Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

Lucia Morales, the Associate Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics. They discuss their experiences together in Lisbon, Portugal during World Youth Day and recount the excitement of the youths united in faith. As young adults of the diocese continue their ministry, Lucia Morales announces the beginning of a new organizational chapter of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) within Brooklyn and Queens, which brings together like-minded professionals supporting the great mission of the Catholic faith. 

Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, Vicar General for the Diocese and Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics. They have an honest conversation about the convocation meeting of priests and its impact on life in Brooklyn and Queens. Both discuss the living realities and challenges faced, including fewer priests and ministry leadership, demographic shifts, and the changing needs of the people.

Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss the depths of the terrorist attacks on Israel in this episode of Big City Catholics. The Diocese of Brooklyn stands in unity with our Jewish brothers and sisters and all those affected by these crimes against humanity. Bishop Brennan expresses that there is no room for evil in a civil society. As people of hope, we must continue to work for peace around the world. 

Communication, listening to one another, and walking together with Jesus Christ is the encouraging message of Pope Francis and the theme of this week’s episode of Big City Catholics. This month of October begins a very special time in the Church where unity in the diversity of Catholics is highlighted. We see this through the beginning of the Synod, the consistory of new cardinals, and the installation of the Regional Episcopal Vicars at the local level. Bishop Brennan urges us to connect in partnership to maintain a strong Catholic presence through preserving human dignity and standing in solidarity.

Fr. Gibino, Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics as they discuss the catechetical ministry of knowing Jesus and being rooted in His truth. Fr. Gibino urges us to encounter Jesus and become His living witness to the world. The Diocesan Eucharistical Revival is a great catechetical event where we can be Apostolic believers of the real presence of God here and now.

In this week’s episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue discuss the upcoming Diocesan Eucharistic Revival as a celebration of unity in the diversity of the Church. It allows us to come together in faith as one family to praise God through His presence in the Eucharist. Bishop Brennan urges us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus as well as our shared identity as Catholics.

Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue explain that the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows this week are both celebrations of triumph. It is through Jesus’ resurrection that He has conquered sin and death forever. Bishop Brennan points out that the essence of real faith and discipleship is to recognize that even amid sorrowful times, God is doing great things for us. As St. Peter Claver and the late Msgr. Jervis has immersed themselves in the struggle to be a shining light to others, we too can support and love each other just as God does for us. 

Deacon Kevin McCormack, the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan as they host this episode of Big City Catholics discussing the theme of family. Families transform the world around us through authentically living the Gospel, rooted in the truth, living in love for each other, but also for those who are in need. Catholic schools play an important role in supporting families through faith, education, and growth. 

Fr. Jose Diaz, Pastor at Mary’s Nativity – St. Ann Parish, Flushing and Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at Queens College, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics. They discuss the spirit of renewal and fellowship at the Catholic Newman Center of Queens College. Fr. Diaz shares the welcoming presence Focus ministries have brought to Queens as they walk with others in friendship with Jesus Christ. Bishop Brennan asks the Lord to bless the academic year ahead and allow our efforts combined with His transforming grace to touch the heart and souls of our students and families.

After a series of on the road Big City Catholics podcasts, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on all the wonderful diocesan events that have taken place during this summer, especially World Youth Day 2023. They share their excitement for the upcoming  Catholic Underground, the Anniversary of Cathedral Basilica of St. James, and the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival, where the diocese will celebrate in adoration the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. They pray for a blessed year to come in the diocese.