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.

Philip was born in Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the 12 Apostles that Jesus called. Immediately, Philip began to convert others, finding his friend Nathaniel and telling him that Jesus was the one whom Moses and the other prophets had foretold.

Photo Credit: Antoine Mekary | ALETEIA

Pope Francis took up the virtue of faith in his weekly catechesis on this feast of St. Joseph the Worker. After considering some of the “greats” of faith — Abraham, Moses, Mary, etc. — he commented on the great enemy of faith.

Archbishop Gustavo invites all persons with disabilities and their families, caregivers, and loved ones to join him for this incredibly special Mass. Come as you are to participate in and experience this sensory-friendly Mass. This liturgy will include softer music, daily Mass readings and a shorter homily in a stigma-free environment. Bring whatever is needed to be comfortably present at Mass. Hosted at St. Helena Church (14714 Edgemont St., SA, TX 78247). RSVP is appreciated.

The archdiocese is truly blessed in its diversity. To further promote unity within the local church and to highlight the specific blessing of rural communities, we invite each parish to dedicate a weekend in May as Rural Life Weekend. In honor St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers, whom the Church recognizes on Wednesday, May 15. Understanding that each celebration will look different, the archdiocese offers resources and recommendations to help parishes customize their Rural Life Weekend celebrations.

Archbishop Gustavo invites you to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 18 at 5 p.m. Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles—a feast often referred to as the birthday of the Church. In preparation of this celebration, we invite you to pray the Pentecost Novena from May 10–18. The Pentecost Novena comes from chapter one of the Book of Acts where Mary and the Apostles pray continuously for nine consecutive days after Christ’s ascension into heaven. On the tenth day, the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

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.

SELLING FAST! 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.

Mathilde Bellenger | AFP

This unique collaboration is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and remind us of our common humanity, anchored in the search for beauty and the divine.

The model of Paris' beloved Catholic monument church will be the largest, and most expensive, model of LEGO's Architecture series.

Gurgen Bakhshetyan | Shutterstock

Xavier Ramirez | Catholic Television of San Antonio

Senior Fiesta is the only Fiesta-sanctioned event for seniors 55 and older! Catholic Charities hosted Senior Fiesta April 25 at Wonderland of the Americas Mall. Seniors enjoyed live entertainment, a health and wellness fair, and activities at this free event. Senior lifestyle partners were on site to provide information about medical, household aids, senior engagement programs, leisure activities, and more. 

Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

More than a dozen vocation directors from the dioceses of Texas gathered at Assumption Seminary April 22-24. Meetings included discussions on best practices and admissions as well as breakout sessions for small and large dioceses, and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, celebrated Mass for the group at Our Lady’s Chapel at the seminary April 23. Attendees at the gathering included Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak, vocation director, as well as Sister Ana Cecilia Montalvo Villanueva, FSpS, associate vocation director for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Seminary representatives included Father Jim Myers, PSS, from Assumption. 

Issue Highlights:

• Catholic Educators: Outstanding Leaders and Teachers of the Year receive school recognition
• Answer the Call: Film on the inspiring life of Father Ryan Stawaisz
• Pilgrims of hope walk side by side with Jesus Christ as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
• How God reveals Himself to those who seek Him: Youth Spectacular ignited teens to become true missionary disciples

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

Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved.