent meeting with U.S. mayors at a two-day symposium last month sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, titled “Prosperity, People and Planet: Achieving Sustainable Development in Our Cities.”

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