Welcome to the Feb. 17, 2021 edition of Just 3 Things, the weekly social action newsletter of the Office of Human Life & Dignity. This is Ash Wednesday. For Americans the traditional tracing of a cross in ashes on our foreheads will be replaced by sprinkling of ashes. And, as always, 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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Black Catholics, parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi, played an important role in the formation of the town of East Palo Alto and in its history before and after its 1983 incorporation. Just in time for Black History Month, we are pleased to bring you a video telling that story, told in the voices of the pastor and some parishioners of the East Palo Alto Roman Catholic community. Thanks go to Melissa Vlach of the Office of Human Life & Dignity for producing the video.
In the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Department of Catholic Schools has been extraordinarily successful in serving its Catholic school families, returning to in-person learning in the fall while continuing to make virtual learning available for families and children who preferred that. The Pillar takes a deep-dive into the issue of Catholic schools and their future after the seismic shock of the pandemic.
Why do they pray -- does it make a difference? 40 Days for Life begins in the Archdiocese of San Francisco today, and around the country, Feb. 17 - March 28. The first coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign was in 2007. One of those who prays regularly here in San Francisco, Gibbons Cooney, wrote a short blog post about the experience. Please take a moment to read it. (Photo by Dennis Callahan/Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Human Life & Dignity taken Jan. 9 at Bush Street clinic site)
How do you hope to grow closer to God during Lent? Please add detail if you like!
Increase my prayer in some way
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Begin a new act of charity, directly serving others
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Give up something I enjoy
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Join Archbishop Cordileone and Chris Stefanik for 7-week Lenten retreat.
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What's coming up:
- Feb. 17-March 28 _ 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign. Info here.
- Feb. 17 _ Lenten Retreat with Archbishop & Chris Stefanik begins. More here.
- Feb. 20 _ Chinese New Year celebration Mass at St. Anne of the Sunset school yard at Noon. Learn more here.
- Feb. 25 _ Human Trafficking webinar at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
- March 14 _ Respect Life Essay Contest Mass with Archbishop, 11 a.m. St. Mary's Cathedral. Outdoor awards ceremony. More here.
- March 23 _ 7 p.m. Salutations of the Holy Cross Prayer Service @ Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, Belmont. Metropolitan Gerasimos presiding and Archbishop Cordileone to deliver homily.