Big City Catholics Podcast

After a series of on the road Big City Catholics podcasts, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on all the wonderful diocesan events that have taken place during this summer, especially World Youth Day 2023. They share their excitement for the upcoming  Catholic Underground, the Anniversary of Cathedral Basilica of St. James, and the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival, where the diocese will celebra...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, one pilgrim reflects with Bishop Brennan on his experience as he journeys to Fatima during World Youth Day. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the upcoming Queenship of Mary, we ask for her intercession as she brings us peace and continues to lead us to Christ.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan hosts with Rev. John Hwang, Pastor of St. Anselm in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and one of the leaders for the Korean Apostolate young adult delegation. They, as well as many pilgrims from the diocese, share their experiences from World Youth Day and the Holy Father's announcement about the next pilgrimage.

Bishop Brennan hosts this episode of Big City Catholics from Lisbon, Portugal as he has traveled along with young pilgrims of Brooklyn and Queens to celebrate World Youth Day. He speaks with them as they share their diverse experiences and unite together in faith to answer God's call.

Fr. Dwayne Davis joins Bishop Brennan in this episode of Big City Catholics from The National Harbor in Maryland at The National Black Catholic Congress. Bishop Brennan speaks with the youth from the ambassador program and adult delegates as they highlight their experiences journeying together in faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue took a trip to the Ten Mile River Boy Scout Camp to offer mass and to spend some time speaking with the scouts and to Fr. Mark, who is one of the directors there. Listen and enjoy the responses you hear from this year's participants.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue give us an update on recent events in our diocese and around the world. They catch up on news including the Holy Father's appointment of new cardinals for the Church, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and the ordination of three new transitional deacons. In the upcoming summer weeks, the series will follow Bishop Brennan as...

Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, Vicar General of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Pastor of St. Bernard, Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue to discuss the new organization of deaneries and diverse parishes into four regional vicariates. They explain that this change allows for greater communication and collaboration within the diocese.

Bishop Brennan hosts this episode of Big City Catholics live from Maimonides Park in Coney Island, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, for the 4th Annual Catholic School Night. He speaks to those in attendance at this special event, where the diocese honors the achievements of this year's school valedictorians and salutatorians. Catholic school family, friends, and people of faith enjoy an exciting bas...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss Religious Freedom Week. They explain that as Catholics, we have the responsibility to bear witness to the truth of what we profess. Bishop Brennan believes that contributing through prayer for religious liberty in our country and paying attention to the world around us can be transformative.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Fr. Stash Dailey, Vice Rector of Formation of the Pontifical College Josephinum from the Diocese of Columbus, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue. They discuss the connection between Corpus Christi and the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus when Jesus reveals his sincerity and authenticity of the fullness of His love for us and invites all into His presen...

In this first special edition of Big City Catholics, premiering quarterly during the Academic year, the youth of our diocese reach out to Bishop Brennan and "Ask The Bishop'' anything. Students from Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary and Archbishop Molloy High School are curious about the gospels' moral values and situations in family life. Listen to Bishop Brennan's reply.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan to discuss the unity of diversity in our diocese, encountering Jesus Christ together in the Eucharist, and inviting others to Jesus' proclamation, "I am the way, the truth and the life."

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Rev. Heanue discuss renewing our desire to pray for religious vocations and to encourage young people to hear the voice of The Good Shepherd, who is leading them to their calling in life. 

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan is interviewed by Jesuitical, a podcast for young Catholics, hosted by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis. They discuss topics such as parish identity and purpose, the unity in the diverse Diocese of Brooklyn, and how we can build up Catholic life in the new era of the life of the church. This episode of Jesuitical is being republished with the per...

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue discuss Divine Mercy Sunday, which we celebrate on the first Sunday after Easter. It's a special day honoring God's infinite love and mercy. They explain that when we attend mass, God gives us the gift of His presence in the Eucharist. And it is at mass that we acknowledge Jesus, not as an idea, but as a real person who is ali...

On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Rev. Heanue discuss the conclusion of Lent, the resurrection, and the octave of Easter with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Bishop Brennan prays that each of us might be able to encounter the risen Lord who meets us along the way, and helps to fill us with confidence and hope.

On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Rev. Heanue discuss the celebration of Holy Week. They explain how the grace-filled week begins with the procession of faith on Palm Sunday, then the blessing of the oils during Chrism Mass, and concludes with the liturgical services of the sacred Triduum.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Rev. Heanue discuss the late days of Lent leading up to Holy Week where we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, marking the moment of the Incarnation and intervention of God through the Holy Spirit as well as Reconciliation Monday, where we encounter God's love and mercy through the forgiveness of our sins.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Rev. Heanue share stories about their Irish heritage and traditions as they celebrate St. Patrick's Day. They also discuss the upcoming Feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and patron of the Universal Church as well as the Annunciation, when God took on human flesh. Both feast days are considered great solemnities.

On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Rev. Heanue reflect on the 10th Anniversary of Pope Francis' papacy and how he evokes the image of the Good Shepherd, calling us to humble acts of loving service. In this time of Lent, we ask God to renew that spirit of longing for His presence within us.