verFriday, September 5, 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 announces prayer intention for month of September | | |
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for of September is for our relationship with all of creation. In a video released September 2, the Holy Father asked the faithful to pray “that inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.”
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | I ask all in the Archdiocese of San Antonio to pray for the victims and the families of those killed and wounded at the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Our hearts are breaking, and we ask God to comfort and console those trying to cope with such an unimaginable tragedy. There are no words to articulate or describe the senselessness and cruelty of targeting young students with violence during Mass. I offer my heartfelt prayers as well to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis. In this archdiocese, the safety and well-being of all Catholic school students, staff members and families is my top priority. We are constantly addressing security matters and taking measures and appropriate actions to prevent tragic incidents from occurring, and our institutions work closely and collaboratively with their local law enforcement agencies. I encourage parents and guardians to talk to their children about the importance of speaking up if they see or hear anything that makes them feel unsafe. The welfare of our children is of paramount importance. We are keeping our schools safe and secure learning environments through the cooperation and support of everyone.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
Remembrance Mass for Those Who Have Died by Suicide
Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 p.m.
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In prayerful observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, Archbishop Gustavo will celebrate a special Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (8134 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216 - directions) to remember those who have died by suicide and to offer healing and hope to all who carry the pain of their loss.
During the liturgy, all will be invited to place a flower at the altar in honor of a loved one as a sign of entrusting them to the infinite mercy, love, and tenderness of our God. If you have questions or comments, email Carmen Vidal or call (210) 734-1913.
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Care for Creation Mass and Pilgrimage
Sunday, September 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Mass at Mission Espada followed by a Pilgrimage to Mission San Juan
Join Archbishop Gustavo as we celebrate the Season of Creation with a mariachi Mass at Mission Espada followed by a Pilgrimage in support of God’s creation on the river trail to Mission San Juan. During the Season of Creation, we are encouraged to celebrate the gift of creation and act together to care for our common home. The Pilgrimage will take us to Mission San Juan where Archbishop Gustavo will provide a special blessing. Bring your water bottles and comfortable shoes as we join in protecting, restoring, and enjoying all of God’s creation.
Transportation sponsored by VIA will be provided from Mission San Juan back to Mission Espada.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | St. Mary’s University students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteered across San Antonio on August 23 for Continuing the Heritage — the longstanding event at which the St. Mary’s community serves at partnering nonprofits throughout the city. The day of service happens at the beginning of each academic year. It brought together volunteers for projects, such as sorting and packing produce and household items for distribution, organizing books for children, cleaning up graffiti and working hands-on with rescue animals. Volunteers also helped revitalize community gardens, which provide fresh, organic produce to those in need. The event drew about 400 volunteers. Volunteers checked in at the St. Mary’s University Flex Field for an opening ceremony, which included breakfast and prayer. During the morning, volunteers served at sites including St. John Bosco School. Since 1997, almost 25,000 Continuing the Heritage volunteers have offered nearly 68,000 hours to organizations that provide much-needed services throughout the area. | | J. Antonio Fernández has been the president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio since 2013, overseeing the largest catholic social services agency in the city and its sister agencies. Dignitaries and many of family and friends celebrated his time here and blessed him at a reception on August 28 at the Petroleum Club as he begins his next journey as president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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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!
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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.
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