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 XIV ends 2025 urging Catholics to examine conscience and entrust
new year to God
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Pope Leo XIV used the Vatican’s final general audience of 2025 on Wednesday to invite Catholics to look back on the past year with gratitude and repentance, and to place what lies ahead in God’s hands.
In St. Peter’s Square on December 31, the pope said 2025 brought both joy and sorrow, citing the jubilee pilgrimage of the faithful as well as “the passing of the late Pope Francis” and “the scenarios of war that continue to convulse the planet.”
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | As we conclude Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 in the archdiocese, this leads us to Nazareth, the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Let us imagine that small home, where God dwells in everyday life. There, we understand that hope is not born of the extraordinary, but of the mercy received and shared within the family. As this year of grace comes to a close, we return home to gather what we have learned and give thanks for what we have received. Nazareth is a school of silence and work, of daily forgiveness and of love that unites. That is why the family is a workshop of humanity and a domestic church: not one without conflict, but one that places the Lord Jesus at its center and allows his light to heal what hurts. This Jubilee has reminded us that God’s mercy expands our hope. We have not been saved by our own strength, but by a love that forgives and begins anew. The Incarnation is made present in our homes when we care for the elderly, welcome migrants, forgive those who have wronged us, and when love is the seed of unity and peace. By participating in Mass, we bring Nazareth into our homes. With His living presence within us, the Christ Child helps us to offer gentler words, gestures of service, time for listening, and unconditional forgiveness. In this way, the graces of this Jubilee Year extend, and little by little, our families are sanctified. Let us ask for the grace to live like the Holy Family — attentive to God, open to the journey, faithful in small things.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | Help make Catholic education more accessible and affordable for families | | |
At the request of Archbishop Gustavo, we ask that all pastors, parish staff, and faith formation leaders actively promote the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) (formerly ESAs)within your parish communities. This initiative represents a meaningful pastoral opportunity to help make Catholic education more accessible and affordable for families.
To support you in this effort, a dedicated Parish Resource Hub has been created with everything you need in one place, including:
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Liturgical Resources: Homily helps and Prayers of the Faithful to thoughtfully connect faith and education during Mass.
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Communication Tools: Ready-to-use bulletin inserts and social media graphics for your parish channels.
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Informational Flyers: Printable handouts for easy distribution to parishioners.
In addition, we kindly ask that parishes include this bilingual graphic in parish bulletins through January 11 to help ensure consistent awareness during this important time of preparation for families.
To receive the link for the Parish Resource Link, email enroll@archsa.org. Together, we can continue opening the doors of our Catholic schools to every family who desires a Catholic education. Thank you for your pastoral leadership and partnership in this important effort.
| | January is Poverty Awareness Month | | |
9 Days for Life Novena
Friday, January 16 through
Sunday, January 24
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On January 22, the Church in the United States observes a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, as designated by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM, no. 373). This day calls for prayer, fasting, and acts of penance as we seek the full restoration of the right to life and healing for those affected by abortion.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers resources for parishes, schools, and ministries to participate, including the annual 9 Days for Life novena (January 16–24), which provides daily intentions, reflections, and suggested actions. Also bulletin announcements, homily helps, and Mass intercessions.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | La Gran Posada hosted by San Fernando Cathedral was held on a beautiful Sunday night December 21 in downtown San Antonio, beginning in Milam Park and processing through Market Square to the Spanish Governor’s Palace, City Hall, the Bexar County Courthouse, and Main Plaza, and concluding in the Plaza de la Cruz. | | The Annual Advent Mass was celebrated at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center by Archbishop Gustavo on December 22, with Father Alejandro Trujillo and Father Len Broniak, CSsR, chaplains with archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry, serving as concelebrants. The liturgy took place the day following the archbishop's birthday, and the men sang “Happy Birthday” at the conclusion of the service. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar Fall Sale
Limited Quantity
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Five Dollar Fall 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.
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