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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.

Credit: Vatican Media

EWTN NEWS — Catholic universities should reflect “authenticity as true disciples of Christ” as they guide students’ desire for knowledge into a passion for the truth, Pope Leo XIV told university presidents from the United States in early June.

Summer opens the door to new places. Road trips, ball games, lazy mornings, and long evenings on the porch. Wherever your family travels this season, the archdiocese invites you into the God on the Go Summer Challenge. The idea is simple and joyful. Download your family’s God on the Go Buddy, prepare him to travel with you, and bring him along from breakfast to the city park to Sunday Mass. As Jesus promised, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Let your children see this summer that faith is not left behind at the church door. It walks with us into every ordinary moment.

Join us as we begin our summertime Sunrise Community Caminos, early morning pilgrimages to welcome the day before the Texas heat settles in. You can start with prayer and reflection at Mission Concepción, then we will set out along the San Antonio River as the first light of morning begins to rise across the sky. The Camino comes alive in a different way at sunrise with the quiet sound of the river, birds greeting the day, cool morning air, and the peaceful beauty of God’s creation coming to light around us. Walking together in community toward San Fernando Cathedral, this first of three spiritual walks offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and begin the day with purpose, peace, and gratitude. Check-in begins at 6 a.m. at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center (directions).

Register for Workshop 1 of The Child and Lamb, taking place tomorrow with keynote speaker Lorena Yakovlev who will guide participants through Emotional Connection with Children, the often-invisible foundation of every faith-formation moment that lasts.  Next Saturday, June 20, Father Will Combs, BBD, will share what he has learned from 22 years of guiding children toward the Eucharist at St. Mary Magdalene Parish and School. Prayer is the first language of discipleship, and the way a child first learns it shapes the rest of their life. Alongside him, Father Martin Pablo will open his work on Sensory-Friendly Mass, a ministry that helps families of children with sensory needs encounter the liturgy without barriers. Catechists, parents, and ministry leaders will leave Oblate School of Theology (directions) with practical tools and a renewed sense of why this work matters.

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. A yoke is a harness. It is weight placed on the shoulders. So, when Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light" (Mt 11:29-30), he is not promising a life without weight. He is promising a different kind of weight: one carried alongside a God who does what he says, who lives the Father's will personally before asking it of anyone else, and who strips away every legalistic burden that was never part of God's design. What remains is merciful love. That is the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We invite young adults to encounter Christ’s merciful and tender Sacred Heart found in the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and community. Young adults from across the archdiocese will gather at San Fernando Cathedral (directions) for Worship on the River, an evening of Adoration, Reconciliation, and fellowship. Adoration begins at 6:30 p.m. A light meal and social follow at 7:30 p.m. No registration required. Come as you are and bring a friend. All young adults are welcome.

Those who form our youngest disciples carry a tender and demanding vocation. The Found Sheep Central Texas Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Group invites catechists and formation leaders to a two-day workshop, Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom for CGS. Led by Chip DeLorenzo, M.Ed., author of the book by the same title, the gathering offers practical tools for building a community of mutual respect, setting limits with kindness and firmness, and guiding children toward self-regulation, cooperation, and independence. Whether you serve in an atrium, a classroom, or a parish faith formation program, you will find approaches that invite cooperation rather than power struggles. Catechists will leave St. Peter the Apostle Church (directions) ready to accompany the children entrusted to them with patience and confidence, in the gentle manner of the Good Shepherd who knows each one by name. Registration is $90 and includes lunch both days and a copy of Chip's book.

Every mother of a growing daughter recognizes the same quiet question. When will she ask? What will I say? The archdiocese, in partnership with Natural Womanhood, hosts the Period Genius Workshop at St. Matthew Church (directions). The day is built for fifth and sixth grade girls and their mothers, gathering for body literacy, cycle awareness, and meaningful conversation in a Catholic setting. There are no awkward surprises. Just a clear, age-appropriate framework, presented by Catholic mother of five Jackie Aguilar, that helps your daughter understand her body and helps you lead the conversation with confidence. We hope you will join us at the very beginning.

Credit: Daughters of Mary Help of Christians - Salesian Sisters, "Spurs Sisters"

From the convent to courtside, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco have become San Antonio's newest viral sensation.

Known affectionately as the “Spurs Sisters,” these joyful women have captured hearts across the country as they cheer on the San Antonio Spurs during their incredible playoff run. From spirited chants of "Go Spurs Go!" to a memorable blessing for Spurs player Luke Kornet, their enthusiasm, faith, and hometown pride have turned them into fan favorites both on and off the court.

For the sisters, supporting the Spurs is about more than basketball. It's a way to connect with young people, build community, and share the joy of faith. What started as a love for their hometown team has become a national story inspiring fans everywhere.



Watch CTSA Catholic Television of San Antonio's special feature on the Salesian Sisters and discover how faith, joy, and a little Spurs spirit are bringing people together. 

Credit: Xavier Ramirez for Catholic Television of San Antonio

On June 6, thousands of Catholics from across the archdiocese gathered to celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and then to carry Him through the streets downtown in public Eucharistic Procession. This is the heart of what it means to be a Catholic city. Our faith does not stay behind closed doors. It walks, sings, and bears witness. One hundred years after the local Church was elevated to an archdiocese, at a time when Catholics only a few hours south were persecuted during the Cristero War for doing exactly this, we took up that witness with gratitude and joy, Courageous in Christ! The event began with the Vigil Mass at San Fernando Cathedral, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda, followed by the city’s largest Eucharistic Procession through downtown. After the procession, participants enjoyed a live outdoor concert of faith by GMA Dove Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and Catholic worship leader Sarah Kroger.

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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