Welcome to the March 31, 2021 edition of Just 3 Things, the weekly social action newsletter of the Office of Human Life & Dignity. Blessed Triduum to you. If this email was forwarded to you, and you'd like to receive it each week, please click here.  And a note: Just 3 Things will take a break for Easter Week and return April 14. 

Valerie Schmalz

Director

Office of Human Life & Dignity

Archdiocese of San Francisco

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone will lead an April 10 Easter Prayer Service for Peace in response to anti-Asian violence. "We will pray for an end to violence and racism particularly against Asians, for healing for our nation, and for the flourishing of peace and justice in our land," the Archbishop said in a statement. (Shutterstock file photo) 

Christians have two dates for Easter. And in that, there is quite a story. From our friends at the Pillar Catholic, an explainer. (Photo from Shutterstock)

On March 23, Archbishop Cordileone joined Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Gerasimos at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church for the 15th year of a Lenten tradition -- an ecumenical prayer service of Salutations of the Holy Cross and Veneration of the Relic of the True Cross at the Belmont church. In his homily, Archbishop Cordileone spoke about the shared struggles of the two churches for religious liberty and the importance of the sacraments. "As Orthodox and Catholic Christians, we are in a unique situation because the sacraments cannot be communicated virtually. His Eminence and I have tried desperately, working together, to convince our public officials of this, and that we are responsible and can conduct our worship safely. While such unjust treatment is difficult for us to accept, we must, though, think spiritually and consider what God’s plan might possibly be for His Church at this time." (File Photo by Dennis Callahan/Catholic San Francisco)