clWelcome 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. | |
Leo XIV is the new Pope
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
| | Photo: Pope Leo XIV appears to greet the faithful after the Conclave (@Vatican Media) | | |
Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope May 8 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.
He is the first North American to be elected pope and, before the conclave, was the U.S. cardinal most mentioned as a potential successor of St. Peter.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS | |
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The gift of this Jubilee Year — declared by Pope Francis — is a fruit of the triumph of Jesus, our hope. Pope Francis urged us to renew our personal encounter with the living Lord Jesus, to bear witness — joyful and at times costly — to his HOPE, and to embrace our mission as shepherds and heralds in the world. Let us answer his call with hearts afire, that we may soothe the afflicted, liberate the captive, and proclaim peace where there is strife. May our obedience shine forth as a beacon of hope, drawing others into the embrace of Christ. Is there any distinction between our hope and the Resurrection? Not really. Our hope begins with the letter “J,” of Jesus, who is alive with us. Alleluia! And so, dear friends, let us entrust all our hopes and labors to the maternal care of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She brought Jesus to Juan Diego, and through him to all who seek to live in unity on this earth. She calls us now to follow her Son with unwavering love and fidelity.
| | | | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | Second Collection in Support of Assumption Seminary | | This weekend we will be celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, also known as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In support of vocations to the priesthood, the Archdiocese of San Antonio will be having a second collection throughout all parishes to support Assumption Seminary as it nurtures and forms our future priests. We ask that you please consider giving to this weekend’s second collection in support of Assumption Seminary. | |
Community Camino with El Camino de San Antonio Missions
Saturday, May 17
| | Join the upcoming Community Camino with El Camino de San Antonio Missions! Community Camino is a free, open invitation walk along the El Camino de San Antonio Mission trail. We will walk from Mission Concepción to Mission San José (1.5-hour walk). Attendees will enjoy 30-minute guided tours at each mission, fellowship with other pilgrims, and the peace and beauty of the San Antonio River trail. | | |
Mass for Persons with Disabilities
Sunday, June 1 at 12:30 p.m
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All people with disabilities and their families, friends, and caregivers are invited to the archdiocesan Disabilities Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo at St. Ann Church (210 St Ann St, San Antonio, TX 78201).
This sensory-friendly liturgy will include softer music, shorter Mass readings, and a stigma-free environment. Bring any calming toys, fidgets, or accessories that might help with comfort and sensory regulation. The assembly is ready to welcome all who attend. Contact Lauren Stadelman with any questions or comments or call (210) 734-1632.
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Pentecost Vigil Mass
Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m.
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Archbishop Gustavo invites you to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost at Holy Spirit Church (directions)! Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles, a feast often referred to as the birthday of the Church.
As a special time of spiritual renewal and the outpouring of God's grace upon His people, the archbishop sends a special invitation to all newly initiated Catholics, Catholic school families, and religious congregations. If you are recently baptized or fully initiated, have children enrolled at a Catholic school, or a member of a religious congregation, RSVP here.
Share the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we may continue to walk united in Christ. As we gather to worship, we anticipate a transformative experience of the Holy Spirit's presence among us.
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5-Week Summer Formation for Adults Serving in Youth Ministry
June 7–July 25
| | The archdiocesan Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service is hosting a five-week Parish Ministry Formation designed for those serving in ministries with middle school and high school youth at Mexican American Catholic College (MACC). The fee is $125 and weekly courses include Called and Sent, Sacred Scripture, Profession of Faith: Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Life in Christ, and Specialized Ministry. For more information, If you have any questions about the program, courses, registration, or payment, contact Elizabeth "Liz" Ortiz or Daniela Gomez or call (210) 731-3121. | | |
Action Alert from the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Oppose SB 8/HB 558
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The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops has an urgent message: Contact the House Calendars Committee members and ask them NOT to set SB 8/HB 5580 on the House calendar. Tell the members you oppose SB 8/HB 5580 because immigration enforcement is not the responsibility of county sheriffs. The primary duty of state and local law enforcement is to keep the peace and protect communities from those who seek to harm others.
SB 8/HB 5580 mandates that local sheriffs in larger counties enter 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This will reduce the effectiveness of community policing by shifting the focus away from public safety and eroding trust in law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies can and should cooperate with each other but should not assume each other’s responsibilities or jurisdiction. The obligation to control the international border lies with federal authorities. Keep Texas sheriffs as peacekeepers!
Contact the Calendar Committee members by email or phone:
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Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Visit St. James Church - Seguin
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St. James Church is one of the oldest in the archdiocese with the first church building blessed and dedicated in 1873 — one year before the establishment of the diocese of San Antonio. The church’s Gothic Revival architecture and stunning stained-glass windows create a beautiful atmosphere for worship and reflection. St. James School was built in 1850 and holds the honor of being “the oldest building in the state of Texas continuously used as a school.”
St. James Church and School boasts a unique blend of historical charm and ongoing spiritual life. Plan your visit and learn more about the Jubilee Year of Hope today.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Fabian Castillo Sr. is the Rey Feo LXXVI. He was crowned on April 25. The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, which he heads, focuses on empowering students through education. Under Castillo’s leadership, he has already provided more than $9 million in scholarship funds to more than 6,000 students. Rey Feo and his court visited the archdiocesan Pastoral Ministry Center on May 1 during Fiesta Week and greeted and handed out medals to employees. | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | For more than 85 years, TECABOCA has provided an outdoor retreat center in an environment of simplicity and care for Creation where the Marianist charism was instilled and life skills learned. The Marianist Province of the United States made the challenging but important decision to close TECABOCA in the Spring. Before the scheduled closure, a farewell celebration of gratitude for the many years of ministry at TECABOCA occurred on May 4, with Father Oscar Vasquez, Marianist provincial, as the celebrant. This served as an opportunity to share fond memories. | | 2025 Catholic Directory is Here | | |
The 2025 Catholic Directory is here! The directory includes updated clergy assignments, archdiocesan services, educational services, health services, contact information and Mass schedules for urban and rural parishes, priests, deacons, brothers, women religious and more.
Click here to purchase the directory or contact Mandy Franco by email or call (210) 734-1610.
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Today's Catholic Newspaper May 9, 2025
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Email Joann Hopkins or call (210) 734-1693 for details and pricing.
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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. | | | | |
