Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

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.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on recent events within our diocese and around the world. They emphasize the need to turn our hearts toward God, stand together in solidarity, and rely on the power of prayer to foster lasting peace and uphold human dignity. The conversation also highlights current and upcoming diocesan events that invite us to come together in the presence of the Lord.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the recent religious vocations emerging from Brooklyn and Queens. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a source of hope and inspiration, we are reminded to focus our attention and soul on eternal life in Heaven. Bishop Brennan notes that this solemnity flows from the joy of Easter, revealing our share in Christ’s Resurrection.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, where he speaks with three diocesan pilgrims about their experiences. They share firsthand reflections, transformative moments, and their plans to live out their faith moving forward. Bishop Brennan reflects on the profound blessing of witnessing this journey through the eyes of young people and expresses his pride in the depth of their faith and sincere spiritual search—a powerful sign of great hope for the Church.