Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

Episode 30 – Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Rev. Christopher Heanue are visited once again by Deacon Kevin McCormack, the Superintendent of Catholic School Support Services for Brooklyn and Queens, as they discuss topics like the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, March for Life, and the importance of Catholic Schools.

Episode 29 – Exploring the Call to Become a Disciple

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan is visited by Fr. Jose Diaz, pastor of Mary’s Nativity – St. Ann’s Parish, as they discuss the SEEK conference they are attending in St. Louis, MO. They reflect on their experience of spending a week with seventeen thousand college students and missionaries from around the country, all attending this convention.

Episode 28 – The Life and Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI

On this New Year’s episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Rev. Christopher Heanue discuss the recent passing of the retired Pope Benedict XVI on December 31 as they reflect on his life, his example, ministry, and his impact on our world and our Church.

Episode 27 – The Octave of Christmas

On this year-end episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Rev. Christopher Heanue remind us that the Christmas season begins on December 25, The Nativity of Our Lord, and continues through the Baptism of the Lord, on January 9. During the Christmas season, we celebrate The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and the Saints and Martyrs who followed Christ.

Episode 26 – Emmanuel! Emmanuel! Give Thanks the Lord is Born

On this special Christmas episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Rev. Christopher Heanue reminisce on this Advent season and discuss the beauty and the mystery of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas to everyone and God bless you all!

Episode 25 – Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe

On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Rev. Christopher Heanue talk about all the excitement surrounding the Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day celebration at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph and the powerful symbol of the light of Christ as the congregation walk with torch in hand through the streets of Brooklyn and Queens. Next, they discuss St. Juan Diego’s mission of faith and evangelization as well as Mary and Joseph’s acceptance of their calling from God.

Episode 24 – As the Advent Season Continues…

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue discuss the benefits of this longer Advent season. They discuss those heartfelt emotions that arise as you observe all the decorations and traditions and why it shouldn’t stop with those feelings but let it draw you deeper in contemplation and prayer. Bishop Brennan also talks about the pivotal role our Blessed Mother plays during Advent as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe.

Episode 23 – Advent: Preparing for the Birth of Christ

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue discuss the upcoming Advent season. They speak to the importance of using this time for preparation, directing our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Advent devotions remind us of the true meaning of the season, helping the faithful not to be distracted by secularism.

Episode 22 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Bishop Robert Brennan and Fr. Christopher Heanue wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. While this holiday is uniquely American, it speaks to the global importance of family, the role of tradition in educating our children, and the ever-present need for gratitude for the blessings we have received.

May God bless you and keep you this Thanksgiving Day.

Episode 21 – “From the Bishops’ Fall Plenary Assembly”

This week Bishop Robert Brennan calls into Big City Catholics podcast from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Fall Plenary Meeting to discuss this year’s conference agenda and a day in the life of a conference attendee.

Please join us in praying for all the bishops at this year’s conference, especially Bishop Brennan, Bishop DiMarzio, and the Auxilliary Bishops of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

To learn more about the conference visit www.usccb.org/events/2022/bishops-fall-plenary-assembly.