Welcome to the July 7, 2021 edition of Just 3 Things, the weekly social action newsletter of the Office of Human Life & Dignity. 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

Pope Benedict XVI is praying 'fervently' for Pope Francis who is recovering after surgery.  Interesting note: Pope Francis is recovering from his colon surgery this week in the same hospital room where John Paul II was treated throughout his pontificate. The Vatican said July 6, two days after the operation, that the pope had “rested well overnight” and his routine follow-up examinations were good. (Photo shows the two popes in November 2020)

The Archdiocese of San Francisco announces the latest online course offering--on bioethics from a Catholic perspective. It will be taught by Dr. Joe Zalot of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. The seven consecutive classes will be taught live on Zoom starting Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. (San Francisco time) and will be recorded. Topics covered will include end of life decision making, euthanasia, medically assisted nutrition and hydration, advance directives, tissue donation, palliative care, and will cover an array of reading (recommended but not required!), particularly from papal teachings. For more information, contact Deacon Fred Totah totah.fred@sfarch.org

A one-day women's retreat for healing after abortion is July 24 here in the Archdiocese. There is still time to sign up. The retreat will be in English and Spanish, led by Father Vito Perrone of the Contemplatives of St. Joseph, Archdiocese of San Francisco. Counseling, Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered. Retreats are sponsored by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, free of charge, and held at a confidential site. To sign up, contact projectrachel@sfarch.org, call 415-614-5567, or submit your information at sfarch.org/rachel.