Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

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 spirituality and discovering their personal vocations. Bishop Brennan emphasizes the importance of resources like this in helping people encounter Jesus and experience the truth of His love.

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 experience a Catholic education.  

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 service is a true manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work.

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, affirming that the risen Christ is at work through Pope Leo XIV. He invites all of us to unite as one Church and follow where our new Holy Father will lead.

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 Holy Spirit, not only on the Cardinals, but on the whole Church.

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 our freedom and our hope.

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 us is called to share in the cross of Christ in our own way—and to rejoice in Him, our hope, our light, and our resurrection.

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 doing great things in Brooklyn and Queens, and around the world.