Ver este correo electrónico en español: Haga clic aquí para abrir el correo en un navegador y, a continuación, utilice la función de traducción del navegador. | | 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 | | At lunch with the poor Pope Leo XIV calls on society to eliminate the causes of poverty and injustice | | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News | | Pope Leo XIV on July 11 expressed a “hunger for justice [and] authentic charity” while attending a lunch with poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome. | | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Holy Name Parish recently celebrated 65 years as a house of God in San Antonio. Sixty-five years of being a home where God feels welcome. This is what a parish is. We build the walls, we keep the lamp burning, and God does the rest: God has kept His promise to visit it. And what is the deepest renovation any house can have? Baptism. Every one of us received, on the day of our baptism, a name and a calling — our own unique vocation, as personal as the calling each apostle received. And every vocation, whatever its shape, is built on the same foundation: the cross. Jesus tells us plainly — whoever does not take up the cross is not worthy of Him. But notice: He never says the cross is the end of the story. The cross is simply the door; resurrection is the house toward which we are walking. Pope Leo XIV reminded us recently that “every genuine encounter is free; it cannot be bought” — not with God, not with each other. That is exactly what this anniversary celebrates: 65 years of free small acts of kindness that — the Gospel assures us — are never lost. At the altar, the same hospitality continues. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother who made our land her own home, keep watch over Holy Name Parish, until we all dwell forever in the house not made by human hands.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | You Are Not Alone:
Standing with Our Neighbors in the Flood | |
In recent days torrential rains have battered South Texas flooding homes, closing roads, and driving families from their neighborhoods. Some have lost much. Many are still in danger. All of them belong to us, and we say to every family affected: you are not alone. The archdiocese and Catholic Charites, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. holds you in prayer and stands beside you.
The Lord's promise endures through every storm: "When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away" (Isaiah 43:2). We ask every parish and household to pray for those who grieve, those displaced, and the first responders who protect them. Courageous in Christ, we will walk united with our neighbors through this difficult time.
| Catholic Charities Responds
to Flood-Impacted Communities | Catholic Charities Disaster Response and Relief Program is actively responding to the recent flooding affecting communities along Highway 90 and surrounding areas. It’s disaster response team quickly mobilized resources and have 29 trained disaster case managers working with local partners, first responders, and shelters to support those affected by the floods. They are providing essentials such as cots, food, clothing, blankets, and other supplies. Through a partnership with Airbnb, also offered are temporary housing for those in need. For long-term recovery, Catholic Charities provides case management, financial help, counseling, and legal services. “Our team is committed to offering immediate and compassionate assistance to families and individuals facing hardship due to the flooding,” said Ada Saenz, president/CEO of Catholic Charities. “We are mobilizing quickly to ensure that vital aid reaches those in need.” Catholic Charities will continue offering disaster relief and recovery services across the 19 counties served before and after emergencies. | |
Summer Events for College Students
Wednesdays and Thursdays through the End of July
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Calling all college students. Your summer just got a major upgrade. Are you home from college or just free for the summer? Join archdiocesan Campus Ministry for a summer full of faith, friends, and fun! Every Wednesday, swing by the St. Anthony Catholic Student Center (directions) for Adoration and confession followed by Mass. It’s the perfect midweek reset for your soul. Then join us on Thursdays for various activities. Upcoming events include floating at Garner State Park on Thursday, July 23 (weather permitting) and a kickback on Thursday, July 30. Find the schedule online and sign up to the GroupMe for details and to be alerted of potential changes.
Whether you’re home for the summer or here year-round, come grow in community and faith. No registration needed — just show up. Let’s make this summer one to remember — together in faith and fellowship.
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There is a Place for You
Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
at St. Paul Community Center
| | Maybe you have wanted to do more for your faith but did not know where to begin. Kolbe Prison Ministries is powered entirely by volunteers: retirees, business professionals, teachers, clergy, deacons, young adults, and parishioners from every walk of life. Some serve directly inside prison units. Others support the mission through prayer, music, retreat preparation, administration, and sponsorship. There is truly a place for everyone. At the 11th Annual Kolbe Prison Ministries Conference, you will meet these volunteers, hear how they answered the call, and learn the first steps you can take. Bring a friend, a fellow parishioner, or your whole ministry team. | | Zoom Formation for Ministry Leaders:
A Practical Start to Your OCIA Journey on
August 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | | New to leading OCIA, or ready for a refresher? Join the Office of Evangelization and Formation of Missionary Discipleship on Zoom for a practical one-hour introduction to accompanying adults through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Designed for DREs, coordinators, catechists, and OCIA team members. | |
Life Teen Empower:
Training for Parish Core Teams on August 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Youth ministers and core team members, begin the year rooted and ready. Life Teen Empower is a one-day training for parish core teams at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Boerne (directions). Learn what it means to walk alongside teens, gain practical tools, and renew your vision for ministry before the year begins. This training is intended for adults 18 and older. Priests attend free. | |
Beyond Cana Marriage Enrichment Weekend
September 25–27 | 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. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | “SA News” spoke with Cris Bergman about Cooking with Grace. The cookbook containing recipes for celebrations around the liturgical calendar. Recipes contributed by parishioners and featured recipes from the mother of Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak and Archbishop Gustavo‘s family. Contact Cris to get your copy at (210) 557-7052. | | Casa San Miguel is being welcomed as the newest addition to the Catholic Charities family. This new home will provide a safe and supportive space for individuals and families as they work toward stability during difficult times. Catholic Charities is grateful to Sister Yolanda Tarrango, CCVI, and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word for entrusting them with this special place. The Catholic Charities team is now preparing Casa San Miguel to become a welcoming environment filled with care, dignity, and hope for those they serve. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| | Today’s Catholic Newspaper is published bi-weekly on Friday (except in June and August when one issue is published/month). Subscribe today to receive 21 issues for only $22 a year. Subscribe online or contact Mandy Franco for information. | |
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. | | | | |
