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

Beyond The Beacon

Beyond The Beacon
Youth ministry's impact: How it forms a strong Catholic faith
Oct 10, 2025 Season 1 Episode 98
Diocese Of Paterson

Send us a text

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 InstagramFacebook (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.

Episode Artwork Youth ministry's impact: How it forms a strong Catholic faith 44:56 Episode Artwork From fear to faith: A couple's powerful story of hope in the face of childhood cancer 47:34 Episode Artwork How to use social media as a positive Catholic influence in the world today 57:08 Episode Artwork A high school president shares lessons from year 1 40:50 Episode Artwork What it's like to love and accompany homeless, pregnant women 39:48 Episode Artwork Bishop Kevin shares how to deepen your spiritual life with a jubilee pilgrimage and more! 33:22 Episode Artwork Get to know our new Respect Life Coordinator 36:32 Episode Artwork Impact of faith on students inspires new school president 36:40 Episode Artwork Clergy abuse survivor shares his powerful story of hope, healing 48:08 Episode Artwork How a men's retreat could result in a lifelong breakthrough 38:44 Episode Artwork Mission priest shares his love for serving in Alaska 41:28 Episode Artwork Habemus Papam: Bishop Kevin discusses our new Pope: Leo XIV 8:44 Episode Artwork We reflect on Pope Francis and look to the conclave 38:04 Episode Artwork University students, president share perspective on growing as people 53:32 Episode Artwork The interesting life at an all-girls Catholic high school 31:38 Episode Artwork Bishop Kevin answers your new email and social media questions 43:20 Episode Artwork What it's like to be young and Catholic now 38:14 Episode Artwork Opportunities for God's grace in the season of Lent 43:32 Episode Artwork How three people responded to their call to religious life 44:46 Episode Artwork How this close-knit Catholic school community thrives now 32:18 Episode Artwork March For Life: The powerful movement continues after 52 years 28:20 Episode Artwork How to get involved in the Jubilee of 2025 44:55 Episode Artwork How can the Church best involve young people in their faith communities? 35:00 Episode Artwork Reworking the way we share the stories of our faith 36:00 Episode Artwork On the ground, how the synod is breathing new life into the Catholic Church 44:11