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 tells seminarians piety without doctrine becomes fragile sentimentality | | |
Pope Leo XIV on November 5 addressed a letter to seminarians of the Archdiocese of Trujillo, Peru, reminding them of the need to be close to Christ while discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
In a long letter to men studying at the “San Carlos y San Marcelo” major seminary, who celebrated the institution’s 400th anniversary on Nov. 4, the Holy Father emphasized that prayer and the search for truth are not “parallel journeys” but a single path that leads to God.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | As we conclude Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 in the archdiocese, this leads us to Nazareth, the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Let us imagine that small home, where God dwells in everyday life. There, we understand that hope is not born of the extraordinary, but of the mercy received and shared within the family. As this year of grace comes to a close, we return home to gather what we have learned and give thanks for what we have received. Nazareth is a school of silence and work, of daily forgiveness and of love that unites. That is why the family is a workshop of humanity and a domestic church: not one without conflict, but one that places the Lord Jesus at its center and allows his light to heal what hurts. This Jubilee has reminded us that God’s mercy expands our hope. We have not been saved by our own strength, but by a love that forgives and begins anew. The Incarnation is made present in our homes when we care for the elderly, welcome migrants, forgive those who have wronged us, and when love is the seed of unity and peace. By participating in Mass, we bring Nazareth into our homes. With His living presence within us, the Christ Child helps us to offer gentler words, gestures of service, time for listening, and unconditional forgiveness. In this way, the graces of this Jubilee Year extend, and little by little, our families are sanctified. Let us ask for the grace to live like the Holy Family — attentive to God, open to the journey, faithful in small things.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
9 Days for Life Novena begins next week
Friday, January 16 through
Sunday, January 24
| | |
On January 22, the Church in the United States observes a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, as designated by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM, no. 373). This day calls for prayer, fasting, and acts of penance as we seek the full restoration of the right to life and healing for those affected by abortion.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers resources for parishes, schools, and ministries to participate, including the annual 9 Days for Life novena (January 16–24), which provides daily intentions, reflections, and suggested actions. Also bulletin announcements, homily helps, and Mass intercessions.
| |
Free Anger Resolution Workshop
Saturday, January 17 at St. Dominic Church
| | |
Mental Health Ministry at St. Dominic Church (directions) is offering a free anger resolution workshop presented by Deren Green, LCDC, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. This guided workshop is open to all who seek practical, faith-based tools for managing anger for self or a loved one. Click here to register or call Dr. Mary Jo Rodriguez at (210) 902-9913.
To learn more about Mental Health Ministry in the archdiocese, visit the website, email Lauren Stadelman, Director of Pastoral Care, or call (210) 734-1632.
| |
Join a Global Movement for Peace: The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18–25
| |
You Are Not Alone: A Special Gathering for Families Impacted by Incarceration
Saturday, January 24
at the Pastoral Ministry Center
| | |
Join Families United in Faith on Saturday, January 24, at the Pastoral Ministry Center (directions) for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and encouragement. Hosted by Deacon Adrian Cepeda, Director of the archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry, this gathering offers a welcoming space for families impacted by the criminal justice system. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, a presentation on mental health and wellness by Dr. Mary Jo Rodriguez, small group discussions, a reflection from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), and a closing time of prayer and spiritual renewal.
All are welcome. Invite your family and friends by sharing this flyer. RSVP for yourself and your guests using this link. If you need assistance, call Deacon Adrian at (210) 734-0766. We look forward to sharing this time of faith, healing, and hope with you.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Meet Elliana, the first baby born at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westover Hills in 2026. Elliana made her grand entrance at 12:22 a.m. on January 1 welcomed by proud parents Hannah and Jesus. She was delivered by Certified Nurse Midwife Carla Scott. Elliana will be heading home to an excited 8-year-old big sister, ready to take on her new role. | | Dozens of young adults of the Archdiocese of San Antonio — from UTSA, Assumption Seminary, Campus Ministry, the Vocations Office, San Fernando Cathedral, parishes, and religious orders — took part in SEEK 2026 in Fort Worth. Over 26,000 attendees gathered the first week of January in Columbus, Ohio; Denver; and North Texas for the conference organized by FOCUS. More than 4,500 attendees participated in the opening Mass on the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak and Father Brian Garcia, archdiocesan director of Campus Ministry. Members of San Antonio Intercollegiate Campus Ministry even met with Father David Michael Moses of Houston, one of the keynote speakers. On the evening of January 2 it was announced that SEEK 2027 would again be held in Columbus as well as San Antonio, which hosted the event a decade prior. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| | January 9 Issue Highlights | |
2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar New Year Sale
Limited Quantity
| | |
Five Dollar New Year Directory Sale $5 each!
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.
Limited quantity available. To purchase, email Mandy Franco, call (210) 734-1610, or click here.
| |
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
| | | | |
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.
| | | | | Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! Visit our Linktree profile now to subscribe to Today's Catholic Newspaper, sign up for The New Messenger, and explore archsa.org. Join our community and stay informed. | | | Copyright © 2026 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
