Friday, November 14, 2025 | | 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 opens Augustinian general chapter with call to listening, humility, and unity | | |
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Holy Mass for the opening of the general chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine on Monday evening, invoking the Holy Spirit to guide the religious community’s September 1-18 assembly.
Nearly 100 Augustinian priests from around the world, who are participating in this year’s chapter, attended the pope’s Mass held inside the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Rome’s city center.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | The Word of God speaks to us of a banquet — the joyful image of God’s Kingdom, where all are invited to share in His love. Yet those who are closest to the man giving the great dinner underestimate its value. This reveals the danger of believing that we have no need of God’s mercy. It is easy to find excuses, to be too busy, too distracted, or too self-sufficient to accept the invitation to redemption. The Lord calls, but sometimes our hearts are filled with self-reliance. In the Body of Christ, no one is useless, and no one is alone. When we live united to Christ, we discover that our gifts — whatever they are — exist for others. We grow mature in faith when we use them with simplicity and love. The Christian who isolates himself or feels superior breaks the harmony of the Body; the Christian who humbly serves and acknowledges his own need for the contributions of others builds up the Body and fills it with life. God’s dream is a full house, a Church where everyone has a place. The Eucharist we celebrate is the foretaste of that banquet. Here, the Lord Jesus feeds us with His Body so that we may become one Body, healed of our divisions and strengthened for mission. The joy of the Gospel grows when it is shared; it withers when it is kept to oneself. Let us, then, be servants who go out joyfully, inviting others to the feast of faith.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | Opening Doors to Make Catholic Education a Reality | | |
Catholic schools are different: We form both the mind and the heart. With over 8,600 students already thriving in San Antonio, your family could be next. If your family receives Hope for the Future assistance, you likely qualify as an ESA priority family—moving from 10–20 percent aid to up to approximately $10,000 per child, per year, often enough for full tuition plus books, uniforms, meals, and more. We’ll guide the transition.
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio will be a proud participant in Texas’s new Education Savings Account (ESA) program, launching Fall of 2026. Both new and current families may qualify to receive approximately $10,000 per child, per year to cover tuition and education costs. Learn about our Catholic Schools and sign up here to get ESA updates.
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Catholic Relief Services Webinar:
Preparing for the Rice Bowl for Lent
Tuesday, November 18, 2 p.m.
| Attention parish staff and ministry leaders: Join Catholic Relief Services and chapter members, club advisors, parish and diocesan leaders and partners from across the country for an interactive workshop about preparing for CRS Rice Bowl. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about CRS Rice Bowl’s resources available for Lent as well as to share best practices with other leaders and to begin your planning. This one-hour workshop will be offered in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation. | | |
Worship on the River: New Location!
Tuesday, November 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
| | The Archdiocese of San Antonio Young Adult Ministry invites you to a special night with the Blessed Sacrament at Mission Concepción (directions). Join other young adults for adoration, confession, and fellowship at one of the Old Spanish Missions of San Antonio, which has served the faithful since 1731. | | |
Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrants
Wednesday, November 19, 6 p.m.
Main Plaza at San Fernando Cathedral
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We invite you to join Archbishop Gustavo and interfaith leaders from across San Antonio for an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrants at Main Plaza in front of San Fernando Cathedral (directions).
This vigil is an opportunity for us, as Church, to stand publicly in solidarity with migrants and immigrants, many of whom are members of our own parishes and communities. In recent months, we have heard their stories of fear, uncertainty, and resilience. Reaffirm that our Church stands with them to welcome, listen, and walk alongside all who seek safety, dignity, and hope.
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A Link to Heroic Faith: Veneration of Relics
at Brunch with the Bishop
Saturday, November 22, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Church
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Join us for a truly special and spiritual moment at Brunch with the Bishop at Blessed Sacrament Church (directions). As part of our morning of reflection on courageous faith, young adults will have the unique opportunity for a veneration of relics. The presence of relics—physical items associated with the lives of saints and martyrs—serves as a powerful, tangible connection to those who have gone before us and perfectly witnessed to Christ.
In the context of our theme on persecution and righteousness, this moment of veneration will allow participants to draw near to the intercession of those who exhibited the ultimate courage: the willingness to die for their faith. It is a moment for silent prayer and contemplation, inviting the saints to pray for the strength you need to face your own daily trials. This sacred tradition reminds us that we are not alone on our journey; we are supported by the vast Communion of Saints. Don't miss this rare opportunity to connect with the Church Triumphant and ask for the grace to live as boldly as the saints.
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Free jackets for kids to be offered by Ascension DePaul Services and Knights of Columbus
Friday, November 28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Ascension DePaul Services, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, is hosting a Free Coats for Kids distribution, and all children — from infant to extra-large youth sizes — are eligible to receive a new winter jacket at no cost. Children must be present to receive a coat.
The event is open to the public (while supplies last at Ascension DePaul Services (7607 Somerset Road in San Antonio - directions).
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Discover the inspirational true story of Sarah Rector, a young American girl who became one of the nation's first female African American millionaires while facing incredible odds. “Sarah’s Oil” only in theaters starting November 7. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | Catholic Charities hosted a food distribution for active-duty military and federal employees in collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 7 at the St. Stephen’s CARE Center. During the event, Catholic Charities offered basic needs for the active-duty military personnel and federal employees. In response to the challenges posed by the government shutdown, prepackaged bags filled with assorted food items were distributed. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar Fall Sale
Limited Quantity
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Five Dollar Fall 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.
| | | | | 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. | | | | |
