Is youth ministry just pizza and retreats? Think again. This week, we dive deep into the vital role Catholic youth ministry plays in forming lifelong faith. Featuring insightful interviews with seasoned youth ministers, we explore the powerful impact of youth ministry—not just on attendance, but on how it actively develops and strengthens a strong, authentic Catholic identity in young people. Hear some strategies for connecting with teens and navigating modern challenges. If you want to know what works in building the Church's future, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the leader of the Diocese of Paterson, and Communications Director Jai Agnish for this episode is:

John Cammarata. Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Paterson; and Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany, N.J.
Alyssa Carolan. Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J., and St. Thomas the Apostle in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J.
Yadira Sifonte. Youth Minister at The Catholic Community of St. Brendan & St. George, in Clifton, N.J.
Justin Carrasco. Director of Young Prophets at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.

SHOW NOTES:
Diocese of Paterson Office of Youth Ministry
Register for the Diocese of Paterson Youth Conference

Email questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, and John Cammarata for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Thank you, Father Joseph S. DeMarzo III, for assistance with time-keeping.

Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).

Note: Artificial intelligence was used in the development of this episode's headline and description with the input and oversight of a human.

The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.

Youth ministry's impact: How it forms a strong Catholic faith