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.

Pope Leo XIV on March 30 appointed Italian Archbishop Paolo Rudelli the new head of the general affairs section of the Secretariat of State — one of the most influential positions in the Roman Curia. The so-called “sostituto” (“substitute”) is commonly considered the third most powerful position in the Vatican, after the Holy Father and the secretary of state.

Are you ready to step out of your routine and become the hands and feet of Christ? Young adults from across the archdiocese are coming together for FIAT 2026 — a powerful day dedicated to the joy of serving others. This isn't just an event; it’s an opportunity to live out your baptismal call alongside our bishops. We will be heading out in service teams to support those most in need at:

• St. PJ’s Children’s Home: Bringing hope and care to children in transition.
• St. Stephen’s CARE Center Food Pantry: Helping to nourish families in our community.
• Catholic Charities: Assisting with vital programs that uplift the vulnerable.

On the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday at the Pastoral Ministry Center (directions), the archdiocese invites young adults (ages 18 to 39) to discover how their own fiat can change their lives. After a morning of serving as the hands and feet of Christ, participants will enjoy lunch and be inspired by a keynote reflection from our shepherd Archbishop Gustavo. The afternoon will include a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship to guide the moment of prayer. The day will close with food trucks and fellowship. FIAT 2026 is more than just an event: It is faith in action today designed for real connection and missionary purpose. All young adults are welcome. 

FIAT is a collaboration among the archdiocesan Office for Evangelization & Formation, the Vocations Office, and Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio. 

The Archives and Records Management Office will be offering a next level course for Sacramental Records 102 Workshop in person at the Pastoral Ministry Center (directions). The class will cover complex requests and issues that arise in processing requests and recording sacramental records. All participants must have taken the Sacramental Records Training 101 class prior to attending this class. Bring questions or concerns with you to the class so we can discuss together solutions. If you have any questions, email the Archives and Records Management Office.

Do you know someone who is deaf? Do they have a faith community? The National Catholic Office for the Deaf estimates that 96 percent of deaf Catholics in the United States are a detached from the communal and sacramental life of a parish community. Our baptism calls us to reach out to them. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world. We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to Him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to His offer of love and become His one family: in the one Christ, we are one.” 

From May 1 to 3, the archdiocesan Deaf Ministry will host an ASL-only retreat at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) (directions) focused on “The Mass: A Step-by-Step Journey through the Source and Summit of Our Faith.” The retreat will be led by Father Cassion Elkins, OSB, a Benedictine priest and nationally recognized leader in Deaf Catholic ministry. Deaf since childhood, Father Cassion has dedicated his priesthood to helping Deaf Catholics encounter the beauty of the liturgy through American Sign Language. All talks, prayer, and community gatherings will be conducted fully in American Sign Language (ASL). Deaf Catholics, their families, and anyone connected to the Deaf community are invited to participate in this enriching and faith-filled weekend. Join us and experience the beauty of the Mass and the strength of the Deaf Catholic community. 

We are hosting the Mother’s Community Resource Fair, and are asking for your help to reach the families who need it most. The journey of motherhood is a profound vocation, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, financial strain, or the heavy cross of loss. At the St. Paul Community Center (directions), we are providing a safe, welcoming space for expecting parents, families in need of assistance, and those navigating postpartum challenges or the loss of a child.

Attendees will connect with local groups offering free ultrasounds, baby supplies, job training, options counseling, and post-abortion support. It will be a day of joy and dignity, complete with free goodie bags and a raffle for a car seat and stroller. Because this event serves a specific, often vulnerable group, word-of-mouth is our most powerful tool. If you know a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who could benefit from tangible support and a listening ear, please forward this email or share the link below that has more information. Help us ensure that no one walks this path alone.

Photo: Provided

The annual Knights of Columbus Texas State Council College Conference took place at St. Mary's University Albert B. Alkek Building March 20-21, joining students across the Lone Star State in spiritual formation, fellowship, and guidance toward becoming Catholic leaders. Speakers at the gathering included archdiocesan seminarians, Deacon Scott Sowell from St. Matthew Church, Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak, Oblate Father Ed Hauf, Marianist Father John Thompson, and Archbishop Gustavo as celebrant of the closing Mass at Annunciation Chapel. About 50 Knights attended, representing St. Mary's, the University of the Incarnate Word, UTSA, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas Tech University, Lamar University, Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, and Texas A&M University in Kingsville. Workshops were offered on vocation discernment, council operations and best practices, and patriotism and faith, along with other topics.

Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper

The new St. Carlo Acutis Adoration Chapel at Blessed Sacrament Church was blessed on March 25 following a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo and Father Johnson Le, pastor.

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

Archdiocese of San Antonio

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