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’s February prayer intention: ‘For children with incurable diseases’ | | Pope Leo XIV releases his prayer intention for the month of Feburary, and invites Catholics to pray with him to recognize the face of God in every suffering child. | | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | This year we commemorate that a century ago our Local Church was raised to the dignity of an archdiocese. We are the fruit of labors begun long ago, and we are the seed of what God yet wills to do. The Lord Jesus did not remain distant from our trials. He entered fully into human suffering, was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin, so that we can be certain that he understands us and thus be comforted. He died for us so we may know that we will also partake in His Resurrection. Because of this, we are not timid pilgrims before God — but bold children of mercy. In giving Himself, the Lord Jesus does not abandon us. Instead, He dwells with us, lighting our way, transforming the night of fear into the dawn of hope. His sacrifice is not a distant memory but a living presence that accompanies every step of our journey. Jesus is a light that illumines and warms, opening horizons, revealing paths of mercy and hope. May our lives continue to witness to the One who invites us — His pilgrim people — to draw near with confidence to His throne of grace. In communion with Pope Leo XIV, may we be ever guided by the Lord’s mercy and light. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may this Light shine in us and through us for the life of the world.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | A Historic Opportunity for Your Family’s Future | | |
For generations, Catholic parents have prayed for the means to provide their children with an education that nurtures both their souls and their minds. Today, we are witnessing an answer to those prayers. We are profoundly grateful to announce that applications are now open for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. This state-funded initiative places the choice of education back where it belongs: in the hands of parents. With these funds, tuition at our archdiocesan schools—centers of virtue, academic excellence, and community—may now be fully within your reach.
Essential Details:
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Status: Applications are live.
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Funding: $1 billion is available for the 2026–2027 school year.
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Deadline: You have until March 17 to apply.
This is more than financial assistance; it is an invitation to join a community where your child is known, loved, and taught in the light of Christ.
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| National Marriage Week begins this Weekend! | | |
In a world that often pulls couples in a thousand directions, the Church pauses to honor what God has joined together. "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate" (Matthew 19:6).
Tomorrow, Saturday, February 7, National Marriage Week begins, and next Sunday, February 8, the Church in the United States celebrates World Marriage Day. This moment gives us the opportunity to give thanks for the sacrament that shapes families, strengthens communities, and reflects God's faithful love.
This year's theme, "Man and Woman He Created Them: Together With Purpose," invites couples to rediscover the beauty and strength of their vocation. Marriage is not just a partnership; it is a calling to build a culture of life and love, one day at a time, together.
The archdiocese joins with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to honor married couples and offer resources to help you grow in your commitment. Celebrate your marriage. Deepen your commitment. Find resources for the celebration of marriage on our website, the ForYourMarriage website, or the National Marriage Week website and deepen your commitment.
| | Wednesday, February 11 is the World Day of the Sick and the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes | | In his message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, Pope Leo XIV invites the faithful to rediscover the "compassion of the Samaritan" as the true remedy for humanity’s wounds. Reflecting on the upcoming solemn celebration in Chiclayo, Peru, the Holy Father emphasizes that being a neighbor is a deliberate decision to love, rooted in our union with Christ. He calls us to move beyond mere philanthropy to a "Samaritan spirit"—offering our very selves through closeness, presence, and a shared mission of care that recognizes we are all members of a single Body. Access resources for the sick on the Hospital Ministry webpage. | | |
Families United in Faith: Retreat for Families of Incarcerated Loved Ones
Saturday, February 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Martin de Porres Church
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When a loved one is incarcerated, their family experiences changes as well. No one needs to suffer in silence. If someone you know is incarcerated, join us at San Martin de Porres Church (directions) for sharing, support, resources, prayer, and healing.
What to Expect:
- Testimonies and reflections
- Healing Mass
- Dedicated 1-on-1 time to be prayed over, encouraged, and supported by request
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a sacred time in quiet prayer and reflection
For more information about this initiative or archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry, email Deacon Adrian Cepeda or call (210) 734-0766.
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St. Patrick’s Day Golf Invitational
Tuesday, March 17 at The Quarry Golf Course
| | The archdiocesan Office for Clergy, in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus, invite everyone to the St. Patrick’s Day Golf Invitational at the Quarry Golf Course (directions). Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by Archbishop Gustavo’s prayer and a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Lunch to follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Anthony de Padua (directions). Participate as a single player or as a team. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, email Valerie Marin or call (210) 734-1668. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | On the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, we remember the seven lives lost and honor the courage of all who explore beyond our world. Catholic Television of San Antonio invites you to watch a special video featuring former NASA astronaut Richard O. Covey (Colonel, United States Air Force, Ret.), who shares his powerful memories of that day while working at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Archbishop Gustavo offers words of remembrance and prayer for the fallen, and all who continue the journey of exploration. | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper, Media & Communications | | The World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, observed on February 2, was celebrated in the archdiocese on February 1 with a Mass at St. Agnes Church with Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda presiding; and Father Eric Hernandez Figueroa, MNM, pastor; as well as Father Domenico Di Raimondi, MSpS, as concelebrants. Sister Elizabeth Ann Vasquez, SSCJ, director of the archdiocesan Office for Religious Life, said that more than 100 Sisters, Brothers, and priests were present at the liturgy, representing more than 30 religious communities. The religious renewed their vows following the homily. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory Five Dollar
Limited Quantity - Only a few left
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Five Dollar 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 © 2026 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
