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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.

Photo Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV called on young people gathered in Assisi to become “new saints,” reject the culture of power, and help build a world founded on fraternity rather than domination.

On August 3, at San Fernando Cathedral, Archbishop Gustavo issued a Pastoral Letter titled, “We Will Come to You: United in Solidarity with Our Brothers and Sisters in Migration.” Written in the centennial year of San Antonio’s elevation to a metropolitan archdiocese, it is addressed to the more than one million Catholics of our local Church and to all people of good will. It is a word of hope for immigrant families living in fear, and a roadmap of dignity, welcome, and accompaniment for every parish, school, and home. At its heart stands a promise from our shepherd: “I will not abandon you. The Church will not abandon you. We will come to you.”

Join the Department of Stewardship & Development at The Whitley Event Center (directions) as we dive into best practices for supporting and strengthening your parish. Hear from knowledgeable speakers covering topics from how to implement Stewardship in your parish to diving into the new world of AI & digital innovation. There will be topics for everyone to explore.

The cost of registration is only $10 per person and includes lunch. Free for all priests.

Young adults have been returning to the Church in what some are calling record numbers in the last couple of years. Being ready as parish leaders to welcome them is essential to young adults finding a home back in the Church, where they feel they can put down roots in our parishes. Join us as we host guest speaker, Paul Jarzembowski, associate director for the Laity at the USCCB, as he guides in embracing the most common moments of return for young adults.

The Catholic faith calls us not only to worship and pray, but also to bring Gospel values into the world around us. Join Catholics from across the archdiocese for Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, a free virtual formation experience that explores how Catholic Social Teaching can help guide our participation in civic life. This timely program will encourage participants to reflect on what it means to be responsible citizens, informed voters, and faithful disciples committed to the common good. Through engaging presentations and discussion, you will gain practical insights for living faith with confidence and charity.

Some losses are hard to say out loud. When a loved one dies by suicide, the grief often arrives tangled with questions, and many families end up carrying it quietly for years. The archdiocese sets aside a special Mass to carry it together.

Archbishop Gustavo will celebrate the Remembrance Mass for Those Who Have Died by Suicide at St. Matthew Church (directions), in prayerful observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. If you are grieving or know someone who is in grief, this special Mass is a time to give your pain to Christ Crucified. You do not need the right words. You do not need to explain anything to anyone. Scripture already promises what this Mass is built on: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed” (Psalm 34:19). All are welcome.

Too often we treat creation as background noise, but in truth, it is a sacred symphony. Pope Leo XIV reminds us, "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters... The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty" (Psalm 29:3-4). The world is charged with divine presence, and this Season of Creation is our invitation to listen again, to let rivers, winds, birds, and stone proclaim the glory of God. Come, let the Lord sing through creation. Come, join the song. Join Archbishop Gustavo for this outdoor liturgy at Mission Espada (directions) celebrating God's creation, followed by a 1.5-mile pilgrimage along the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach Trail. All are welcome.

Sacramental Records Training on Zoom, presented by the Archives and Records Management Office, is open to anyone that works with sacramental records including, secretaries, record keepers, directors of Religious Education, deacons, and priests. Email archive@archsa.org and a registration link will be sent to you.

Deans interested in scheduling an in-person workshop for their deanery, email Elvira Sanchez Kisser for details.

Married couples, accept the Lord’s invitation: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). The Beyond Cana archdiocesan-wide marriage enrichment weekend at the Drury Inn & Suites at La Cantera (directions), offers two and a half days of practical talks, prayer, and private time as a couple, including two date nights. Archbishop Gustavo will offer the opening prayer. The cost is $349 per couple through Tuesday, September 1 ($399 after). Lodging, most meals, and materials included. Scholarships available.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the People of God across the archdiocese will gather at Nelson W. Wolff Stadium (directions) for the Centennial Celebration and the proclamation of the new Archdiocesan Pastoral Vision by Archbishop Gustavo.

This is more than an event. It is a moment of renewal and celebration. Archbishop Gustavo has asked that parish vigil Masses be set aside that Saturday, so we may gather as one Church around the one table of the Eucharist. The Pastoral Vision will set priorities and call every baptized person to participate more fully in the mission of Christ.

Come with family to walk together into what God is calling us to become. Save the date and RSVP. Gates open 3 p.m. Mass begins at 4 p.m.

Photo: Provided

CTSA staff attended the 2026 Texas Association of Broadcasters Convention in Round Rock on August 6.

Photo: Provided

The University of the Incarnate Word hosts international students from around the world for a two-week Language and Culture Camp every summer. With a goal of blending language learning with real-world cultural experiences, the camp pairs daily English instruction with excursions across San Antonio, from the Alamo to Six Flags and more. This year, many young campers traveled all the way from Mexico to spend their mornings in English class and their afternoons exploring the city, complete with fun activities like ice skating and even a World Cup Finals watch party. Beyond the excursions, campers leave with stronger language skills, a new city experience and friendships that span the globe.

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

Archdiocese of San Antonio

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