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.

If you are new to RCIA Ministry, this is for you! Join us on Saturday, January 20, at 9 a.m. for a free in-person workshop for ALL RCIA directors and coordinators. This workshop will prepare you for the Rite of Election and Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion. It will be hosted at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) (3115 West Ashby Place, SATX 78228 - Directions).

Gather in prayer for the protection of human life on Sunday, January 21, at San Fernando Cathedral (115 Main Plaza, SATX 78205 - Directions) for a Respect Life Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette. We pray for sustained protection of the unborn, for support for mothers and families in need, and for decision makers to continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. Join us at 4 p.m. for a Rosary prior to Mass. Mass begins at 5 p.m.

In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. The liturgical celebrations for this day may be the “Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (no. 48/1 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with white vestments, or the Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (no. 30 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with violet vestments.

Enjoy Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament! We invite you to gather in Adoration, confession, and fellowship at St. Joseph Church (623 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio TX 78205 – Directions) this Tuesday, January 23 . Worship on the River is held on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-9 p.m. If you can’t join us, watch the live stream on Facebook.

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. We hope that you find the following resources helpful for your own celebrations of World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life!

Engaged and convalidating couples are invited to attend this one-day bilingual retreat presented by the archdiocese to complement the formation received through the marriage preparation process in their home parish as they seek to minister to each other the sacrament of holy matrimony. The retreat will take place at St. Luke Church (4603 Manitou Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228 – Directions) and registration is open. 

Knights of Columbus Council 10240 at St. Luke’s Church is hosting a Mass for people with special needs and/or handicaps on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., at the parish at 4603 Manitou Drive with Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak as celebrant. A reception will follow the liturgy. People with special needs and/or handicaps are in society, at school, at work, and in families. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be challenging for them to participate in liturgies due to physical or social barriers. Celebrating a Mass for this community can be the first of many steps toward integration into parish life. The Knights are hosting this liturgy and hope to spread the message that all of God’s children are welcome and that every person is an integral part of the parish family.

The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. On this day, Catholics all over the world are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create greater awareness about this phenomenon.

February 11 is World Day of the Sick, an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses.

“Yesterday’s Dream, Today’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Reality,” was the theme of the 37th Annual MLK Commission Interfaith Worship Service, held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on January 14. Photo by: Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

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To find more archdiocesan events and activities visit our website, www.archsa.org.

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