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.

St. John, the son of Zebedee and brother of St. James the Great, was called to be an Apostle by our Lord in the first year of His public ministry. He became the "beloved disciple" and the only one of the twelve who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion. He stood faithfully at the cross when Christ made him the guardian of His Mother.

Photo: Vatican News - Pope greets a prisoner in the Church of Our Father.

“I wanted the second Holy Door I open to be here at a prison,” Pope Francis explained. For the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, the first Door to be opened was the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024, then, for the first-time ever, the pope opened the Holy Door at a prison.

GOOD NEWS! For just $18, subscribers receive 22 issues of Today’s Catholic newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox.

The Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed New Year's Eve, December 31 and New Year's Day, January 1. For more information, visit, archsa.org.

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the diocese of San Antonio and journey toward the Jubilee Year 2025, I want to express my gratitude for all that you do for the people of God in the Archdiocese. Your priestly ministry shines as a radiant light of hope to all those you encounter through the sacraments, formation, evangelization, and outreach to the forgotten and marginalized.

The upcoming Jubilee Year gives me tremendous joy and excitement to celebrate the mercy of God in ways that will indeed create a transformative spiritual renewal and conversion not only for myself, but for all my brother priests, and the entire people of God who have been entrusted to our pastoral care.

I echo the desire of our Holy Father who stated in his letter for the Jubilee, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.”

It is in this spirit that I write to personally thank you for accepting this occasion to celebrate the Jubilee in a unique way. I believe our united efforts during this historic time will produce fruits that will last for the next 25 years and beyond.

May our Lady of Guadalupe, the Star of the New Evangelization, guide us to her son Jesus so that together we may continue Walking United in Christ as good and faithful Pilgrims of Hope.

Join us for a Zoom dialogue with renowned expert and author, Gregory D. Schutte, MSW, LISW-S! Expert Gregory D. Schutte will share research focused on developing opportunities to face marital challenges by building a Eucharist Marriage. Building off a therapeutic model for change, Greg will connect the seven areas for therapeutically strengthening marriages with seven areas for deepening our relationship with Christ through the Eucharist.

This season give the remarkable Gift of Pilgrimage to yourself or a loved one! Embark on a transformative journey along the El Camino de San Antonio Missions trail, where spirituality and history intertwine. Experience the wonder of walking in the footsteps of countless pilgrims exploring the sacred grounds of San Antonio's historic missions. Instantly download and print a pilgrimage voucher, redeemable at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center (directions) for a Pilgrim Passport and special pilgrimage token. It's the perfect last-minute gift that guarantees an unforgettable and meaningful experience for your loved ones.

Get your commemorative T-shirt! 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!

The Deaf Mass for Feast of the Holy Family is Sunday, December 29 at Our Lady of Sorrows.

Beyond Cana Marriage Enrichment | January 25, 2025

Join us for a special brunch with other married couples at St. Francis of Assisi to experience a little enrichment in your marriage with keynote speaker Dana Nygaard, author of the book 365 Dates to Renew your Christian Marriage – Catholic Edition.

Catholic Men's Conference | February 22, 2025

Photo: Veronica Markland | For CTSA Television

The Catholics and Jews celebrate Hanukkah luncheon was held December 19 at the San Fernando Cathedral Hall. Opening remarks were given by Father Carlos Velázquez, rector of San Fernando, with greetings from James Rosenblatt, chair of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio. A choral presentation of two Hanukkah hymns was sung by the Providence High School choir, and Archbishop Gustavo prayed the opening prayer. Father David Garcia, former rector of San Fernando Cathedral, spoke about the history and background of the Catholic Jewish Hanukkah Luncheon in San Antonio, and he was followed by keynote presenter Father William Meyer, SM, rector of St. Mary’s University. Hanukkah traditions were explained by Rabbi Mara Nathan, senior rabbi of Temple Beth-El. Rabbi Emeritus Samuel Stahl lit the Shamash candle at the menorah as eight pairs of additional candle lighters — Catholic and Jewish — came forth. 

Photo: Provided

St. Brigid Church had the joy of celebrating a new beginning on December 22 with the groundbreaking of a new St. Vincent de Paul/multipurpose/youth building. Archbishop Gustavo explained that much like the village of Bethlehem, this project begins humbly — perhaps as a vision, a set of plans, a patch of ground waiting for transformation. “But with God’s grace, and through your faith, this small beginning will bear fruit, serving as a place of encounter, growth, and community for years to come,” he said. “Just as the Lord built His Church upon humble foundations, He invites us to be co-workers in His plan — planting seeds today for a harvest that will bless generations.”

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.

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

Today's Catholic Newspaper will be updating the Archdiocese of San Antonio Directory 2025 beginning Monday, January 6, 2025. If you have any updates to your parish (urban/rural), organization, or health services, send an email to communications@archsa.org using the subject line (Directory 2025).

Archdiocese of San Antonio

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