Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue take us to Washington, D.C., where diocesan pilgrims gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They reflect on the powerful spiritual experience of the pilgrimage and share conversations with the faithful of all ages who represent the unity and diversity of our diocesan family. Pilgrims offer their testimonies, prayer intentions, and hopes from a grace-filled day of faith and fellowship.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue highlight a busy October in the diocese, celebrating the 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph and honoring religious vocations. They reflect on Polish Heritage Day and the enduring influence of St. John Paul II. They also preview the diocesan pilgrimage to Washington, DC, emphasizing the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, and reaffirm support for survivors of abuse at the annual Mass of Hope and Healing. Bishop Brennan spotlights the importance of staying faithful to the Gospel “in season and out of season” despite modern secularism.

Monsignor Peter Vaccari, priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who serves as the president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land and the Church’s mission to bring hope to those in need. Monsignor Vaccari shares CNEWA’s mission to provide supplies, increase psychosocial counseling, and send aid into the affected areas. As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, Bishop Brennan encourages listeners to support missionary work and reminds us of the effective nature of praying in solidarity for peace.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Kristen Curran, Director of Government Relations for the New York State Catholic Conference, for a Respect Life Month conversation. Bishop Brennan expresses disappointment over the legislature’s passage of the assisted suicide bill but appreciates the governor’s careful consideration. He emphasizes that life is a sacred gift from God, and warns of a radical cultural shift, calling for greater investment in elder care, hospice, and palliative care, and urging advocacy, compassion, and ongoing dialogue within the community.

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins the Beyond Damascus podcast, recorded in Columbus, Ohio, for the Damascus Speaker Series. In this conversation, he reflects on faith, the essential role of prayer, and the power of young missionaries bringing the Good News to the world. The Damascus Speaker Series continues to inspire and invite people into a deeper relationship with Christ and the Catholic faith.

Angie-Lee Vazquez, Director of Children’s Faith Formation for the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss Catechetical Sunday and the vital work of catechists. She shares the joy of seeing young disciples grow in faith, the importance of partnering with families in faith formation, as well as the challenges and rewards of catechetical ministry. This episode highlights the mission to build a diverse, faith-filled community through hope, adaptability, and collaboration between catechists, families, and parish leaders.

Bishop Brennan returns to the Diocese of Columbus in this episode of Big City Catholics, joining St. Gabriel Radio’s morning show, Saint Gabriel Café, with hosts Dave Orsborn and Amanda Miller. He reflects on his personal experiences along the path from Ohio to Brooklyn, and discusses faith, community, cultural diversity, the role of young people, holiness, and his hopes for the Church’s spiritual renewal.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on how the cross is present in every part of our lives. Amid suffering and sin, God’s greatness shines. We are called to embrace the cross as Jesus did, trusting that He is always with us. With Mary’s help, we remain hopeful, grow in faith, and bring comfort to one another.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics to discuss the start of a new academic year. In response to the recent tragedy in Minneapolis, Bishop Brennan calls us to stand in prayerful solidarity, asking God’s blessings upon our entire school community and all those who protect our children. He emphasizes that prayer is the primary means of aligning ourselves with the Lord. Deacon McCormack adds that we are called to live as people of hope, therefore rejecting apathy, cynicism, and despair.

Father Joseph Zwosta, Academic Dean of Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the urgent call to pray for peace. Echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal, Bishop Brennan highlights the start of the academic year as a powerful time to unite prayer with action for peace. He calls on all of us to serve as instruments of the Lord’s peace and to help cultivate a culture that embraces God’s will.