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. | | Ways to Watch Sunday Mass during Inclement Weather | | |
Watch the Mass from San Fernando Cathedral on CTSA at 8 a.m.:
| | The Holy See | Pope Leo XIV | | Pope Leo to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass at Saint John Lateran after hiatus under Pope Francis | | |
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on April 2, restoring a long-standing Roman tradition that Pope Francis set aside throughout his 12-year pontificate.
The announcement appeared in the calendar of papal liturgies published by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | We give thanks to God for the sacred gift of human life. Life does not begin by chance; it begins with love. And when we embrace this truth, the heart is calmed, and existence finds its purpose. God entrusts creation to human hands so that we may care for it. Life is like this: a gift entrusted to us. When we change our perspective and recognize ourselves as stewards, not owners, a new, responsible, and grateful attitude is born, one that protects all life, especially the most fragile. The Holy Spirit strengthens us and roots us in love. From within outwards, life expands. We do not defend life out of fear, but out of fullness; not by imposition, but because we have been filled with a love that surpasses all understanding and empowers us to freely choose what is good. When we embrace life, we sing; when we defend it, we proclaim that God continues to act. We are called to care for, accompany, and protect all human life without interruption throughout its entire course, from its beginning to its natural end, creating bonds that heal and sustain. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the God of Great Truth through whom we live, cover us with her mantle and teach us to welcome, defend, and celebrate every life as a gift from God.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
A Special Gathering for Families
Impacted by Incarceration
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 24 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pastoral Ministry Center
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Join Families United in Faith at the Pastoral Ministry Center (directions) for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and encouragement. Hosted by Deacon Adrian Cepeda, Director of archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry, this gathering offers a welcoming space for families impacted by the criminal justice system. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, a presentation on mental health and wellness by Dr. Mary Jo Rodriguez, small group discussions, a reflection from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), and a closing time of prayer and spiritual renewal.
All are welcome. Invite your family and friends by sharing this flyer. If you need assistance, call Deacon Adrian at (210) 734-0766. RSVP for yourself and your guests. We look forward to sharing this time of faith, healing, and hope with you.
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Mental Health Training in Spanish
Curso de Primeros Auxilios en Salud Mental
31 de enero del 2026 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. en la Iglesia de San Mateo
| | Curso de certificación 100% en español para quienes desean apoyar el bienestar mental. Aprende a reconocer señales comunes, responder con seguridad y brindar ayuda inicial hasta que llegue apoyo profesional. Acompáñenos el 31 de enero en la Iglesia de San Mateo (direcciones). La capacidad está limitada a 30 personas. La tarifa de 20 dólares incluye el manual de primeros auxilios en salud mental (llevar efectivo o cheque el día del evento). Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Lauren Stadelman. | |
Your Child's Catholic Education Just Became More Accessible
Applications Open on February 4
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Families in the archdiocese may qualify to receive up to $10,474 per child, per year through the new Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program — whether your child is new to Catholic schools or already enrolled. This initiative is a providential turning point for families who've always wanted a faith-centered education for their children but weren't sure how to make it work financially.
Catholic schools don't only excel in academics. They form the whole person: heart, mind, and soul. They create communities where your child is known, valued, and challenged to grow in faith and character. And now, with ESA support, that kind of education is within reach for more families than ever before. Applications open February 4. Don't miss this opportunity. Sign up now to receive updates and learn how to apply. Let's walk this journey together. Your child's future starts here.
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Gathering for those considering a call to the Priesthood: The Melchizedek Project
February 5 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 priesthood? SA Vocations invites 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. | | |
Liturgical Ministry Day of Reflection and Formation
Saturday, February 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at University of Incarnate Word
| | Join fellow liturgical ministers from across the archdiocese for a morning of reflection, formation and community at University of Incarnate Word (directions). The day will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Dolores Martinez, followed by breakout sessions designed for a specific ministry including: lectors, Music Ministry, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers and those who form them, Hospital Ministry, Chapel Environment Ministry, and Media Ministry. Download a flyer here to share with liturgical ministers you may know. This event is free. Registration is encouraged. | | National Marriage Week: February 7–14 | | The archdiocese unites with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to celebrate National Marriage Week and World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 8). These are special opportunities to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year’s theme, “Man and Woman He Created Them: Together with Purpose,” reminds us of the beauty and strength of this vocation. Join us as we celebrate the values that unite couples, strengthen families, and inspire communities to live with purpose and love. Find resources for the celebration on our website, the ForYourMarriage website, or the National Marriage Week website and deepen your commitment. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | A Canonical Establishment Mass for the Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated at St. Paul Church on January 15 with Archbishop Gustavo presiding, with several priests of the archdiocese and Missionary of the Holy Spirit clergy serving as concelebrants. A reception followed at the St. Paul Community Center. | | Most Reverend Luis Carlos Lerma Martínez was ordained as bishop of the Diocese of Nuevo Laredo on January 14. Prior to his episcopal ordination liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Monsignor Martínez walked from the Benito Juárez Monument to the cathedral, greeting parishioners and students from the Catholic schools of Nuevo Laredo who lined the route. Taking part in the procession and canonical installation service were Archbishop Gustavo, Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda, and Father Ricardo Ramirez, pastor of St. James the Apostle Church in San Antonio. Other Texas prelates at the event included Bishop James Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo and Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar New Year Sale
Limited Quantity
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Five Dollar New Year 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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