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 prays for victims and families of Texas flood disaster | | The Holy Father, speaking in English, expressed his “sincere condolences” to “families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States” after praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. | | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
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Brothers and sisters, we hold before God more than 100 souls claimed by the July 4 flood in the Hill Country. Their names have been released—an invitation to pray for each beloved child of God by name. Though we may not have known them personally, we can honor them in our hearts and at our altars. Shelters offer safety, food, and care; churches welcome all for Mass, various kinds of prayer, vigils, and pastoral support.
We honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders and all who are serving in love. We are grateful to Pope Leo XIV, who has joined in our mourning as he expressed his “sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas.”
At this moment, many questions press upon us: Why did this happen? How do we move forward? Our first duty is to be present—to survivors clinging to hope, to grieving parents, to every family wrestling with sorrow. In gentle companionship, we begin to process what we have lost. Hopefully, we will continue to see a resurgence of love, care, and solidarity. May the Holy Spirit console us and may Our Lady of Guadalupe guide our steps.
| | | | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | Cristero Mexican Martyr Mass & Talk
This Sunday, July 13, from noon to 3 p.m. | | |
The archdiocese invites us to the celebration of the 137th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Anacleto González Flores, which will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Pleasanton (626 Market St., Pleasanton, TX 78064 – directions). The celebration will include Mass followed by a reflection, a book presentation, and veneration of the first-degree relics of Blessed Anacleto González Flores.
As part of the Jubilee Year festivities, participating in this initiative while observing the Church’s teachings creates an opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This celebration will be bilingual. See the schedule and more information online.
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Six Essential Principals for Cultivating a Catechumenal Culture
Tuesday, August 5, from 6–7:30 p.m.
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Join us for an online workshop for parish leaders and teams of Christian Initiation. Whether you’re just beginning your journey in Christian Initiation Ministry or have accompanied seekers for years, this is your moment to be renewed, refocused, and reenergized.
The archdiocese invites all parish ministers, leaders, and teams involved in Christian Initiation to a special online workshop with Diana Macalintal, nationally recognized speaker and Cofounder of Team Initiation.
Together we’ll explore: (1) The paradigm shifts needed to move from program to conversion-centered parish life, (2) The six principles of a catechumenal culture, and (3) How to accompany seekers with greater confidence, clarity, and joy. This workshop is an opportunity to reflect, grow, and find new energy for one of the Church’s most beautiful ministries. Join us and bring your team. Let’s walk this path of formation and mission together.
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Discover San Antonio's Sacred Spaces
with your smartphone:
Spotlight on Mission Concepción
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The new Sacred Space Virtual Tour from El Camino de San Antonio Missions is narrated by KENS 5 anchor and reporter Alicia Neaves. The tour pairs engaging commentary with on-screen images accessible via QR code on the pilgrim-passport stamp stand inside (or just outside) each church.
Step into Mission Concepción, Texas’ oldest unrestored stone church and find its hidden gallery of vivid 18th-century frescoes of Christ crucified, flowing flowers, a canopy, and geometric designs. A rare painting of St. Francis of Assisi is on display—believed to have hung first in Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo). Click here for more information on this beautiful mission.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | |
Go “Back to the Roots” of Our Faith
with Father Krikor!
Online Video Series
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Discover the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith with Back to the Roots, a free, powerful, and accessible video series hosted by Father Krikor Chahin, JCD—professor, author, homilist, and judicial vicar for the archdiocese. With each episode just under 15 minutes, Father Krikor takes viewers on a rich journey through the essential teachings of the Church, exploring their foundations in Scripture and Tradition. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, a recent convert, or just curious about the faith, these short, compelling videos offer a fresh opportunity to deepen your relationship with Christ.
The video series follows the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, making it a perfect companion to your faith journey. Best of all, every episode is available in both English and Spanish. Watch on CTSA YouTube, online, or on the CTSA app on Google Play or the App Store.
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The Homily from Mass
at Notre Dame Church in Kerrville | | Archbishop Gustavo celebrated Mass at Notre Dame Church in Kerrville on July 6 following the devastating floods. | | |
Notre Dame Church in Kerrville was overwhelmed by the amount of support received within the last week. Many of the donations came from churches and organizations from Fredericksburg, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, among others. The church also expressed its gratitude to all volunteers who sprung into action.
As the parish regroups and prepares next steps they will release more details on how supplies will be distributed to those in need within Kerr County. Visit the Notre Dame Church Facebook account for updates.
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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 Sale
Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off!
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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.
To purchase, click here or contact Mandy Franco at (210) 734-1610 or email mandy.franco@archsa.org.
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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.
| | | | | Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! Visit our Linktree profile now to subscribe to Today's Catholic Newspaper, sign up for The New Messenger, and explore archsa.org. Join our community and stay informed. | | | Copyright © 2025 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
