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 at jubilee audience says the cross of Christ is greatest discovery of life | | |
Pope Leo XIV on September 6 resumed special jubilee audiences, begun by Pope Francis after the opening of the Church’s Year of Hope, telling Christians that the cross of Christ is a great treasure and source of hope.
Before delivering his catechesis on Chapter 4 of St. Mark’s Gospel, the Holy Father greeted hundreds of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square from his popemobile, blessing several babies and accepting various gifts from people from different countries.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Word of God invites us to see our lives through the image of a scale – the scale of divine justice and mercy. On one side lies human pride and self-sufficiency; on the other, the humble trust of the poor who cry to God. Only one side rises to heaven: the side of those who rely entirely on the Lord. The Eucharist is not our boast; it is our confession of need. We come not to display our merits, but to receive grace. The bread we share and the cup we drink remind us that salvation is pure gift – the same mercy that reaches out to every poor and broken heart. Let us then allow our hearts to tilt toward God, to rely on Him more than on ourselves. Let us become voices for those whose cries still pierce the clouds – the migrants, the sick, the forgotten – and let their hope find an answer in our compassion. The measure of Christian greatness is not self-assurance, but the humble reliance on grace that becomes service to others. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the humble and refuge of the poor, teach us to trust like her – with hearts that rise to God because they rest entirely in His mercy.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | The San Antonio Missions are still open during the federal government shutdown | | Visitors still have access to the centuries-old churches on the grounds of Missions Concepción, Espada, San José, and San Juan. The churches are operated by the archdiocese and all continue to hold Masses. The missions, all located near the San Antonio River from downtown and through the South Side, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract more than one million visitors each year. The San Antonio Missions can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | | Opening Doors to Make Catholic Education a Reality | | |
Catholic schools are different: They form both the mind and the heart. With over 8,600 students already thriving in San Antonio, your family could be next. If your family receives Hope for the Future assistance, you likely qualify as an ESA priority family—moving from 10 to 20 percent aid to up to approximately $10,000 per child, per year, often enough for full tuition plus books, uniforms, meals, and more. We’ll guide the transition.
Catholic Schools in the archdiocese will be a proud participant in Texas’s new Education Savings Account (ESA) program, launching Fall of 2026. Both new and current families may qualify to receive approximately $10,000 per child, per year to cover tuition and education costs. Learn about our Catholic Schools and sign up here to get ESA updates.
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Love God’s Will Movie Screening
Wednesday, November 5, from 6:30 p.m. to
9 p.m. at St. John’s Hall at Assumption Seminary
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Faith and Medicine: Understanding the Church’s Teaching on Birth Control, IVF, and Human Flourishing
Wednesday, November 12, at 6 p.m. at
St. Matthew Church
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The Catholic Medical Association of San Antonio invites all healthcare professionals and members of the community to their November gathering at St. Matthew Church (directions). The evening will feature Dr. Cara Buskmiller, a fetal surgeon and maternal-fetal medicine specialist from Austin, who will speak on “Pelvic Issues: Birth Control, IVF, & Sterilization,” exploring the effects of birth control on embryos post-conception and highlight how the Church’s teaching on gynecologic health promotes authentic human flourishing. The evening begins with Mass at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. in Room 106 of the MacDonald Family Center, and the keynote at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend this insightful evening of faith, fellowship, and professional dialogue.
For more information, email Dr. Ann Thyssen Daniel, president of the Catholic Medical Association of San Antonio.
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Sacramental Records Workshops via Zoom
Wednesday, November 12, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (noon)
| | A Sacramental Records Training Workshop is being offered via Zoom on Wednesday, November 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. Classes are open to anyone that works with sacramental records including, secretaries, record keepers, directors of Religious Education, deacons, and priests. Download the Sacramental Records Policy and Procedures guide prior to class. The class will be a comprehensive overview of the guide. | |
You Are Not Alone: A Day of Renewal at
Our Mental Health Retreat
Saturday, November 15, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit
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“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” — MT 11:28
Join us for a Mental Health Retreat at Church of the Holy Spirit (directions)—a day of rest, reflection, and renewal for all who live with or support someone living with mental illness. Whether you’re living with a mental health challenge, caring for a loved one, or serving in ministry or health care, this retreat is for you. Join others who understand the journey and be renewed in hope through faith and fellowship.
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Young Adult Brunch with the Bishop:
Join Bishop Cepeda
for A Morning of Reflection
Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church
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Young adults of the archdiocese, mark your calendars for a morning of spiritual enrichment at Brunch with the Bishop at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (directions). This year's topic is “Called to Witness: How Young Adults Today Can Carry On the Legacy of the Cristero Martyrs.”
We will begin the day with Mass, followed by brunch and a talk by Bishop Cepeda. The gathering will end with an opportunity to venerate and pray in the presence of over 30 relics of the Cristero Martyrs.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | The funeral Mass for Msgr. Albert Hubertus was held October 22 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Selma. Msgr. Hubertus was born on Dec. 3, 1925; ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1950; and passed away on October 13. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | The 23rd Annual Lebanese Food Festival is held each year at St. George Maronite Catholic Church with Middle Eastern Music and Entertainment. In 2025 the festival took place October 24 to 26. The event featured Lebanese food and pastry, performances from the Lebanese Fold Dancers of St. George, Lebanese bazaar, arts and crafts vendors, and Lebanese music by Layali Entertainment. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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Five Dollar Fall Sale
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Five Dollar Fall Directory Sale $5 each!
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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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