Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 471

October 20, 2023

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.

Prayer of the Week

For the gift of sufficient rain in Texas to end the drought, especially for those most impacted by water shortage, and for the wisdom and charity to be good stewards of this precious gift.

Message from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS

In the final feast, of which Sunday Mass is a preview, the best is offered. And since it is the definitive banquet, there will be no more shadow of death, no anguish, no sorrow, no frustration. At this feast, there can be nothing that does not belong to it. Therefore, we must enter well prepared, clothed in the fruits of the Holy Spirit by the work and grace of the mercy that Jesus reaches for us. You live off the fruits of the earth, and your work, done with love to provide for your families and serve your neighbors, is part of your feast garment. At the heavenly banquet, the closeness and definitive comfort of God to all men is experienced, and there can be no resentment that excludes any child of God. Therefore, not doing evil is not quite enough preparation for the banquet in heaven. It is necessary to go even further, and witness to God’s mercy. Your lives can bear witness also by reflecting onto everyone the beauty of creation. Your lives are called to shine with humble beauty.

View Bishop's Calendar

Upcoming Events

Assembly: Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress 2023 | November 4

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“Congress” sounds like a fancy name for conference. So, you’re probably asking: Why don’t we just call it a conference? We decided to use “congress” because the word better suits our purpose. The word “Congress,” comes from the Latin root con-gradi, which means to “walk together.” As the local Church in San Antonio, we are walking together on the journey in the Eucharistic Renewal. We accompany one another with our faith in Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist. Join thousands of Catholics at St. Mary’s University Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 a.m. for the Assembly: Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress.

Learn More

World Mission Sunday 2023 | This Sunday, October 22

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The Church celebrates World Mission Sunday this Sunday, October 22. In a world where so much divides us, World Mission Sunday rejoices in our unity as missionaries by our baptism, as it offers each one of us an opportunity to support the life-giving presence of the Church among the poor and marginalized in more than 1,111 mission dioceses. On World Mission Sunday, we join our Holy Father in supporting his missions. Together, through our prayers and financial support, we bring the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions.

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Respect Life Month

In Evangelium vitae, Pope Saint John Paul II had a special message of hope for women who have had an abortion: “The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. …But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. …The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” Let's continue opening our heart in formation and awareness during this month.

Learn more in the October issue of “Word of Life”

Photo of the Week

Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette recently celebrated a Mass at Providence Catholic School in mid-October. He shared a special message reminding attendees that Providence is a place to belong and that the Lord will never abandon those who are faithful. The school recognized its sophomores, the #ProvetClassof2026, who received the Celtic cross pin that marks their transition into their tenth-grade year. Providence also celebrated members of its senior class who were commissioned as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

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Mutually Shared Vision

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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