A new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson

Beyond The Beacon

Beyond The Beacon
A new religious community is inspiring students in Paterson
Mar 06, 2026 Season 1 Episode 107
Diocese Of Paterson

We welcome three religious sisters from the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, involved with the religious education program at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J. We learn about their work with the Compostela catechetical program and how they came to be the newest religious community in the Diocese of Paterson. 

The guests are Sister Moira Debono, R.S.M., the community’s local superior, and Msgr. Geno Sylva, rector of St. John’s and diocesan vicar for special projects; Sister Mary Mia Menke, R.S.M.; and Sister Paul Miriam MacInnes, R.S.M. Hosted by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish.

The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., is a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1973. They are rooted in the charism and legacy of Mother Catherine McAuley, the founder of the first Sisters of Mercy, with the opening of her House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1827. The institute focuses on service in education and health care.

The Compostela Catechetical After-School Program is unlike any program in Paterson. All children from kindergarten to eighth grade are welcome! The word “Compostela” translates to “field of stars.” Compostela is attended by children all around the schools of Paterson. They enjoy a snack and play in the beautiful courtyard on the side of the Cathedral or our gymnasium. They also receive daily Catechetical lessons through activities or music classes and get help with homework from our qualified staff and volunteers. 

Show Notes:

Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan
Compostela Catechetical After-School Program
An Evening With Jay Wright
"Attitude: Develop a Winning Mindset on and off the Court"

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

Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.

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

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.

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