Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

Episode – 130 – God Dwelling Among Us

The joy of this season continues to grow as Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue recount the special events celebrated in our diocese, all visual signs of the Church coming together in preparation for Christmas. Bishop Brennan reminds us that through the ups and downs of life, the one constant is God, who dwells among us. He urges us to bring Christ to one another.

Episode 129 – Rejoice in the Lord Always

In this special Advent episode Bishop Brennan discusses the joy of knowing the Lord is near. As we embark on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Brennan urges us to rejoice in the Lord always, through both the good times and challenges of life, and to let Christ shine within us.

Episode 128 – Longing for Jesus Christ

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue reflect on this time of Advent as a special opportunity to prepare for the arrival of Christ through prayer and penance. Bishop Brennan encourages us to avoid the distractions of the season, and instead go deeper into the longing for Christ’s return and the ultimate hope of His redemption and salvation.

Episode 127 –  A Time of Gratitude and Hope

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss the Thanksgiving and Advent season. Centering around gratitude and confidence in God’s promises, Bishop Brennan is especially thankful for our diocese’s vibrant World Youth Day, and wants to let all young people know that they are loved, and the Church will always be home to them.

Episode 126 – Encountering The Risen Lord Side By Side with Deacon Kevin McCormack

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, joins Bishop Brennan to discuss the celebration of 125 Years of Catholic Charities work with the people in our diocese. Bishop Brennan calls us to announce the Good News of Christ, recognize God’s immeasurable love for us, and walk together as disciples.

Episode 125 – Reflecting on 125 Years of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens with Msgr. Alfred LoPinto

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue are joined by Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ). They recap how the CCBQ has supported our diocese, overcome changes in neighborhoods, Superstorm Sandy, COVID 19, and discuss their continued efforts of walking with others who are struggling. Bishop Brennan calls us to band together in solidarity to respond to human needs.

Episode 124 – United Through Jesus Christ

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue reflect on the important themes of November, including remembrance, particularity of those who have died, and hope that we receive from God. Bishop Brennan explains that we are a diverse communion of saints, connected with each other through Jesus Christ. He urges us to unite in prayer and community as we face challenges and changes in our diocese.

Episode 123 – Celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue celebrate All Saints Day as they reflect on the stories of many saints and those in the process of sainthood who have been depended on Christ and shared a friendship with Him. Bishop Brennan reminds us that we all have a universal call to holiness as we strive like the saints to know the Lord Jesus and attach ourselves to Him.

Episode 122 – Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing…

Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue are joined by Dennis Poust and Kristen Curran from the NYS Catholic Conference to discuss the negative consequences of Proposition 1 on human dignity. Disguised under the name “the Equal Rights Act,” Proposition 1 is a dangerous amendment with regard to abortion, parental rights, and religious liberty. Bishop Brennan urges Catholics to Vote NO on Proposition 1. “It is a big issue for us in the Church, as well as an issue for every family in New York.”

Episode 121 – The Mass of Hope and Healing: With Maryellen Quinn & Elizabeth Harris

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan speaks to Maryellen Quinn, Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, and Elizabeth Harris, a retired NYPD Detective who has worked with sex abuse survivors and is now the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

They talk about the important work they do in the diocese, supporting abuse survivors and implementing preventative actions. They also discuss how the upcoming Mass of Hope and Healing is a source of solidarity to survivors of anyone who has suffered abuse.