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. | |
On November 29, the Church celebrates the many Franciscan saints who followed in the footsteps of St. Francis. It is a special day for all Franciscans to celebrate the feast of ‘All the Saints of the Seraphic Order.’ | |
Pope's weekly General Audiences to include Mandarin Chinese | |
Pope Francis greets one of the Mandarin-language readers at the audience on November 27 (Vatican Media) | |
Pope Francis announces that his weekly General Audiences will include a greeting and summary in Mandarin Chinese as of December 4. | |
| |  | This weekend we will begin a new year with the First Sunday of Advent. In God, the end and the beginning come together for us. The prospect of the final judgment is a source of hope. It is not meant to depict an angry or wrathful God. Rather, it reveals a God of love and mercy, who invites us to live fully and faithfully. Faith in Him frees us from fear and invites us into a life of courage and trust. We are reminded that life is a gift. It is a call to live with purpose, to love others, and to care for creation. Panic or despair in the face of uncertainty is not what God desires for us. Instead, He calls us to live in peace, trusting in His plan and His love. The world often entices us with illusions of happiness – wealth, power, and fleeting pleasures, which ultimately leave us empty. We are called to ground ourselves in God, the true source of fulfillment. The question for us is: What fills our hearts? Are we chasing after the temporary, or are we seeking the eternal? Christ will come to judge us, not with harshness, but with the tender mercy of a shepherd who laid down His life for us. The standard of this judgment is clear: how have we loved? How have we cared for the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, and the imprisoned? How has our mercy witnessed to our need for mercy? Let us trust in God’s promise. He is with us, even in trials.
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GOOD NEWS! For just $18, subscribers receive 22 issues of Today’s Catholic newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
Join Us in Prayer and Support for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Runners | |
150 Years commemorative T-shirt: Order yours today!
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Get your commemorative T-shirt just in time for Christmas! The design highlights two extraordinary years in the life of the local Church: 1874, the year that the Diocese of San Antonio was established; and 1926, the year that the Diocese of San Antonio was elevated to an archdiocese. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 2024 and the 100th anniversary of the archdiocese in 2026, this T-shirt is a beautiful keepsake for years to come. Contained within the anniversary years are the names of all the parishes in the archdiocese, serving as a tribute to the many communities who have helped the local Church grow and continue to serve as missionary disciples today. Prepare the way for the upcoming 100th anniversary celebration: Purchase a T-shirt today! | |
Advent begins Sunday, December 1 | |
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The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.
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Polish Texas Veterans Exhibit Grand Opening | |
St. Mary's Christmas Spectacular | Monday, December 2 | |
Celebrate the magic of the season with the St. Mary’s University Christmas Spectacular, featuring the St. Mary’s Orchestra, Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and Mariachi. This heartwarming concert is filled with classic carols and beloved holiday favorites that capture the spirit of Christmas. Bring the whole family as the performance is sure to bring peace and joy to all. | |
Annual Retirement Fund for Religious | December 7-8 | |
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“Donations are needed to have the ordinary kinds of things many senior religious need in terms of food, clothing, and housing. We owe it to them to take care of them. Maybe even more than we have in the past… they need it,” says Father Maury Smith, 87, a member of the Order of Friars Minor in St. Louis.
Father Maury Smith serves as a spiritual director and writes biweekly for Today's Catholic Newspaper. His legacy inspires others to embark on their journey towards God, and Father Maury is a spiritual companion to them, growing in faith, hope, and love in their daily lives together.
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From the John F. Kennedy assassination, to the Fiesta Sniper attack, legendary San Antonio broadcaster Gary DeLaune was there doing what he loved best, bringing people the news. CTSA is proud to share with you the story of Gary DeLaune, in his own words. | |
Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | |
Christ the King Church celebrated its 80th anniversary with a Mass at which Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, presided on November 24, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Mariachis, music, and food followed the liturgy. | |
Come to the quiet in the peaceful surroundings at St. Peter Upon the Water: A Center for Spiritual Direction and Formation. For those wanted to listen for God's voice, St. Peter Upon the Water, a trust of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, is a place of quiet contemplation located on over 170 acres in the Texas Hill Country. | |
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Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book
Give a gift of faith this Christmas! 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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