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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue reflect on the one-year anniversary of the Bishop’s installation.

They talk about the Synod feedback, the Bishop’s travels to our parishes, and the challenges we must focus on in the upcoming year.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue discuss the solemn celebration of All Souls Day and the importance of commemorating those who have come before with prayer. Bishop Brennan explains that God has connected us to one another and that we are united in prayer, as well as the relevance of the role of the wake, Funeral Mass, and burial in our faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue discuss the recent pilgrimage of more than 3,000 of the faithful from the Diocese of Brooklyn to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It was quite a sight to behold, our diocese filling the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America to the brim!