Breaking down myths: What seminary life is really like

Beyond The Beacon

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Beyond The Beacon
Breaking down myths: What seminary life is really like
Aug 18, 2026 Season 1 Episode 116
Diocese Of Paterson

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 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.

Show notes:
https://patersonvocations.org

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

Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Catalina Zempoalteca, and Father Charles Lana for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

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Every three years, each Diocese in the USA has the graced opportunity to make a scheduled pilgrimage as one Diocesan family with their Bishop to the National Shrine in the nation's capital. 2026 is once again "our year!" Please note the two-day and one-day options: Oct. 16, Friday, and Oct. 17, Saturday. Visit the Diocese of Paterson website here to learn more!

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.

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

Episode Artwork Breaking down myths: What seminary life is really like 53:05 Episode Artwork Opportunities of faith during triennial pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. 44:33 Episode Artwork Ways the Eucharist is transforming the lives of these pilgrims 37:31 Episode Artwork Bishop Kevin Sweeney shares opportunities to grow in faith 33:53 Episode Artwork More than a melody: The unstoppable spirit of Tony Melendez 34:43 Episode Artwork Walking with a future saint? Lo Anne Mayer on her friendship with Fulton Sheen 38:21 Episode Artwork This special program equips parishioners to become better evangelists 52:25 Episode Artwork John Fanta: Sports broadcaster, storyteller and man of faith 52:31 Episode Artwork The best call of his life: How this former NBA referee rediscovered his faith and became a deacon 57:49 Episode Artwork A new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson 50:55 Episode Artwork How to accompany people with a mental health illness 47:49 Episode Artwork Priest, beggar, hero: Inside the world of Father Al and the Sisters of Mary 49:57 Episode Artwork Faith in action: How the Interfaith Food Pantry serves the community 46:31 Episode Artwork A shepherd’s approach to a new year with Bishop Kevin Sweeney 44:09 Episode Artwork Two sisters and a lifetime of social justice advocacy 50:55 Episode Artwork The future is now: Inspiring interviews from our diocesan youth conference 38:27 Episode Artwork Living out your Catholic faith: Perspectives from 3 dedicated Knights 48:11 Episode Artwork How your gift powers hope across the three counties of the diocese 41:13 Episode Artwork Youth ministry's impact: How it forms a strong Catholic faith 45:29 Episode Artwork From fear to faith: A couple's powerful story of hope in the face of childhood cancer 48:07 Episode Artwork How to use social media as a positive Catholic influence in the world today 57:41 Episode Artwork A high school president shares lessons from year 1 41:23 Episode Artwork What it's like to love and accompany homeless, pregnant women 40:21 Episode Artwork Bishop Kevin shares how to deepen your spiritual life with a jubilee pilgrimage and more! 34:27 Episode Artwork Get to know our new Respect Life Coordinator 37:37