Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

Episode 96 – Discussing Seminary Formation with Bishop Massa and Fr. Cush

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan is joined by our diocesan Auxiliary Bishop and Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, Bishop James Massa, and Fr. John Cush, faculty of the seminary and editor of Homiletic and Pastoral Review. They discuss seminary formation as a holistic blend of human, spiritual, academic, and pastoral formation to serve Christ. Fr. Cush discusses his book Nothing But You Lord which reflects on the priesthood through the lens of Bishop Robert Barron.

Episode 95 – Unpacking the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Agreement with the Attorney General

You won’t want to miss this edition of Big City Catholics where 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 that has gone on for 20 years to keep children safe and improvements being made to diocesan policies.

Episode 94 – The Triumph of Good Over Evil

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue recap the many events surrounding Easter. They explain both the beauty and challenges of this time as it aligns with what we celebrate in the Triduum, the triumph of good over evil, recognizing the great things God is accomplishing right in our midst.

Episode 93 – Christ Is Alive

In this edition of Big City Catholics, we listen to Bishop Brennan’s Easter Sunday Homily. He explains that Jesus our risen Lord never gives up on us. Christ meets and walks with us always, appearing to us in the gift of the Eucharist so that we may be more aware of His presence in our lives.

Episode 92 – Celebrating Our Unity

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan speaks from the Holy Chrism Mass at The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, a joyous celebration of our unity through the blessing and distribution of the sacred oils for the sacramental life of the Church. Bishop Brennan explains our identity as a people of God united as one through our faith in Jesus Christ and His continued presence in the Church.

Episode 91 – Trusting in God’s Help and Mercy

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue speak about God’s mercy and our faith in Him through difficult times. Bishop Brennan describes how deeply moved he was by the solidarity he witnessed as he celebrated Mass for Haiti at Holy Innocents Church. As we enter Holy Week, Bishop Brennan calls us to trust and walk with God, who has always been faithful to us.

Episode 90 – Life In Abundance with Deacon Kevin McCormack

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan is joined by Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools for the diocese. They discuss important issues in today’s society and stress how the choices we make in life shouldn’t be handled with quick solutions. Bishop Brennan encourages us as we live our lives to accompany one another and walk with Jesus who came so that we may have life and have it in abundance.

Episode 89 – Mother Cabrini: Promoter of Human Dignity

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss the premiere of Cabrini, a film about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. They speak on Mother Cabrini’s impressive life as a missionary and her powerful impact on society as a promoter of human dignity despite heavy resistance. Bishop Brennan encourages us to see the film of this first American citizen to be canonized as a saint and to continue to seek her intercession.

Episode 88 – Celebrating Black Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss the impactful presence of the black Catholic community and their diverse heritage in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Brennan expresses his appreciation for their generosity in service to the Church, unified fidelity to the Gospel, and continuation of faithful discipleship to Jesus Christ.

Episode 87 – Answering the Call to Holiness

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss holiness as the number one vocation for every one of us. Bishop Brennan explains that beyond this common call, God has blessed us with specific gifts and talents to live out our purpose and answer the call to holiness. During Lent, we continue our journey to grow closer to God through professing our faith and embracing His eternal love for us. For more about the 2024 Lenten Pilgrimage and a full schedule, visit dioceseofbrooklyn.org/Lent