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.

You are invited to celebrate Catholic schools at the 2023 Khaki & Plaid Gala: Put your Heart into Hope. Team up with your parish and/or school and come to the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. for dinner, drinks, and fun while supporting our Catholic school students. Purchase a table or sponsorship at www.givecentral.org/KP2023

In thanksgiving for your support of the Archbishop's Appeal for Ministries, please join Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, for an Appreciation Mass and Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church at 600 Oblate Drive. Send RSVP to deborah.montez@archsa.org

February 2 (World)

February 5 (US)

World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the US on Thursday, Feb. 2, and globally over the weekend of February 4-5. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation. 

Prayer of the Faithful

For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits.

We pray to the Lord…

An invitation to holiness for young Catholics who experience same-sex attractions

Why Do People Experience Same-Sex Attractions? “It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.” - CCC 2357

Being affected by concupiscence, a result of the fall of our first parents in the Garden of Eden, all human beings are attracted to certain things in this earthly life that are not in alignment with God’s greater plans for them. This is not in any way solely exclusive to individuals who experience same-sex attractions.

“Homosexual persons are called to chastity.”

The Catholic Church teaches that same-sex attractions are not sinful in and of themselves. Individuals who experience same-sex attractions are called to chastity in their respective state of life, as are all human beings. For married people, this means an exclusive, faithful relationship which is open to the possibility of having children. For single people, this means abstaining from sexual intimacy and fostering authentic friendships. -CCC 2359

All of us are called to be saints! The call to holiness, which includes the pursuit of chastity and all the other virtues, is an invitation to great fulfilment, authentic love, and utmost freedom. Together, we are striving for a more intimate union with God and with all His sons and daughters.

How can we pursue this radical call to sainthood?

Courage offers spiritual support and fellowship for men and women 18-plus who experience same-sex attractions and are striving to live chaste lives following the five goals established by John Harvey the founder.

Even the Lord Jesus needed help from Simon of Cyrene to carry His Cross. You do not have to climb this mountain alone. Reception of the sacraments and the support of authentic community are vital ways to obtain the grace and strength we need to follow and serve Jesus faithfully. One of the main goals of Courage is to provide a solid, loving community of friends who support and encourage one another as they share their experiences and grow together in holiness.

Are you being called from loneliness, confusion, or isolation to fellowship, truth, and friendship? Are you seeking the peace the world cannot give or take?

For more information, call Father Richard Samour (210) 996-1371 or email rmscouragesa@gmail.com. Visit www.couragesatx.org. All communication with Courage and EnCourage is strictly confidential.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio Young Adult Ministry and the Office for Life, Justice, and Peace invite you to a special night with the blessed Sacrament as Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak leads a Holy Hour for Life at St. Joseph's Church Downtown.

On September 30, 2019, on the liturgical memorial of St. Jerome, Pope Francis announced that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time would be celebrated as the Sunday of the Word of God. This year, this falls on Sunday on January 22. Please find a variety of resources for celebrating this Sunday of the Word of God at your parish or at home from the USCCB and from the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. 

Catholic Charities deployed volunteers on January 7 to visit and care for isolated seniors as part of the Catholic Charities Adopt-A-Senior program. Volunteers distributed food and care packages for seniors at Guadalupe Community Center.

To find more archdiocesan events and activities visit our website, www.archsa.org.

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