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.

"During Mass, I strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven." - Pope Leo XIV

Join the faithful from the Basilica of the Little Flower for a spiritual journey to show love and care for our common home in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. Walk together, pray together, and reflect on ways to protect our environment. The route will be eight miles, beginning at the Basilica of the Little Flower (directions) and ending at San Fernando Cathedral. If you would like to participate, but are unable to do the full length, you are encouraged to join participants at the mid-point located at Confluence Park (directions). Confluence Park is about a three-mile walk to the San Fernando Cathedral. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress properly for the weather, and bring drinks and snacks.

With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, the Archdiocese of San Antonio joyfully announces the ordination of Deacon Guillermo Cruz Hernandez, Deacon Robert Lee Shelton, and Deacon Evan Gerard Wittig to the Order of the Presbyterate and Luis Horacio Gomez Bustamante, Luis Alonzo de la Cruz, and Jose Edgar Hernandez Suarez to the Order of the Diaconate. We anticipate a full attendance, so arrive early if you are joining us at St. Mark the Evangelist Church. Watch the livestream on YouTube and download the worship aid.

Join the San Antonio Vocation Office for this year’s Volleyball, Dodgeball & Clerics event! Cheer on your parish priests or root for our San Antonio seminarians! Experience the joy of the priesthood — completely free — at the Church of the Holy Spirit (directions). Mass begins at 6 p.m., followed by games and fun for all.

Catholic Seniors’ Conference

May 31 from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Pilgrim Center of Hope warmly invites you to this unique event at St. Luke Church Banquet Hall (directions). Whatever your state in life, you are welcome to this day of Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo, prayer, learning, fellowship, and laughter. Come join us and learn about God’s calling for us as we enter our golden years. Discover a message of joy and hope! Interested persons of all ages are welcome.

Call (210) 521-3377 or visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org to learn more & register.

All people with disabilities and their families, friends, and caregivers are invited to the archdiocesan Disabilities Mass. Join Archbishop Gustavo on Sunday, June 1, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Ann Church (210 St Ann St, San Antonio, TX 78201). 

This sensory-friendly liturgy will include softer music, shorter Mass readings, and a stigma-free environment. Bring any calming toys, fidgets, or accessories that might help with comfort and sensory regulation. The assembly is ready to welcome all who attend. Contact Lauren Stadelman with any questions or comments or call (210) 734-1632.

The Archdiocesan Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service is hosting a five-week Parish Ministry Formation designed for those serving in ministries with middle school and high school youth at Mexican American Catholic College (directions). The program fee is $125 and weekly courses include Called and Sent, Sacred Scripture, Profession of Faith: Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Life in Christ, and Specialized Ministry. 

For more information, If you have any questions about the program, courses, registration, or payment, contact Elizabeth "Liz" Ortiz at eortiz@maccsa.org or Daniela Gomez at dgomez@maccsa.org or call (210) 731-3121.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio urges Catholics to stand up for the most vulnerable among us. The Budget Reconciliation Act will impact families, the most vulnerable, and those already struggling to meet their basic needs. This legislation undermines the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly our call to uphold human dignity, protect the poor and marginalized, and promote the common good.

Considering this, we are asking parishioners across the archdiocese to contact their representatives and respectfully urge them to oppose this bill. A simple call or message from a faith perspective can make a powerful difference. Make your concerns known to your representatives through the resources available on the USCCB Action Center website.

Calling all college students! Your summer just got a major upgrade. Join archdiocesan Campus Ministry for a summer full of faith, friends, and fun! Swing by the St. Anthony Catholic Student Center (directions) for Adoration and confession at 5 p.m., followed by Mass at 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday in June and July. It’s the perfect midweek reset for your soul.

Then, mark your calendars for Thursdays: Each week brings a new social adventure. From baseball games to bonfires, hiking to movie nights — there’s something for everyone! Let’s make this summer one to remember, together in faith and fellowship!

For more information, join our GroupMe and stay in the loop.

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña was completed in 1755 and is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. But unrestored does not mean unchanged. Originally it had colorful exterior decorations and numerous frescoes within the church, portions of which are still visible. The church is named in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, another name for the Virgin Mary, Jesus’s Mother. Inside you will see several images of the Virgin Mary. The presider’s chair at Mission Concepcion was the chair St. John Paul II used when it was at San Fernando’s during his papal visit to San Antonio in 1987.

Plan your visit to Mission Concepción and learn more about the Jubilee Year of Hope today.

Photo: Provided

The solemn canonization of St. Thérèse the Little Flower of Jesus took place on May 17, 1925, at Saint-Pierre in Rome. On the 100th anniversary of that event, CTSA broadcast the centennial celebration from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower last Saturday.

Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, celebrated the Archbishop’s Medallion Mass at Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary on May 14.

Honored recipients were Catholic high school seniors – now graduates – including Carmela Ante from Antonian College Preparatory High School; Nikolai Aleman from Central Catholic High School; Michelle Patrice Crockford from Holy Cross School of San Antonio; Addison Grace Alvarez from Incarnate Word High School; Albert Vasquez from Our Lady of the Hills College Prep in Kerrville; Aribella Franceschini from Providence Catholic School; Zephyr Taki Martinez from St. Anthony Catholic High School; and Justin Hilbig from St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Schertz.

Music at the liturgy was provided by a choir of students under the direction of Galo Martinez, band director at Central Catholic, and Dr. Marti West, superintendent of Catholic Schools, also addressed attendees.

The 2025 Catholic Directory is here! The directory includes updated clergy assignments, archdiocesan services, educational services, health services, contact information and Mass schedules for urban and rural parishes, priests, deacons, brothers, women religious and more.

Click here to purchase the directory or contact Mandy Franco by email or call (210) 734-1610.

Commissioning certificates and degrees awarded by Mexican American Catholic College

Donor generosity brings about St. James the Apostle School building

Msgr. Albert Hubertus anniversary: A beautiful and powerful example of the Gospel with 75 years ordained

Congratulating Catholic schools honorees with a heart to given and a willingness to use their gifts in ministry

GOOD NEWS! For just $18, subscribers receive 22 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox.

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

Archdiocese of San Antonio

The New Messenger Archives | CTSA | Today's Catholic Newspaper | Subscribe

Treasures of the Archdiocese | El Camino de San Antonio Missions

Employment

Copyright © 2025 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved.