Friday, September 12, 2025 | | 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 gives priests three tips to build a solid Catholic formation on rock | | Pope Leo XIV offered three brief suggestions to two groups of priests he met at the Vatican on Friday morning, saying a “solid and integral formation” is essential for all Catholic faithful but especially for those who give Christian formation. | | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Pope Leo XIV has said, “a bishop is a witness to hope by his example of a life firmly grounded in God and completely devoted to the service of the Church. This will be the case only insofar as he is conformed to Christ in his personal life and in his apostolic ministry.” These words are particularly true about Bishop Michael Boulette. With deep gratitude we honor him, as he enters retirement, following 49 years, five months, and 21 days of priestly ministry, and eight years, five months, and 20 days of faithful episcopal service to the Church in San Antonio. From the earliest days of his priesthood — and even before, as a seminarian — Bishop Mike has given himself with zeal to the service of God’s people. As vicar general, his vision and leadership have been instrumental in the development of the Pastoral Ministry Center, which continues to lead ministers and strengthen the life of our local Church. In both liturgical and pastoral ministry, his wisdom and guidance have enriched the way we celebrate, pray, live and grow as a community of faith. The Church recently witnessed, in Pope Benedict XVI, the example of a shepherd who embraced retirement with wisdom and prudence. Those same virtues shine in Bishop Mike, who for some time has awaited this moment with hope and serenity. The Holy Father’s acceptance of his request is not an ending, but a new stage of service – through prayer, counsel, and faithful witness. On behalf of the entire Archdiocese, I offer heartfelt thanks for his dedication, compassion, and fidelity. Bishop Mike, thank you for walking with us, for teaching us, and for loving the Church so generously. May Our Lady of Guadalupe guide and protect you always.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
Care for Creation Mass and Pilgrimage
This Sunday, September 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Mass at Mission Espada followed by a Pilgrimage to Mission San Juan
Join Archbishop Gustavo as we celebrate the Season of Creation with a mariachi Mass at Mission Espada followed by a Pilgrimage in support of God’s creation on the river trail to Mission San Juan. During the Season of Creation, we are encouraged to celebrate the gift of creation and act together to care for our common home. The Pilgrimage will take us to Mission San Juan where Archbishop Gustavo will provide a special blessing. Bring your water bottles and comfortable shoes as we join in protecting, restoring, and enjoying all of God’s creation.
Transportation sponsored by VIA will be provided from Mission San Juan back to Mission Espada.
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Catechetical Sunday
Sunday, September 21
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Catechetical Sunday is a special day in the U.S. Catholic Church, usually celebrated annually in September, where the Church recognizes and blesses catechists and those involved in faith formation. The Catechetical Sunday 2025 theme is “Always be ready to give an explanation ... for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15. The theme for 2025 encourages us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the hope he provides. One of our local parish leaders from St. Mark the Evangelist Church shared a moving testimony about a catechist who led him on a journey of self-discovery that changed his life forever. Read the story published in the September 5 issue of Today’s Catholic.
As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, take a moment to thank those who have helped you grow closer to Christ — whether a catechist, pastor, family member, or friend — by sending them a “thank you”. These faithful witnesses plant seeds that God alone can grow into lives of deep faith and generous love. We are richly blessed by those who answer the call to teach us about Jesus, guiding us on the path of discipleship with patience, prayer, and joy. Send this graphic to those in your life who led you closer to Jesus.
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Celebrate Faith and Culture
with Archbishop Gustavo
at the Third African Mass and Reception
Sunday, September 21, 3 p.m.
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Join Catholics from across the archdiocese for the Third African Mass, a vibrant celebration of faith and culture taking place Sunday, Sept. 21, at St. Paul Community Center (directions). The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo and will bring together the beauty of the Catholic faith expressed in African traditions. With joyful music and prayer offered in a variety of African languages, along with English, this liturgy will highlight the richness of our Church’s diversity.
Following the Mass, a reception will feature traditional African foods prepared by members of the Igbo, Cameroonian, Ghanaian, Congolese, and other communities. This Mass is open to all, especially Catholics of African descent and anyone who has lived in or served in Africa. Experience a joyful, faith-filled liturgy that reflects the universality of our Church. All are welcome.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | The canonization of Carlo Acutis was held at the Vatican on September 7, and his mother tells Catholic television about how charity was a part of his life and how much he was able to accomplish until he passed away at the age of 15. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | The first Assumption Seminary Roast and Toast honoring Msgr. Dennis Darilek was held September 5 at the Security Service Federal Credit Union Event Center, recognizing a priest that has been a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration in the archdiocese for more than five decades. He was ordained on April 27, 1973 in Moulton and his pastoral motto is, “Bring God to people and people to each other in Christ.” That philosophy has shaped his ministry, emphasizing love, connection, and service. Even after retirement, Msgr. Darilek remains active in the community by mentoring and supporting young clergy and seminarians. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory Sale
Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off!
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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.
To purchase, click here or contact Mandy Franco at (210) 734-1610 or email mandy.franco@archsa.org.
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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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