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 hold protection of minors deep in his heart | | |
Pope Leo XIV sent a message November 17 to participants in the meeting for “Building Communities that Protect Dignity,” promoted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
The Holy Father said that efforts to build communities where the dignity of minors and the most vulnerable is protected and promoted are a matter that he holds “deep in his heart.”
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | The Word of God sets before us a light that is kindled and invites us to walk forward. It is not a fleeting flash. It is a steady brightness that guides our steps, calms the heart, and gathers what was scattered. That light is Jesus Christ — alive and present in His Word. When the Word sheds its light, hope is born. On the border between Chile and Argentina, hidden high in the Andes, stands a monument known as Christ the Redeemer. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was cast from the bronze of cannons once aimed at each other by the two nations. Today it bears witness to the world that the Word made flesh remains a lamp for our feet and a seed of a peace that is truly possible. Every Christian is on a journey of conversion. To be converted is to allow the light to bring order to our lives, to transform the way we see, and to make us artisans of peace. The Word does not remain an idea; it becomes gesture, encounter, and life. This light also calls us into communion. May the Holy Spirit make us a reconciled and radiant people. May Our Lady of Guadalupe cover us with her mantle and teach us to follow her Son, the Light that never fades.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | More Than a School: A Place Where Your Child Can Flourish Applications Open on February 4 | | |
"Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
What if your child's education could form not just their mind, but their heart and soul? You want more for your child than test scores and transcripts. You want them to know they are loved by God, to grow in virtue, to be part of a community that sees them and believes in who they are becoming. That's what Catholic schools offer, and now, it may be more accessible than you ever imagined.
Through the new Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, families in the archdiocese may qualify to receive up to $10,474 per child, per year, whether your child is new to Catholic schools or already enrolled. This is a providential opportunity for families who have longed to give their children an education rooted in faith, excellence, and community. Applications open February 4. Sign up now to receive updates and learn how to apply. Take the first step toward your child's future.
| | Be Renewed: A Morning for Those Who Serve at the Altar Next Saturday, February 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the University of Incarnate Word | | |
You serve the liturgy faithfully. Now, take some time to be renewed. As St. Paul tells us, "I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship" (Rom. 12:1). Every week, you stand before the assembly. You proclaim the Word, lead the music, distribute the Eucharist, prepare the sacred space, and form the next generation of liturgical leaders. You give and give and give. But how are you filling your cup?
Join us at the University of Incarnate Word (directions) for a half-day retreat to step back, breathe, and be nourished, both spiritually and practically, so that the gift you offer at the altar flows from a heart that has itself been renewed. Join liturgical ministers from across the archdiocese for a keynote presentation by Dr. Dolores Martinez, followed by breakout sessions designed for your specific ministry, including: Lectors, Music Ministry, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers and those who form them, Hospital Ministry, Chapel Environment Ministry and Media Ministry. Come. Be refreshed. Return to your ministry renewed.
| | National Marriage Week begins next Friday, February 7 | | |
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). Next Friday, February 7, National Marriage Week begins, and next Sunday, February 8, the Church in the United States celebrates World Marriage Day. This beautiful 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.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Veronica Markland for the Office of Media and Communications | | Archbishop Gustavo celebrated Mass for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio on January 22. Concelebrant at the liturgy was Bishop Francois Beyrouti, sixth Eparchial Bishop of Newton for Melkite Greek Catholics in the United States. The bishop was in San Antonio for a pastoral visit to Three Hierarchs Byzantine Melkite Catholic Church. The pastor there is Father John Mefrige, who also serves as archdiocesan Vicar for Clergy. At the cathedral service worshippers prayed to lift up unborn children, their families, and all who support the dignity of life. | | Photo: Veronica Markland for the Office of Media and Communications | | The archdiocesan Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service hosted the Rite for Institution of Lectors and Acolytes at San Fernando Cathedral on January 24. Newly installed lectors and acolytes by Archbishop Gustavo and their pastors are: Manuel F. Aguilar of Church of the Good Shepherd; Edward Campa of St. John Berchmans Church; Rudy Castillo of St. Dominic Church; Robert Steven Cortez of St. Joan of Arc Church; Ralph A. De La Rosa, M.D., of Church of the Good Shepherd; Robert Leos of St. Dominic Church; Mary Bertha Mora of St. Dominic Church; Michael J. Mora of St. Dominic Church; Frank Morris Morgan of Church of the Holy Spirit; Angelo Ortiz of San Jose Sanchez Del Rio Church; Cesar Francisco Sevilla of San Jose Sanchez Del Rio Church; Anne Marie Wilkins of Church of the Holy Spirit; and Michael A. Wulczyn of St. Gregory the Great Church. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| |
2025 Catholic Directory for Five Dollars
Limited Quantity
| | |
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.
| |
Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book
| | |
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
| | | | |
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. | | | | |
