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

Earlier this week I urged members of the San Antonio City Council to refrain from ratifying the “Justice Policy” charter amendment, which would place this measure on the May 6 election ballot. Two of the proposals in this local policy attempt to weaken current state law which protects unborn babies and their mothers (Sec. 177). These proposals are profoundly disappointing, as efforts should be focused instead on supporting pregnant women in need. Catholic Charities of the archdiocese continues to do vital work in accompanying mothers in distress with a myriad of services, and our churches and countless other ministries offer healing and hope for those faced with unplanned pregnancies. As Pope Francis has said, “Human life must always be defended from its beginning in the womb and must be recognized as a gift of God that guarantees the future of humanity.”

Courage Apostolate

If you are experiencing same sex feelings, homosexuality or gender dysphoria, you are not alone, you are not abandoned, you are not rejected, you are welcome into the Catholic Church. 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, the Courage Apostolate chaplain, at (210) 996-1371 or email rmscouragesa@gmail.com. Visit www.couragesatx.org. All communication with Courage and Encourage is strictly confidential.

General Lent & Easter Guidelines for 2022

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Guidelines in English

Guidelines in Spanish

This time of preparation for the seasons of Lent and Easter — the Great 90 Days — are a wonderful opportunity to invite and strongly encourage our parishioners to return to worship with their faith communities. As Pope Francis has said, “Lent is a favorable season for opening our doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ."

All of our liturgical preparations should facilitate and encourage the full, active, and conscious participation of the people in these times of prayer. Find the 2023 Lent & Easter Guidelines above. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Dolores Martinez, Director for Worship, at Dolores.Martinez@archsa.org or (210) 734-1912.

Worship on the River: February 21

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The Archdiocese of San Antonio Young Adult Ministry invite you to join other young adults for adoration, confession, and fellowship at St. Joseph’s Church Downtown (directions) from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Learn More

Watch Online

40 Cans for Lent begins on February 22

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From February 22 through April 6, Catholic Charities of San Antonio's 40 Cans donation drive offers multiple ways you can support families struggling with food insecurity: Host a food drive (contact D. Ramirez); Drop off donations; Shop on Amazon; or Make a monetary donation. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Learn More

Photo of the Week

Gym Opening at St. John Paul II Catholic High School

St. John Paul II Catholic High School opened their newly constructed, 27,000 square-foot gymnasium on February 13. This marked a historic day in the life of the school: to host a home game on campus, the first since the school opened in 2009.

View Photo Album

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

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