Welcome to the Feb. 3, 2021 edition of Just 3 Things, the weekly social action newsletter of the Office of Human Life & Dignity. The Archdiocesan Racial Reconciliation and Justice Committee is continuing its listening sessions with the first one in 2021 scheduled for Black History Month. If you are interested in participating, please contact Melissa Vlach at vlachm@sfarch.org. If this email was forwarded to you, and you'd like to receive it each week, please click here.
Valerie Schmalz
Director
Office of Human Life & Dignity
Archdiocese of San Francisco
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February is Black History Month. A new book, "Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood," chronicles the lives of six extraordinary men and women who persevered in their Catholic faith despite prejudice within and without the Catholic Church. Author Michael R. Heinlein's book, published by Our Sunday Visitor, explores the lives of the six Black Catholics from the United States who are under consideration for canonization.
The California bishops join with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Francis to urge Catholics to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as an act of Christian charity to protect others. Many remain wary with a report this week that just 55 percent of Los Angeles firefighters have gotten vaccinated despite incentives. In a commentary published by Catholic News Service, Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life, lays out the Vatican's arguments for vaccination. (CNS photo)
California bishops are challenging a 2019 law that extended the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse claims. Every diocese except San Diego and San Bernardino is listed on the motion which challenges the law that took effect Jan.1, 2020. The law allows people to sue even if the alleged abuse took place decades ago. (Catholic News Service photo shows Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez at Martin Luther King Jr. celebration this year.)
What's coming up:
- Feb. 6, 8 a.m. _ Monthly First Saturday Mass for Life @ Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, followed by rosary walk and prayer outside Planned Parenthood.
- Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. _ Prayer for victims of human trafficking on the memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita. Zoom link here.
- Feb. 17-March 28 _ 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign. Sign up at 40DaysforLife.org/SanFrancisco or 40DaysforLife/RedwoodCity
What do you say? Catholic bishops are urging Catholics to get the COVID-19 vaccine but some are wary or disagree with that advice. Please select one. It's even better if you select one AND reply to let us know why.
I plan to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
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I will not get vaccinated.
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I am not sure.
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I have already received the vaccine.
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