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.

Photo: Pope Francis meets Monday with the prelate of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, at the Vatican (Vatican Media)

The press office of the Holy See reported that Pope Francis received on Monday the “moderator general” of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando de Ocáriz, accompanied by Monsignor Mariano Fazio, auxiliary vicar of the prelature.

Beginning next Monday, July 1, Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio will be available for purchase online. Follow Today’s Catholic on Facebook for the information or find it in next Friday’s New Messenger.

As we approach the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of San Antonio and its central celebration, Assembly 2024: Walking United in Christ, let us contemplate “the strong foundations left by all who have preceded us” by reading about our history.

Leading up to the Assembly on October 26 and in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the diocese, Today’s Catholic Newspaper would like to hear your story! Do you have a story to share about the archdiocese, it's history, or what the local Church means to you? Submit your story using this form.

Almost sold out! The directory includes: Parish information and Mass schedules; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about priests, deacons, brothers and women religious. Pick up your order at the Pastoral Ministry Center or have it shipped to you. Click here to order yours today. Need more information visit our website or contact Mandy Franco at mandy.franco@archsa.org or (210) 734-1610.

The archdiocese seeks passionate and dedicated individuals to join our mission of service and faith. We are currently hiring leadership positions in three vital areas: Associate Director for Family Evangelization and Faith Formation: Strengthen the spiritual life of families in our community. Associate Director for Youth & Young Adults: Inspire and guide the next generation of Catholics. Director for Social Justice: Champion the Catholic values of compassion and justice in our society. If you feel called to lead and make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic team. Together, let's build a stronger, more vibrant Church! 

Join fellow educators from 9:30 a.m. to noon for an enriching workshop at the Pope Francis Center right behind Mission Concepción (263 Felisa, San Antonio TX 78210 - directions). Explore effective methods to teach about the heritage, art, and music of the Spanish Missions—a celebrated World Heritage site. Experience integrative activities suitable for history, religion, social studies, and art classes. Learn about the Artistic Bridges Project that engages youth in creating and sharing art forms like pictures, poems, sculptures, and more with peers globally. Teachers will learn how to organize a digital exhibit to share with classes in other counties. Deepen your understanding and respect of faiths and cultures, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the United States. Professional development hours are available. Join us for a morning of learning and inspiration!

Join the Department of Stewardship and Development and Our Sunday Visitor on Saturday, August 17 for a day of ideas, insights, and best practices to help enliven your parishioners and draw them into deeper participation in parish life! Grab your spot today before they are all gone: archsa.org/stewardship.

Oblate School of Theology (OST) hosted their annual Summer Institute from June 17-19 at the Whitley Event Center located on the OST campus. The Summer Institute addresses critical issues shaping the discourse of contemporary theology and spirituality and draws hundreds of participants, both in person and virtually, including faculty and facilitators from local, national, and international institutions. SA News caught up with keynote speaker Father Gregory Boyle, SJ, a 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world.

Catholic Charities hosted a World Refugee Day Art Event on June 18 at the Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex to raise awareness and promote advocacy for the plight of refugees around the globe. The event included Henna artists and artwork for sale representing cultures from around the world. The United Nations Refugee Agency and thousands of civic groups around the globe hosted events to raise awareness on World Refugee Day. It is observed in more than 100 countries and involves government officials, humanitarian workers, civilians, and refugees. This year, the theme for World Refugee Day was “Our Home.” Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program welcomes, educates, provides job training, and resettles refugees, leading them to self-sufficiency within six months after arrival to the United States. 

To find more archdiocesan events and activities visit our website, https://archsa.org/events.

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