Department for Pastoral Ministries

Catholic Life Insurance, a San Antonio-based life insurer, will remember its immigrant roots and celebrate 120 years of protecting families during its annual Flag Day celebration. The celebration takes place on Sunday, June 13, the eve of Flag Day, at the company's headquarters at 1635 Northeast Loop 410 in San Antonio.

Featuring petitions in Tagalog from the Philippines; Malayalam from India; Korean; German; Polish; Congolese; and Vietnamese; as well as music from Congolese and Filipino choirs, the Pentecost Vigil Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 22 prayed for an increase of faith, hope, and love in worship communities.

Two men, Father Edward Joseph Gonzales and Father Paul Abraham Melgarejo, were ordained to the priesthood for the archdiocese by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, on May 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Just shy of the one-year mark from when the program was launched, the Sisters on the Frontlines initiative, an alliance formed to respond to the immediate needs of communities impacted by COVID-19, has been fully funded. Catholic Extension made the announcement, indicating attainment of an ambitious goal that granted 1,000 Catholic sisters $1,000 each to help an individual or family suffering the adverse effects of the pandemic. More than $1,000,000 has been granted in total since the program’s inception.

The Chaminade Guard Armed Drill Team, AKA “The Machine,” of Central Catholic High School was recently inducted into the National Drill Hall of Fame at the National High School Drill Team Championships on May 1 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The statue of San Juan Capistrano within Mission San Juan Capistrano received a new flag May 4 from the General Consulate of Hungary to the United States.

The Cardinal Medeiros Fellow Award was presented to Auxiliary Bishop Gary W. Janak by the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus at the 117th Annual State Convention in Houston on April 30.

In an open letter to the Texas Legislature and the 8.5 million Catholics who live in the state, the state’s Catholic bishops call on people to join them in opposing “permitless carry,” as it is being presented in a bill that has moved through the Texas House and is expected to be considered by the Texas Senate the week of May 3.

The 29th Catholic Schools Leadership Awards event held at St. Anthony de Padua Church May 7 had a different format this year but the same mission: to honor those who educate and invest in the success of the whole child committed to excellence in academics rooted in Gospel values.

The Hope for the Future Khaki and Plaid Gala on May 1 raised more than $400,000 for families which need financial assistance in order to make their dreams of Catholic education come true.

The Mexican American Catholic College held its graduation Mass and spring commencement ceremony May 8 at Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary, with Father David Garcia, retired director of the Old Spanish Missions serving as presider and homilist.

Mi nombre es Paul Abraham Melgarejo. Yo empecé mi formación en el Seminario de la Asunción, hace ocho años. Al principio no sabia mucho rezar ni tampoco sabía filosofía ni teología. Yo le pregunte al sacerdote que es lo que un seminarista hace aquí en el seminario. Él me dijo, aquí en el seminario se reza y se estudia todos los días. Para mi fue algo nuevo aprender a estudiar otra vez y aprender a rezar. Me acuerdo de que al principio solo sabia rezar el Ave María y el Padre Nuestro. Ahora que han pasado casi ocho años, he aprendido muchas oraciones y devociones que me han ayudado a crecer en mi vida espiritual. Mi formación en el Seminario la Asunción has sido fenomenal, llena de muchas sorpresas como también de retos y oportunidades en las ramas de espiritualidad, humana, pastoral e intelectual.

Fridays in Assumption Seminary have always had a unique schedule since I entered back in January of 2014. Classes, reading, studying, and homework took up most of my time between Monday and Thursday and the weekend, but Friday took on a different dynamic.

Catholic Television of San Antonio’s virtual Leadership Luncheon on May 3 was broadcast on Spectrum Cable Channel 15 and livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook live, offering the opportunity for the station’s team to express their appreciation to viewers and donors for their ongoing support, which allows great works of mercy to be carried out in the Lord’s name. It was also a time to seek new benefactors to contribute to the financial underwriting of the ministry.

Catholic Charities’ Guadalupe Community Center recently opened Veronica’s Boutique, a free program for pregnant and parenting families that provides parenting education, material assistance like diapers and formula, and wraparound services for families with children younger than 36 months.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, and priests of the archdiocese from India prayed for that country which is being ravaged by COVID-19 at a special Mass at Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary on May 1. Father Prasanna Mese, pastor of St. Andrew’s Church in Pleasanton, was the homilist at the liturgy.

“Stronger Through Prayer,” a National Day of Prayer event held May 6 at Trinity Baptist Church, asked two questions about this unique time: How have you prayed? Why have you prayed? By answering these two queries prayer lives come into focus.

San Antonio Metro Health Assistant Director Mario Martinez was a guest on the Catholic Television of San Antonio “Discovering Our Faith” program with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, on May 11, discussing updates about the COVID-19 vaccine.

En consulta con varios funcionarios y a la luz del creciente número de personas que han recibido la vacuna contra el COVID-19, el Arzobispo Gustavo García Siller, MSpS, ha declarado que a partir del 23 de mayo, Solemnidad de Pentecostés, la obligación de asistir a misa el domingo y los días santos de precepto se restablece para todos los católicos en la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio.

In consultation with various officials, and in light of the increasing number of individuals having received the COVID-19 vaccine, Archbishop Gustavo Garca-Siller, MSpS, has stated that effective May 23, the Solemnity of Pentecost, the obligation for Catholics to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation is reinstated for all Catholics in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Two companion bills moving in the Texas Legislature would double charges allowed under Texas law for a $2,000 loan, from an already high 35 percent annual percentage rate, to more than 79 percent. These bills are particularly concerning because so many families are struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the added hardship of Winter Storm Uri.

In anticipation of his ordination to the fullness of Christ’s priesthood as a bishop the following day; the apostolic nuncio, bishops, priests, family, and friends gathered with Auxiliary Bishop-elect Gary Janak April 19 in Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary to celebrate the gift that God would bestow on him, as well as the people of the archdiocese.

Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak has been appointed by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, as chancellor of the archdiocese, effective July 1, 2021.

At a solemn Mass of installation and reception celebrated at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in San Antonio on April 20, Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak was ordained as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the pope’s delegate to the United States, read an Apostolic Letter, or Papal Bull, confirming the appointment of the 59-year-old Bishop Janak.

“Amazing. Amazing and beautiful.” Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak quietly exclaimed his surprise as he stood in the Pope Saint John Paul II Parish Center in St. Hedwig April 25, mildly stunned at the size and presence of the new Pope Saint John Paul II statue. At 15 feet tall the statue is magnificent in its size and exquisite in detail. It truly seems to capture not just the appearance, but the presence, and the love of our beloved Holy Father and now saint. Bishop Janak related that he had a similar feeling when he first saw the piercing blue eyes of Pope Saint John Paul II in Rome when he was a seminarian.

When I spoke with my mom, prior to the announcement of my appointment as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, her first words were, “But you’re not from San Antonio” Well mom, I am now! Sí, ahora lo estoy.

When I spoke with my mom, prior to the announcement of my appointment as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, her first words were, “But you’re not from San Antonio” Well mom, I am now! Sí, ahora lo estoy.

As I prepare to depart from the Diocese of Victoria, and begin my episcopal ministry in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, I do so with mixed feelings. I am grateful for the opportunity to be obedient to what the Church has asked of me, and honored by the trust Pope Francis has placed in me, yet I am overwhelmed at having to leave my home. The Diocese of Victoria is the only diocese I have ever known.

Along with social distancing and mask usage, it appears that the recent increase in vaccinations has led to a significant decline in COVID-19 new cases, hospitalizations and deaths, even as Texas has fully opened its economy.

The bishops along the border of the United States and Northern Mexico issued a joint statement April 1 on the situation at the border of the two countries.

Two migrant youth who turned 18 on April 8 – Erick from Guatemala from Josue from El Salvador -- were released from Freeman Coliseum to the care of Catholic Charities. President/CEO J. Antonio Fernández celebrated their 18th birthdays with them doing what they wanted to do, by going to Pizza Hut.

In a year where everything changed, the love of God remains! The call to continue Walking in the Way of Love seems stronger than ever, and the youth are responding! To celebrate the resilience of the young Catholic teens of our communities, the Archdiocese of San Antonio invited all middle school and high school teens and their families to Youth Spectacular 2021, held March 10.

I have known and been privileged to work alongside of Bishop Yanta for over 64 years and have appreciated his spirituality, charisma, leadership skills, executive skills, memory and attention to detail. I first met John W. Yanta in 1957 when he was assistant pastor at St. Ann’s Church in San Antonio and very actively involved in the Catholic Youth Organization sports program, which he quickly transformed into an evangelization/sports program. My entire family came to know him as Father John.

Ground was broken for the long-anticipated new gymnasium for St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Schertz on March 16.

Mexican American Catholic College students and faculty met with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary March 16 for Mass and to hear the archbishop convey his thoughts and feeling on the contents of his recent pastoral letter, Transformed by Hope, Let Us Rebuild Our Tomorrow!

A successful partnering of West Side parishes with COPS/Metro Alliance to study Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) owes it all to Zoom -- and the savvy leaders involved.

The U.S. bishop’s chairmen for the Doctrine Committee and Pro-Life Committee have addressed the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, which was recently approved for use in America.

For one year we have been faced with restrictions and other safety measures enacted to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. These have greatly impacted our lives and our ministry as Church.

Remarks from Bishop-elect Gary Janak at February 15 announcement regarding his appointment as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Our Lady of Guadalupe in Helotes held a site blessing and groundbreaking for their new Family Center Building on March 2 at The Annex property at 11762 FM 1560 North. The church is celebrating 125 years of building community through faith.

Special Masses of thanksgiving are being celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, from mid-February through mid-March for donors to the Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries, the “On the Way-Andale!” capital campaign, and Hope for the Future.

At the end of what was an unprecedented, challenging week for everyone in Texas, catechumens and candidates were welcomed at Rite of Elections and Call to Continuing Conversion gatherings which began the weekend of February 20-21 and followed the next week on February 27-28.

Everything in Natalie Mohr’s life seemed to lead to the position she currently holds as project coordinator for parish outreach and Project Rachel at Catholic Charities. A native San Antonian, Mohr attended St. Matthew Catholic School and Antonian College Preparatory High School before entering Texas State University (TSU) in San Marcos.

A 75-year-old Houston-area man died in his truck Feb. 16 after he ran out of oxygen for his oxygen machine.

Amid a winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and widespread power outages to much of Texas, Catholics are stepped to help their neighbors even while dealing with their own shortages of electricity and water.

For almost a week, amid an historic winter storm that’s left much of Texas paralyzed and shut down, Father Pat O’Brien and others at St. Pius X Church in San Antonio have operated under a simple mantra: “Whatever the need is, we will be open.”

The new parish of St. José Sánchez del Rio was formally established on the feast day of its namesake -- February 10 – and will be located in a fast-growing area of San Antonio, just off Blanco Road outside of Loop 1604.

Pope Francis has named Father Gary Janak, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Victoria, as well as rector of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory in Victoria, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Let’s celebrate the gift of marriage! Among the many blessings that God has showered upon us in Christ is the blessing of marriage, a gift bestowed by the Creator from the creation of the human race. His hand has inscribed the vocation to marriage in the very nature of man and woman (see Gn 1:27-28, 2:21-24). Jesus Christ has elevated this blessing by making marriage between baptized Christians a sacramental sign of his own love for the Church (USCCB Pastoral Letter Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan). Our Church is blessed by and rejoices with so many couples that embrace the sacramentality of their marriage and are living in fidelity and commitment.

Before Father Don Cowie, SM, passed away, he was recorded reiterating a wonderful prayer that ties with the celebration of Marianist Heritage Week. He started off the prayer by saying, “Lord Jesus, through Your Mother, You inspired Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, our founder, to awaken the sleeping faith of a generation, of young men and women. Under his guidance, these young people became united in a brotherhood, and committed to apostolic work. Their goodness was contagious.”

Since 2011 -- for 10 years -- it had been tradition for a decade for Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, pastors, and active parish volunteers from across the archdiocese to gather on February 2 at St. Dominic Church to honor recipients of the archdiocesan Lumen Gentium and Christifideles Laici Awards.

World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated in the Church on February 2 and in parishes the weekend of February 6-7. The event was instituted by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997 as a time to pray for all those men and women who have made commitments in the consecrated life and to thank them so that they would continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation

Catholic Schools Week kicked off in a big way February 1 as ground was blessed for the new gymnasium at St. John Paul II High School in New Braunfels in advance of the February 23 groundbreaking gathering.

This week marks the 47th anniversary of celebrating Catholic Schools Week. All across the Archdiocese of San Antonio, our Catholic schools will be taking time out of their normal schedules to show their appreciation and celebrate people who help to make Catholic schools strong -- parents, teachers and staff, clergy and religious, students, and our benefactors.

Three Redemptorist brothers – Song You, Huan T. Le, and Huyen T. Nguyen – were ordained to the diaconate through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at St. Gerard Church in San Antonio on January 23.

Msgr. Michael Yarbrough, 74, a longtime pastor of two of the largest parishes in the archdiocese who also served in numerous leadership roles on the archdiocesan level, died in hospice care at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital in San Antonio January 13 ­­­­due to COVID-19 related illness and other health issues.

I offer my prayers and congratulations to President Joe Biden as he begins the important and difficult work of leading the country at this crucial time in history; confronting a daunting health pandemic, economic challenges, and racial distrust.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine January 14 at an inoculation event administered by CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, led a Holy Hour for Life the morning of January 22 from St. Joseph’s Chapel in the archdiocesan Pastoral Center.

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Remembering and celebrating the legacy of the love and faith of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the 34th Annual City-wide Interfaith Workshop Service was held January 17 at Mount Zion First Baptist Church. However, unlike past year’s, when the event was held in packed sanctuaries with worshippers holding hands singing “We Shall Overcome,” this year’s virtual gathering was limited to a handful of speakers and a choir of a half dozen socially distanced singers and musicians with the church’s Praise Team.

Father David Garcia, former director of the Old Spanish Missions and past rector of San Fernando Cathedral, was recently asked to submit a reflection for a book published by Harvard alumni.

In response to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and Our Lady of Lake University (OLLU) held drive-through graduation celebrations and virtual graduation ceremonies the weekend of December 12-13.

In response to the January 6 violence in the United States Capitol, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, condemned the violent protests and prayed for a restoration of order and safety at a prayer service in a time of civil unrest the following day at San Fernando Cathedral.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller’s birthday was celebrated in the archdiocesan Pastoral Center Atirum December 16 along with all other employees who had birthdays this month with social distancing practiced.

A memorial Mass for Father Michael Bouzigard, SJ, was held at Assumption Seminary’s Our Lady’s Chapel on December 15, with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, presiding, and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette as the homilist.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, once again had a very busy December Advent visit to The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, even though he was not able to continue his annual tradition of visiting patients and families in their rooms and distributing gifts due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We have been notified by Texas Governor Greg Abbott that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made an initial allotment of more than 1.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to the state this month. These vaccines, possibly arriving by mid-December, will be distributed to qualifying providers across the state who will administer these immunizations.

Catholic Charities and Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Antonio partner to feed the hungry in San Antonio during Christmas on December 6. Over 700 Catholic Charities families received Boxes of Blessing from Redeemer Presbyterian with enough food to help feed a family of four for one week.

Dozens of adults received the sacrament of confirmation from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at Holy Spirit Church on December 5 in a liturgy provided the archdiocese several times per year for those over 18 to be strengthened by this sacrament.

The Federation of Guadalupanos hosted its archdiocesan-wide celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in San Antonio on December 6. Gone this year was the colorful procession of banners from the numerous societies, and the number of matachines was limited to keep with COVID-19 protocols, as 2020 is a time to be honest and take serious steps to change, said Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, presider at the Mass.

The Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) was notified it will receive a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Thriving in Ministry initiative. Father Juan Molina, Ph.D., incoming MACC president, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm: “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for trusting us to implement this grant. I look forward to creating a sustainable program to help ministers thrive and thus more successfully serve the people of God.”

Father Michael A. Bouzigard, SJ, died December 1 in San Antonio, Texas. He was 56 years old, a Jesuit for 29 years and a priest for 19 years.

The archdiocesan Vocations Office recently hosted a men’s discernment retreat at Assumption Seminary December 4-6.

“United in Times of Sorrow and Uncertainty” was the fitting title for the 29th Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, held November 24 at San Fernando Cathedral.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio has begun preparations for the latest projects of its On the Way - ¡Ándale! capital campaign; the Pope Francis Center and the Margie and Bill Klesse Garden, which are adjacent to Mission Concepción.

More than 300 families from Catholic Charities’ Guadalupe Community Center, St. Stephen’s CARE Center, Senior Services, Family and Children’s Services, Caritas Legal Services, and the community received 40-pound boxes of food curbside that included turkeys with all of the trimmings to feed a family during the Thanksgiving holiday.

There’s something magical about San Antonio at Christmastime, when historic sites break out in holiday decor and trees and buildings sparkle with dazzling lights. Capturing this special season in a book of striking photographs are two resident San Antonians -- author Patricia Hart McMillan and photographer/graphic designer Natalia King-Sun.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller blessed a statue of Our Lady of La Vang in an evening ceremony at Vietnamese Martyrs Church November 12.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio said yes! On November 7, more than 2,000 participants of Assembly 2020 reaffirmed their commitment to foster a Catholic Culture of Discipleship.

Daniel Schachle was attending a conference in San Antonio in May 2015 when he received word his 13th child was being delivered prematurely by cesarean section. He flew home to Tennessee immediately. It would be a miracle birth in more ways than one, for little Michael “Mikey” McGivney Schachle was not expected to be born at all, and his birth would provide the miracle needed for beatification of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney Oct. 31.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection Dec. 12-13. The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal and distributes the proceeds to assist eligible U.S. religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, was the concelebrant at the opening Mass of the 2020 Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Assembly held October 19 in Austin.

The Board of the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) announced October 16 the appointment of Father Juan Molina Flores, Ph.D., as president.

World Mission Sunday is an occasion when local churches come together in universal solidarity so that Catholics around the world recognize their common responsibility to evangelize all the earth.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, invites clergy, consecrated women and men, Catholic school teachers and lay people from across the archdiocese to unite on a virtual platform. Join us as we work to strengthen, renew and celebrate our Catholic identity to witness a Culture of Discipleship

God always leads us out of sorrow and distress, listeners were reminded by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at a Respect Life Mass on October 11 at San Fernando Cathedral.

The celebration of the annual Red Mass gathered the legal community in San Antonio for a blessing during these challenging days of the pandemic and to recognize their special calling and contributions at this time.

“Thankful for Today, Thriving Tomorrow,” was the theme of a gathering held in person and virtually by all 38 Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of San Antonio on October 7 that launched a campaign to raise awareness of the value and needs of Catholic schools.

Relying on the mercy of God, who has been with us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, presented a pastoral letter, Transformed by Hope, Let Us Rebuild Our Tomorrow!, to all the people of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The archbishop promulgated the document at a Mass September 14 at San Fernando Cathedral attended by ministry representatives from various institutions in the archdiocese, primarily educational entities.

With a $2.1 million gift from Verónica Salazar-Escobedo (BA Spanish ʼ65) and her husband Rubén M. Escobedo, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has launched the Salazar-Escobedo School of Mass Communication and Theater.

A Caring for Creation Outdoor Mass, celebrating the 300th anniversary of Mission San Jose, was celebrated on the grounds in front of the historic church by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, early on a cool Sunday morning, September 13.

Two men — Edward Joseph Gonzales and Paul Abraham Melgarejo — were ordained transitional deacons for the archdiocese on September 12 by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at St. Dominic Church and, God willing, will be ordained as priests in the next few months.

Catholic Charities opened the St. Stephen’s CARE Center on Sept. 9, 2019 with the intent of providing a client-choice Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, and Diaper Bank for the San Antonio community. At its inception, the site was designed to provide additional capacity for food distribution and serve as a hub for disaster relief. Then the pandemic hit.

A massive explosion crippled the city of Beirut, Lebanon on August 4. More than 300,000 were displaced from their homes, hundreds are missing, and the death toll is rising. This tragic event also occurred as the country was suffering through a difficult financial crisis and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Catholic Teachers of the Year were recognized and honored a liturgy and ceremony by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, on August 7 in Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary, following an almost four month delay. In most years the honorees receive their awards at a banquet in early May, however, that event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All medical doctors, nurses, and medical students were thanked for their service and commitment for bring on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic during the annual Healthcare Professions Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, on August 1 at San Fernando Cathedral.

The Double Solar Illumination which occurs every August 15 on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother took place as usual that evening at Mission Concepción.

Most Catholic schools in the archdiocese reopened on August 17 for both in-person and remote learning this fall, with teachers and staff addressing the challenges both to students’ health and their education.

August 15 was a day of amazing celebration, as the archdiocese rejoiced with the Blessed Mother on the Solemnity of her Assumption into heaven with the ordination of 12 men for the ministry of service by ordination as deacons for the Church.