Welcome to The New Messenger, your weekly archdiocesan newsletter featuring messages from Archbishop Gustavo, news briefs, event previews, and updated information. Look for this newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

MESSAGE FROM

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS

Oh God, in every age you have saved your people from oppression, slavery, and evil. And so we praise you for your miracles, your wonders, and your acts of salvation. We turn to you now, asking you to help all your children to live together in peace and mutual understanding. May wars cease, violence be quelled, and enemies be reconciled. Bless our land. Help us to serve each other with respect and dignity. We especially ask your blessing upon this community of San Antonio, where we honor and protect each other as Jews or Catholics, Protestant Christians and Muslims, and people of many different faiths. The human person is made in your image. May we see your face in the faces of every person we encounter. May you enlighten our way with each other, here and now. This we pray in your most Holy Name.

January 1 is the World Day of Peace

Every year on January 1, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. The coming year’s message is the latest in a long tradition of messages for this day that began with St. Paul VI in 1967 and continued with St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Read more about how to pray, learn, and act with this World Day of Peace handout from the USCCB.

Resources from USCCB

Formation Opportunity: Life in Christ

Attention all Catholic adults, ministry leaders, and volunteers: The course “Life in Christ” will be offered at St. Cecilia Church, on January 3, 5, 10, 23, 2023 from 6:30-9:00 PM. This course is presented by the Archdiocesan Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service in partnership with the Mexican American Catholic College. Contact the St. Cecilia Church office at 210-533-7109 or Liz Ortiz at [email protected] or 210-731-3125 for more information. Come learn about your Catholic faith!

Download the Flyer

Sacramental Records Workshops from Archives

and Records Management Office

Sacramental Records Training Workshops are being held online via Zoom on the following dates: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. All classes are open to anyone that works with sacramental records including, secretaries, record keepers, DRE’s, deacons, and priests. To register for the classes, email [email protected]. Deans interested in scheduling an in-person workshop, contact Elvira Sanchez Kisser for details at [email protected].

Photo of the Week

San Fernando Cathedral conducted the annual La Gran Posada on December 18. It is one of the oldest Christmas traditions dating back to colonial times. The Posada began at Milam Park across from Market Square and visited Mi Tierra, La Margarita Restaurant, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, San Antonio City Hall, the Bexar County Courthouse, and then made its way to the cathedral where the large crowd was welcomed with festive singing and a party. The journey symbolizes the trials which Mary and Joseph endured before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born.