In this special edition of Big City Catholics, produced by the Catholic Faith Network, President and CEO Msgr. Jim Vlaun joins Bishop Brennan from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. Together, they discuss the fraternal dialogue among bishops, the missionary spirit of Pope Leo XIV, the 100th anniversary of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and the challenges facing immigrants, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to human dignity.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue sit down with Fr. Dwayne Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands, to reflect on November as a time of remembrance. They discuss the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the impact of Hurricane Melissa, and the strength that comes from community during challenging times. The episode also spotlights the Ambassador youth program and invites listeners to pray for and support those affected by the storm.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue take us to Washington, D.C., where diocesan pilgrims gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They reflect on the powerful spiritual experience of the pilgrimage and share conversations with the faithful of all ages who represent the unity and diversity of our diocesan family. Pilgrims offer their testimonies, prayer intentions, and hopes from a grace-filled day of faith and fellowship.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue highlight a busy October in the diocese, celebrating the 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph and honoring religious vocations. They reflect on Polish Heritage Day and the enduring influence of St. John Paul II. They also preview the diocesan pilgrimage to Washington, DC, emphasizing the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, and reaffirm support for survivors of abuse at the annual Mass of Hope and Healing. Bishop Brennan spotlights the importance of staying faithful to the Gospel "in season and out of season" despite modern secularism.

Monsignor Peter Vaccari, priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who serves as the president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land and the Church’s mission to bring hope to those in need. Monsignor Vaccari shares CNEWA’s mission to provide supplies, increase psychosocial counseling, and send aid into the affected areas. As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, Bishop Brennan encourages listeners to support missionary work and reminds us of the effective nature of praying in solidarity for peace.

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.

Bishop Brennan records this episode of Big City Catholics from the heart of the Eternal City, Rome, as he welcomes pilgrims from our diocese for the Jubilee of Youth. Joined by Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, they reflect on the powerful witness of young people alive in their faith. From a moving pilgrimage to Assisi and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, to the celebration of Mass and their highly anticipated encounter with Pope Leo XIV, every moment overflows with God’s presence. Bishop Brennan shares how being surrounded by others who are rooted in the same vibrant faith can be a true game changer.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares the special experience of celebrating Sunday Mass at Citi Field—a powerful way to serve those who work to create a safe and meaningful experience for Mets fans. He’s joined by James Benesh, Vice President of Ballpark Experience for the New York Mets, who shares how these Masses, much like those in a parish, bring people from all corners of the community together. Bishop Brennan also speaks with Rev. Msgr. Thomas C. Machalski, Jr., pastor of Sacred Heart in Bayside and chaplain to the Mets, who discusses Catholic Athletes for Christ, an organization that facilitates the celebration of Mass for Catholic players, coaches, and team personnel at many stadiums.

Diocesan priests Father Juan Luxama and Father Ikenna Okagbue join Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to share their experiences on pilgrimage to Yakima, Washington, and other missionary journeys through the Catholic Extension Society. They share their joy of being witnesses of hope and bringing people together in faith. Bishop Brennan emphasizes the importance of building the Church where people are.

Bishop Brennan hosts this episode of Big City Catholics from the state of Washington in the Diocese of Yakima, as he is joined by Father Charles Keeney. They discuss the opportunities given to priests by the Catholic Extension Society which allow them to commit to the missionary work of the Church by building up Catholic communities among the poorest regions of America. Bishop Brennan explains the importance of walking in solidarity among God’s people and bringing the Church to its fullness.

Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus, Ohio joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to talk about the Religious Workforce Protection Act. He explains concern over the current U.S. rule where those of religious service are to return to their country of origin for a full year should their visa expire before they receive judgement about a green card or permanent residency. This bill will remedy this issue to ensure stability and secure conditions for religious communities by resolving legal ambiguities. Bishop Brennan discusses how foreign missionaries are vital to our diverse diocese and expresses commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.