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 Vatican peace vigil says ‘Enough of war!’ | | |
Enough of war!” Pope Leo XIV cried out while presiding over a vigil for peace at St. Peterʼs Basilica in the Vatican on April 11.
Prior to the vigil in the basilica — which the pope announced on Easter Sunday, April 5, amid ongoing war in Iran and in the Holy Land — the Holy Father briefly addressed the thousands of faithful present in St. Peterʼs Square to participate in the vigil, whom he thanked for their presence while reminding them that it is possible to build peace.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | | |
Before you were formed in the womb, God knew you. Before your mothers held you, He had already called you. Before you knew your own name, He had placed His words upon your lips. This is not poetry. You know your fears, your wounds, your limitations. St. Paul writes that we hold this treasure in earthen vessels. And yet — precisely there, in that knowledge — the miracle begins. For God has never required perfect vessels. He requires open ones. The priesthood is not a throne, but a towel for washing feet; it is not a crown, but a staff to help the shepherd guide his sheep. Pope Leo XIV says that “the priest is a servant of Christ, in the sense that his existence, configured to Christ ontologically, acquires an essentially relational character: he is in Christ, for Christ and with Christ, at the service of humankind.” Weakness is not an obstacle to grace. It is precisely the vessel grace chooses.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
Paint & Sip Date Night: An Evening of Creativity, Connection, and Fun for Married Couples
Thursday, April 23, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Painting With a Twist
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Looking for a fresh way to reconnect and enjoy time together? Archdiocesan ministry partners, the Beyond Cana Marriage Ministry, is hosting a Paint & Sip Date Night at Painting With a Twist (directions) for all married couples. You don't need artistic experience for this event, just a desire to have an evening to laugh, create, and celebrate your marriage. This is not an art class, it a chance to connect, relax, and have fun.
What to Expect: Sophia, a local artist, will guide you and your spouse step-by-step through your painting. All supplies will be provided (canvas, brushes, paint), including light snacks to keep the creativity flowing. Bring your favorite beverage to enjoy while you paint. Then, take home your own "masterpiece" as a memorable keepsake of a night dedicated to your relationship. All proceeds will benefit the Beyond Cana Weekend Couple Scholarships so your date night will help other married couples.
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A Retreat for the Deaf Catholics: Help Us Reach Out to Our Brothers and Sisters
May 1 to 3 at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC)
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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. 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 warmly 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.
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We Need Your Help to Reach Mothers and Families in Need
Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at St. Paul Community Center
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We are hosting the Mother’s Community Resource Fair and are asking for 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 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, forward this email or share the link below that has more information. Help us ensure that no one walks this path alone.
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Leadership Opportunity for Catholic Professionals: Catholic Medical Association Planning Meeting
Thursday, April 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at St. Matthew Church, MFC room 106
| | Attention Catholic medical professionals: Are you interested in becoming involved with the local Catholic Medical Association (CMA)? The mission of the CMA is to provide a professional resource which embodies the practice of authentic Catholic medicine in support of the archdiocese, and to foster networking, collaboration, community service, education, formation, and outreach. Leadership opportunities are available for physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and all others who practice healthcare professionally. Learn more at the planning meeting after the 6 p.m. Mass at St. Matthew (directions). To become a member or RSVP, email Emily Rodriguez. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | Catholic school students from across the archdiocese participated in the Catholic Arts and Academic Competition (CAAC) recently, with the awards ceremony being held at the St. Paul Community Center on April 8. | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | The 24th Annual Catholic Television of San Antonio Leadership Luncheon, held April 7 at the Witte Museum, honored Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda with the Catholic Life Insurance St. John Vianney Award and Elizabeth “Liz” Ruiz with the CTSA Leadership in Communication Award. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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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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