Big City Catholics Podcast

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares the special experience of celebrating Sunday Mass at Citi Field—a powerful way to serve those who work to create a safe and meaningful experience for Mets fans. He’s joined by James Benesh, Vice President of Ballpark Experience for the New York Mets, who shares how these Masses, much like those in a parish, bring people from all corners...

Diocesan priests Father Juan Luxama and Father Ikenna Okagbue join Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to share their experiences on pilgrimage to Yakima, Washington, and other missionary journeys through the Catholic Extension Society. They share their joy of being witnesses of hope and bringing people together in faith. Bishop Brennan emphasizes the importance...

Bishop Brennan hosts this episode of Big City Catholics from the state of Washington in the Diocese of Yakima, as he is joined by Father Charles Keeney. They discuss the opportunities given to priests by the Catholic Extension Society which allow them to commit to the missionary work of the Church by building up Catholic communities among the poorest regions of America. Bishop Brennan explains the...

Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus, Ohio joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to talk about the Religious Workforce Protection Act. He explains concern over the current U.S. rule where those of religious service are to return to their country of origin for a full year should their visa expire before they receive judgement about a green card or perm...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan reflects on the rich liturgical celebrations in June, including the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, and the feast of  Saints Peter and Paul. He talks about how the lives of Saints Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist demonstrate God’s power to work through His people in the name of the Gospel. Saint John Paul II conn...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan makes a special guest appearance on Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy's podcast where he engages in a discussion about reaching families through media, faith in culture and school life, and the benefits of choosing a Catholic Education. Hear Bishop Brennan speak with two academy students as he offers his advice on how to connect with God through f...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue are joined by the Ordination Class of 2024 as they celebrate their first year of priesthood. They reflect on their current assignments, share their experiences, and give testimony to those discerning the priesthood. Bishop Brennan states that it is humbling as a priest to receive the graces of the Holy Spirit through encounter...

Father Joseph Zwosta joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to discuss the serious concerns and consequences surrounding the proposed legalization of assisted suicide. Bishop Brennan reaffirms the sanctity of human life and urges us to raise our voices by investing in both natural and supernatural resources to ensure that individuals can experience a death mar...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue are joined by Father Philip Tangorra of the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, co-author of the new publication This is Our Faith. Father Tangorra discusses how this catechetical program offers a complete and comprehensive presentation of the faith, guiding both adolescents and adults in understanding the elements of Christian s...

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools, joins Bishop Brennan to discuss the Education Choice for Children Act (ECCA), which will allow more families to tap into organizations like Futures in Education to receive scholarships. The act also rewards donors with a 100% non-refundable federal income tax credit. Bishop Brennan urges Catholics to support this act NOW and help more children exp...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue recap the vibrant events currently happening in our diocese. During this Ordinary Time in the Church’s calendar, we honor the religious ministers who dedicate their service to our schools, parishes, and hospitals. They highlight how these religious men and women are a vital presence in parish and diocesan life, and how their serv...

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joyfully announces the election of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. He notes that, like Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes that the Church is for all people and brings a renewed focus on being a missionary bishop. Bishop Brennan expresses his hope that the Church around the world will rejoice together, affirm...

Ed Wilkinson, Editor Emeritus of The Tablet, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics. On the threshold of the conclave, which will select the new Pope, they reminisce about the experience of past conclaves and the significance this one will have for the future of the Church. Bishop Brennan states that God will give us the Pope we need for the times, and asks for the gift of the...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan is joined by his long-time friend Archbishop Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia. The two were ordained as bishops together and previously served as auxiliary bishops in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In the wake of the Holy Father's passing earlier this week, they come together to reflect with gratitude and affection on their personal enc...

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan gives his homily from the Chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. He reminds us that, as Catholics, we are outwardly anointed and set apart for witness, service, and ministry. He prays that this outward sign leads to an inward transformation, drawing us deeper into the eternal salvation offered through Christ. In Jesus, we find o...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares the news of Father Heanue’s new assignment as pastor of St. Joan of Arc in Jackson Heights. They also reflect on the recent Mass for persecuted Christians at St. Rose of Lima, emphasizing the power of prayer and the need for solidarity with those facing religious oppression. As we enter Holy Week, Bishop Brennan reminds us that each of u...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr Heanue discuss the common Lenten themes of conversion, repentance, and forgiveness. Bishop Brennan calls us to acknowledge the need for God's mercy and then experience it. He reminds us that God never gives up on us, even to the point of giving Himself on the cross, facing death, only to conquer it, and rise from it to give us new life.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Joseph Gibino discuss an array of exciting topics. Lent, Pope Francis, the Jubilee Year, the new Order of Christian Initiation, and what the Synod on Synodality means for the Church. Amidst all of this, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Gibino take time to express their joy over the packed venue at our recent Holy Hour For Vocations. God is truly...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue reflect on the connection of culture and faith as we celebrate St. Patrick and St. Joseph. With the upcoming Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, they focus on the celebrations' common theme of obedience to Christ. Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue encourage us to live extraordinary lives together in our faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Fr. Christopher Bethge, Vocations Director and faculty member at Cathedral Prep, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue for a conversation on discerning the priesthood. They reflect on the recent Annual Bishop’s Retreat and discuss diocesan programs that help men explore their vocation and remain open to God’s call. Bishop Brennan emphasizes the importance of yo...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue visit Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary for a conversation with Msgr. William P. Fay, host of the Never Too Late podcast, and Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa, a seminarian preparing for ordination as a diocesan priest this June. Together, they share insights from their vocational journeys and encourage men of all ages to discern...

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan welcomes Rev. Joseph Gibino, Vicar for the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis, for a special Lenten reflection. Lent is a season of grace, a time to encounter God’s boundless love. As part of this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope. They invite you to embark on this year’s Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage—a journey...

Fr. Patrick Griffin, Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics. As the Vincentians celebrate 400 years of service, they reflect on the lasting inspiration of St. Vincent de Paul in uniting people through faith and service. Bishop Brennan reminds us of the importance of being...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue explore the importance of supporting one another in living out our vocations. Bishop Brennan highlights the strength found in solidarity and encourages us to seek meaningful ways to unite.

Katie Keville, Assistant Director of Enrollment Management of Catholic Schools in our diocese, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to discuss the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Bishop Brennan recognizes the mission of Catholic Schools to educate not only academically, but to provide human and spiritual formation to live the Catholic Faith.