Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson

08/25/2026

This week, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney writes about the new movie, "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story," which comes out in theaters today and tomorrow, and in Spanish on Thursday.

The Bishop writes:
"In retrospect, I believe that the first time I heard of Father Stanley Rother was sometime between 2017 and 2019. A very faithful parishioner and volunteer sacristan, Antonio, who was originally from Guatemala, whom I had gotten to know in my years as pastor of St. Michael’s in Brooklyn, told me the story of an American priest who had been serving in Guatemala, had been killed, and had recently been beatified. It sounded like a “nice story.” The priest had certainly made a strong impression on Antonio, who shared with me how this priest had become so close to the parishioners he served in a small town in Guatemala."

To read more:
https://beaconnj.org/coming-to-theatres-near-us-american-martyr-the-stanley-rother-story/

08/24/2026

From Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney:
Have you heard that an awesome, inspiring movie is coming to theaters near us? Tomorrow and Wednesday, August 25 and 26, we will have the opportunity to see “Fr. Stanley Rother - American Martyr”. If you haven’t heard about Fr. Stanley or the movie, Google him. Here is a “movie review” by a mother & daughter that is excellent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=f3V5mzCv6iI&ra=m

I’m looking forward to seeing the movie. I hope you can make/take the time to see it too. Here’s a link to where it will be available in our Diocese

The local theaters playing the film include Cinemark Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, AMC Clifton Commons, and many others available to view at https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/american-martyr-the-stanley-rother-story/

Narrated by Martin Sheen, American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story is in theatres August 26 & 27. Discover the true story of a priest who gave his life for his people.

08/21/2026

Are you discerning the priesthood? Or want to learn more about what seminary life is all about? Four current seminarians for the Diocese of Paterson join the Beyond The Beacon podcast to share their experience inside and outside the classroom. Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish are seminarians Michael Kane, Brian Collins, Eric Hasenbein, and Sean Gallagher. This episode was produced in collaboration with the Office of Vocations as part of Seminarian Media Day and was recorded at St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J.

Listen to the entire episode here:
https://beyond.beaconnj.org/2149965/episodes/19661545-breaking-down-myths-what-seminary-life-is-really-like

Or watch the episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efy0e4gncm0

08/20/2026

Sister Chiara Marie Stimpfle, a Sister of Christian Charity of the North American Province, professed her final vows on Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in the chapel of the sisters’ Mallinckrodt Convent in Mendham, N.J.

Sister Stimpfle is a 5th grade teacher at Divine Mercy Academy in Rockaway, N.J. She earned her teaching certification from DeSales University in Valley Center, Penn., and a master’s degree in the art of teaching from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Penn.

Before entering the Sisters of Christian Charity, Sister Stimpfle taught 5th grade in the Allentown Diocese. She later served as a co-teacher at the School of St. Elizabeth in Bernardsville, N.J., and as a middle school and 5th grade teacher at St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Penn.
Sister Stimpfle enjoys riding her bicycle, hiking, and writing stories.

On social media, St. Isidore Parish in Quakertown, Penn., posted that it “rejoices today, as our own parish daughter made her solemn perpetual vows as a Consecrated Religious Sister among the congregation of the Sisters of Christian Charity.”

“We congratulate sister, her family, and her religious community, and assure them of our continuing prayers on this most blessed day!” St. Isidore’s posted.

Beacon photos/Joe Gigli and Jessica Martinez

To see more photos:
https://beaconnj.org/catholic-educator-begins-new-chapter-with-final-religious-vows/

08/19/2026

On Oct. 8, bishops from around the state will come together for the Mass for Life at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton, N.J. Bishop David M. O'Connell from the Diocese of Trenton will be main celebrant with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, auxilary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, as the homilist. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will also concelebrant.

On Oct. 8, bishops from around the state will come together for the Mass for Life at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton, N.J. Bishop David M. O'Connell from the Diocese of Trenton will be the main celebrant with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, as the homilist. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will also concelebrant.

Several buses will be available at locations in the diocese.

To register:
https://insidethewalls.org/njmarchforlife

08/19/2026

On July 29, members of the Chester Police Department, law enforcement leaders from across Morris County and New Jersey, and friends gathered to honor Msgr. Raymond Lopatesky, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., upon his retirement as chaplain to the Chester Police Department after 47 years of faithful service. The celebration was held in Hoffman Hall at the Chester Fire House.

Msgr. Lopatesky’s ministry became an integral part of both his life and the lives of those he served.

For nearly five decades, Msgr. Lopatesky ministered to police officers and their families through every season of life — whether comforting families after the loss of a loved one, celebrating weddings and the baptisms of their children, or simply being available to listen. His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the Church. As he described it, “They became my unique parish, my family.”

Read more here:

On July 29, members of the Chester Police Department, law enforcement leaders from across Morris County and New Jersey, and friends gathered to honor Msgr. Raymond Lopatesky, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., upon his retirement as chaplain to the Chester Police Department after 47 yea...

08/18/2026

In solidarity and support of the victims of the devastating Aug. 10 earthquake in Colombia, the faithful can donate to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) or Caritas Colombia.

CRS is supporting our local Church partner, Caritas Colombia with its nationwide network across affected areas, to identify immediate needs for urgent relief, including safe shelter, food, clean water and protection. Thanks to Caritas's nationwide diocesan and parish reach, we have access to communities in urgent need.

Your gift today will provide emergency relief to families affected by this disaster. Please donate now to bring help and give hope to our sisters and brothers in Colombia.

Donate here:
https://rcdop.org/aid-for-colombia

08/17/2026

Presidents and principals of Catholic schools in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., joined Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for a Mass he celebrated on Aug. 14 to open the 2026–27 academic year. The liturgy occurred in the oratory of the Diocesan Center in Clifton, N.J.

Father Peter Clarke, Ed. D., president of Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. Congregants included the staff of the diocesan Schools Office, led by Mary D. Baier, superintendent of schools.

The Mass opened a full-day meeting of principals and presidents for the start of the school year in the Molloy Center of St. Philip the Apostle Parish, also in Clifton.

Beacon photos/Joe Gigli and Jessica Martinez

See more photos here:
https://beaconnj.org/bishop-leads-mass-helping-school-leaders-begin-academic-year/

08/17/2026

In Scripture, the number 40 is far more than a measure of time. It signifies a sacred season of prayer, preparation, testing, transformation, and new beginnings. Noah witnessed 40 days of rain before the Earth was renewed. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning his public ministry. After his resurrection, Christ remained with his disciples for 40 days before his ascension, preparing them to continue his mission.

As I reflected on the first 40 days after our ordination to the permanent diaconate on May 30, I invited my brother deacons from my ordination class to share their experiences. Together, our reflections revealed a beautiful truth: although our ministries differ, our calling is the same — to serve with the heart of Jesus Christ.

Contributors to this column are Deacon Elmer Lopez Maximo of Sacred Heart Parish in Rockaway, N.J.; Deacon Stephen Deehan of St. Luke Parish in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township, N.J.; Deacon Paul DePinto of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln Park, N.J.; Deacon Timothy Dunmyer of St. Jude Parish in Hopatcong, N.J.; Deacon James Gillespie of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J.; Deacon Tobi Ippolito of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J.; Deacon Tom Kimble of St. Jude Parish in the Budd Lake neighborhood of Mount Olive Township, N.J.; and Deacon Gregory Marchesi of St. Therese Parish in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J.

Read the reflections here:

In Scripture, the number 40 is far more than a measure of time. It signifies a sacred season of prayer, preparation, testing, transformation, and new beginnings. Noah witnessed 40 days of rain before the Earth was renewed. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law. The Israelites w...