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 Holy See | Pope Leo XIV | | Pope Leo XIV prayer intention for October | | |
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of October is for collaboration between different religious traditions.
In a video released September 30, the Holy Father asked the faithful to “pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.”
In the video, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | | |
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School in Boerne is the fruit of years of prayer, dialogue, discernment and hard teamwork. The recent celebration of their beam signing event is not only a visible structure rising from the ground but the realization of a dream – rooted in faith and sacrifice – that now takes form for future generations. The ceremony was another important step forward, a sign of hope and growth for the parish and the wider Catholic community in Boerne. I pray that the entire school community – students, parents, teachers, staff, and friends – will continue to move forward with hearts lifted to God, always seeking His wisdom and love. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “Christ does not come as a stranger to rational discourse but rather as the keystone that gives meaning and harmony to all our thinking, to all our desires and projects to improve the present life and to give purpose and transcendence to human effort.” May the Lord bless the school and all who make it flourish.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | The San Antonio Missions are still open during the federal government shutdown | | Visitors still have access to the centuries-old churches on the grounds of Missions Concepción, Espada, San José, and San Juan. The churches are operated by the archdiocese and all continue to hold Masses. The missions, all located near the San Antonio River from downtown and through the South Side, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract more than one million visitors each year. The San Antonio Missions can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | |
Opening Doors Through Catholic Education:
A New Opportunity for Families
| | For generations, Catholic schools have been places where faith and learning flourish together — where children grow in wisdom, character, and love of Christ. With the support of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), more families than ever can experience the blessing of a Christ-centered education rooted in Gospel values and academic excellence. This moment is not simply about funding, but all about mission. It is about ensuring that every child who longs for a Catholic education has a pathway to receive it. Together, we can invite families, share this good news, and strengthen our parish and school communities. Discover the gift of Catholic education, explore the ESA program, and help spread the word. Learn more and sign up here for updates. Learn about our Catholic Schools and sign up here to get ESA updates. | |
Join Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak this Sunday for a Mass for Life
October 5 at 6 p.m. at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church
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Join us for the first Archdiocesan Mass for Life on Sunday, October 5, at 6 p.m. at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church (directions).
Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak will celebrate this special Mass, gathering the faithful to pray for the protection of all life and especially for mothers and their unborn children. As we celebrate Respect Life Month, let us proclaim with confidence that “Life is our sign of hope.” Mark your calendar and invite family and friends to unite with the archdiocese in this important celebration of prayer and witness.
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For the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Take the Cabrini Pledge
October 4-5
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This year, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on October 4-5, coinciding with the Jubilee of Migrants as part of the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year. Together, we are called to walk as Pilgrims on the Way of Hope, in solidarity with migrants and refugees across the world.
Pope Leo XIV invites us to take the Cabrini Pledge, an invitation to be keepers of hope for our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters by: Affirming the dignity of every person, engaging with scripture and the Church’s social teaching, listening and learning about the circumstances facing migrants and refugees, seeking opportunities for encounter, considering what it means to be a good neighbor, and encouraging civic dialogue that places the human person and the sanctity of the families at the center of policymaking. Join Pope Leo XIV in praying for all migrants and refugees. Let us respond, faith, hope, and love — walking together as one Church, and one Body in Christ.
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Called to Care, Blessed to Serve
Day of Reflection and Mass for Healthcare Professionals
Saturday, October 18 at 10 a.m.
| | “The Church has always sought to embody our Savior’s concern for the sick” (Ethical and Religious Directives). In honor of the Feast of St. Luke, Patron of Physicians, all healthcare professionals and ministers to the sick are invited to a Day of Reflection on Saturday, October 18, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church (directions). Led by Father Christopher Kubat, M.D., this day will explore “Divine Infusions: Sacraments for the Sick.” The program will conclude with the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass and a special blessing for all who serve. Registration is $15 and includes lunch (financial assistance is available). | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | The excitement of CowParade San Antonio reached new heights as supporters, art lovers and community leaders gathered recently at the historic Red Berry Estate for the live auction of 16 artist-designed cows. The live auction may be complete, but some of the herd still need a place to call home. More than 50 cows are now available through the online auction, open now through Friday, Oct. 10. These life-sized works of art can be purchased for homes, businesses or even donated to local nonprofits and organizations. Each cow is a chance to own a piece of San Antonio history and art while making a difference. Community members are encouraged to visit the CHRISTUS CowParade website to view the online gallery and place their bids. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | In celebration of National Deaf Awareness Week, all were welcome to participate in the annual Deaf Awareness Mass on September 28 celebrated in English and ASL at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in San Antonio with retired Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette and Father Len Broniak, CSsR, archdiocesan Deaf Ministry chaplain. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| | GOOD NEWS! For just $20, subscribers receive 21 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar Fall Sale
Limited Quantity
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Five Dollar Fall Directory Sale $5 each!
The directory includes information and Mass schedules for parishes in the archdiocese; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about archdiocesan priests, deacons, brothers, women religious.
Limited quantity available. To purchase, contact Mandy Franco at (210) 734-1610 or email mandy.franco@archsa.org. Purchase online: https://archsa.regfox.com/directory.
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Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book
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When you buy the commemorative book Treasures of the Archdiocesan of San Antonio you will also receive the Today's Catholic 150th anniversary magazine as an added bonus.
Don't let this opportunity slip away. Purchase your book now and take home or pass along a piece of history!
- Published by Editions du Signe | ISBN: 978-2-7468-4515-2
- 9.65” x 11.81”
- Soft cover – glossy paper – 440 pages
- Full color throughout
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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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