The shield is ensigned with external elements that identify the bearer as a bishop. A gold processional cross, known as the Jerusalem cross, appears behind and above the shield. The galero, or "pilgrim's hat," is used heraldically in various colors and with specific numbers of tassels to indicate the rank of a bearer of a coat of arms. A bishop uses a green galero with three rows of green tassels on each side totaling 12.

On the shield, the dark blue wavy line that runs horizontally across the shield is a reminder of the Colorado River, which runs through the local church, the Diocese of Austin. Upon the blue river in the center of the shield is a symbol of the scallop, or pilgrim's shell, which is a symbol of baptism. The shell's white color reminds us of God's purity. The shell is also a reminder to all that baptism is the beginning of the sacramental journey in the church. It is in baptism where a person is initiated into the relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, the centered shell affirms that baptism is the one sacrament that is shared by all who are members of the Body of Christ.

In the top field of the shield are the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. For Christians, the Alpha signifies the beginning and the Omega signifies the end. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Rev 22:13) Ritually, these two symbols are recalled in the lighting of the Paschal candle (Easter fire) at the Easter Vigil each year. On this holiest of all nights, we remember that Christ is our beginning and our end.

The three roses at the bottom of the shield signify a devotion to our Blessed Mother, under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. The roses remind us of her tender, loving presence, just as expressed to St. Juan Diego in his finding of this miracle (roses) on that cold December morning. As we know, these roses fell to the ground when St. Juan Diego opened his tilma, displaying the well-known image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Bishop Garcia’s motto "Walk humbly with God" is taken from the passage of the book of the prophet Micah (6:8). God invites us to take on a sense of humility as we journey through life, thus adhering ourselves more and more to the ways and heart of God.