Friday of the Third Week of Advent

December 22, 2023

Welcome to The New Messenger, your weekly archdiocesan newsletter featuring messages from Archbishop Gustavo, news briefs, event previews, and updated information. The Archdiocese of San Antonio's weekly newsletter is published every Friday morning.

The Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed Monday, December 25 - Tuesday, December 26, 2023 for Christmas.

Message from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS

Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS

The Church insistently invites us to rejoice. Even when the night in the world is getting longer, colder, and darker — both physically and metaphorically — God sends His messengers to announce good news. Our joy has a strong root, which pierces so deeply that it almost goes unnoticed, preparing the growth of the tree of life. God is in the midst of his people as a powerful Savior! He becomes so close to us that we risk overlooking Him. As the fulfillment of God’s promise springs forth, the year of the Lord’s favor must be proclaimed. His anointed One comes to fulfill the hope of all those who await God’s salvation with confidence. The new light, which is about to arise in our midst, will reach even the darkest corners. Prepare the way for Christ! Participate in the way through Christ! Be on the way with Christ! Rejoice!

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Upcoming Events
History of the Nativity Scene
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In its preset form, the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. Pope Francis remarks on the meaning and importance of the Nativity Scene in his Apostolic Letter Admirable Signum “The nativity scene shows God as he came into our world, but it also makes us reflect on how our life is part of God’s own life. It invites us to become his disciples if we want to attain ultimate meaning in life.” Like St. Francis, let us open our hearts to this simple grace. The Christmas crèche is part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the faith and to realize that in that knowledge we find true happiness. The blessing of the Christmas manger may take place on the Vigil of Christmas, and it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member.


Blessing Prayer of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene (pdf)
Marriage Preparation Retreat: Transformed in Love | Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024

Engaged and convalidating couples are invited to attend this one-day retreat, presented by the archdiocese, to complement the formation they are receiving through the marriage preparation process in their home parish as they seek to minister to each other the sacrament of holy matrimony. Registration is now open on this link.


More Info Download the flyer (pdf)

37th Annual City-wide Interfaith Worship Service

Catholic Television of San Antonio

Merry Christmas Message from Rosemary Kowalski

Catholic Television of San Antonio recently had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the legendary Rosemary Kowalski. Hope for the Future will honor Kowalski at the Khaki and Plaid Gala on February 3.

View Video

Photo of the Week

Catholic Charities RSVP Program

Members of the Catholic Charities RSVP program enjoyed a lunch and holiday raffle at Maria Bonita on December 14. RSVP empowers older adult volunteers to meaningfully engage individuals in the community using their gifts and talents to serve others. For additional information on RSVP call (210) 226-6178 or e-mail info@ccaosa.org.

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Seeking to live in sacramental communion with one another, the Archdiocese of San Antonio exists to make disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ to prepare for the promise of Eternal Life.


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