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 on March 22 voiced dismay over ongoing conflicts around the world, saying the suffering of innocent victims “hurts all of humanity” and urging an end to hostilities grounded in dialogue and respect for human dignity.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many defenseless people who are victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts all of humanity,” the pope said after praying the Angelus.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Brothers and sisters, there is a stone in front of every tomb. You know the one I mean — not just the stone that sealed Lazarus’ grave in Bethany, but the stone each one of us carries within. The stone of the grief you have never named. The stone of the sin you believe is too old to move. The stone of the question you are afraid to ask God: Are you still here? Pope Leo XIV reminds us: “God gives the world a new life: his own, offered for all.” The stone is moved again. The bread broken at the altar is not a symbol of life — it is life itself, the body of the Risen One being made one with your body, so that you carry the Resurrection out the doors and into every tomb you will encounter this week: in your home, in your workplace, in the mirror. Go, then. Roll away whatever stone is keeping someone — or yourself — from hearing their name called. You have the breath for it. The Spirit of the One who raised Jesus lives in you. May Our Lady of Guadalupe — who crushed the stone of death beneath her mantle of stars -- help us truly believe.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | Last Fish Fry during Lent | | |
Today is the last day to support your local parish fish fry. Find a location near you and enjoy your Friday dinner in fellowship with family and friends.
Thank you to everyone who submitted details for the newsletter.
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Gathering for those considering a call to the Priesthood: The Melchizedek Project
April 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Assumption Seminary
| | Are you, or someone you know, a young man between the ages of 16 and 35 who is open to discovering God’s plan for your life? Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart towards the priesthood? SA Vocations invite you to join the Melchizedek Project, a monthly discernment group for those considering the priesthood at Assumption Seminary (directions). Grow in your faith, and receive guidance on discerning God’s call. Explore this sacred vocation alongside other young men who are also discerning. For more information, visit the website, email the Vocation Office, or call (210) 735-0553. | |
FIAT: A Young Adult Day of Service, Prayer & Discernment
Saturday, April 11, at the archdiocesan Pastoral Ministry Center
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Whether you are or plan to be married, are single, religious, or ordained, God has a dream for your life, and it begins with a single word: yes. This past Wednesday, the Church celebrated the feast of the Annunciation, and the moment where Mary’s YES to the Lord changed the course of history. On the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday at the Pastoral Ministry Center (directions), the archdiocese invites young adults (ages 18–39) to discover how their own fiat can change their lives.
After a morning of serving as the hands and feet of Christ, participants will enjoy lunch and be inspired by a keynote reflection from Archbishop Gustavo. The afternoon will include a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship to guide the moment of prayer. The day will close with food trucks and fellowship. FIAT 2026 is more than just an event: It is faith in action today designed for real connection and missionary purpose. All young adults are welcome.
| | FIAT is a collaboration among the archdiocesan Office for Evangelization & Formation, the Vocations Office, and Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio. | |
A Retreat for the Deaf Catholics: Help Us Reach Out to Our Brothers and Sisters
May 1 to 3 at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC)
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Do you know someone who is deaf? Do they have a faith community? The National Catholic Office for the Deaf estimates that 96 percent of deaf Catholics in the United States are a detached from the communal and sacramental life of a parish community. Our baptism calls us to reach out to them. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world. We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one.”
From May 1 to 3, the archdiocesan Deaf Ministry will host an ASL-only retreat at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) (directions) focused on “The Mass: A Step-by-Step Journey through the Source and Summit of Our Faith.” The retreat will be led by Father Cassion Elkins, OSB, a Benedictine priest and nationally recognized leader in Deaf Catholic ministry. Deaf since childhood, Father Cassion has dedicated his priesthood to helping Deaf Catholics encounter the beauty of the liturgy through American Sign Language. All talks, prayer, and community gatherings will be conducted fully in American Sign Language (ASL). Deaf Catholics, their families, and anyone connected to the Deaf community are warmly invited to participate in this enriching and faith-filled weekend. Join us and experience the beauty of the Mass and the strength of the Deaf Catholic community.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | The Passion of Christ on Good Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at San Fernando Cathedral Broadcasting Live | | This Good Friday at 10 a.m. — don’t miss it. Experience the powerful re-enactment of The Passion of Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral. Witness the suffering, the sacrifice, and the love that changed the world — brought to life in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Reflect on Christ’s journey to the Cross and enter into the solemn beauty of Good Friday. April 3 at 10 a.m. broadcasting live. | |
CTSA 24th Annual Leadership Luncheon
Tuesday, April 7, at the Witte Museum - Dawson Family Hall
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Catholic Television of San Antonio invites you to join us as we honor Most Reverend Arturo J. Cepeda, Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio, and legendary journalist Elizabeth (Liz) Ruiz.
Table sponsorships and individual seats are available.
Parking Information
Please enter on Tuleta Drive to Brackenridge Parking Garage at 3501 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78209 (directions). Note that there is an elevator available in the garage for your convenience.
Questions/Comments?
Email Janet Mefrige or call (210) 734-1938.
| | Six young men from Assumption Seminary took an important step in their formation March 20 as they made their Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity at Our Lady’s Chapel on campus, preparing for ordination as deacons and priests. The Mass was celebrated by Father Will Schmid, director of Vocations for the Diocese of Phoenix, with priest members of the Assumption formation faculty serving as concelebrants. Among those who made their profession and took the oath from the Archdiocese of San Antonio were Moses Castro, Erick Cruz, and Arturo Naranjo; as well as Deacon Zachary Selig from the Diocese of Pueblo, Colo.; Deacon Luis Angeles from the Diocese of San Bernardino, Calif.; and Deacon Nathan Blanchard from the Diocese of Phoenix. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory Five Dollar
Only 2 books left
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Five Dollar 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, email Mandy Franco, call (210) 734-1610, or click here.
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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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