Today, The Beacon, the beloved newspaper of the Paterson Diocese, turns a page — literally and figuratively — as it makes history by ceasing publishing its print edition after almost 58 years. The Beacon has already started its next chapter as the official diocesan news outlet with the launch of Beaconnj.org. This new online format continues The Beacon’s essential mission of bringing readers inspiring stories about our Catholic faith and the evangelizing work of our people.
Launched this past summer, the new and improved Beaconnj.org will enable its staff to tell the stories of people, events, and places of the diocese in innovative and more compelling ways — and in nearly “real-time.” The site will continue to feature the latest eye-catching images that accompany those stories from our photographers; columns from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and other prominent Catholic thinkers; news of local parishes, schools, and religious communities; and a new “What to Do!” calendar of upcoming events.
Beaconnj.org features a “Community” section highlighting reader-submitted articles and photographs.
A prominent Spanish-language section on the website’s front page is a new initiative created in a partnership between the Communications Office and the diocese’s Hispanic/Latino leaders.
Subscribe to The Beacon and Beyond companion newsletter to keep updated on the latest posts and happenings on Beaconnj.org.
The new site complements the diocese’s comprehensive digital media presence. In March 2022, the Communications Department launched the Beyond The Beacon podcast and maintains social media accounts for the Church of Paterson and Bishop Sweeney. On the podcast, the bishop and Communications Office staff discuss current events and topics relevant to the local and universal Church on the podcast, answer listeners’ questions, interview guests, and share insights about living with faith, hope, and love.
The Catholic Media Association (CMA) named Bishop Sweeney podcaster of the year (third place) in Beyond The Beacon’s inaugural year this year. The bishop and Communications Director Jai Agnish also won a CMA second place for “Best Podcast – Social Justice Issues” for three Beyond The Beacon episodes aired in 2023. The CMA also gave top honors to Bishop Sweeney’s Instagram account, coordinated by Cecile Pagliarulo, diocesan digital media specialist.
Over the years, The Beacon has also won numerous awards for journalistic excellence.
“I am excited about how we are already continuing the mission of The Beacon via ‘new media,’ such as our diocesan website, social media, and podcasts,” Bishop Sweeney wrote in a Nov. 21 Beacon column expressing his sadness about ceasing the print edition and his hope about its continued presence online. “The new online form of The Beacon, Beaconnj.org, will allow us to continue building on the ‘firm foundation’ that Bishop Lawrence B. Casey started in January of 1967 and continued by Bishop Frank J. Rodimer and Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli. It is my honor and privilege to strive to follow in their footsteps in so many ways, especially in the mission of evangelization, sharing the Good News of the Gospel.”
The Beacon will continue the newspaper’s strong legacy of reporting the news of the diocese as a “reliable witness,” telling powerful stories of the Catholics putting their fervent faith into action inspired by the model of Christ. The Beacon continues to help the faithful live Christ-centered lives in an ever-changing world upended by conflicts, societal changes, and technological advances with the powerful example of these stories.
“The Beacon has long celebrated the good news of our Catholic faith and illuminated the life-changing work of its people. This is not the end of the story. The Beacon will live on in its new form: Beaconnj.org, where the important stories of our faith community will continue to be passed along,” Agnish said.
