Welcome to the Dec. 18, 2019 edition of Just 3 Things, the weekly social action newsletter of the Office of Human Life & Dignity.  We'll be taking a rest in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ next week but we look forward to resuming weekly communications in 2020.  The staff of the Office of Human Life & Dignity is very grateful for your readership these past few months.  Please be assured of our prayers during this holiest of seasons!

Here are a few of the important priorities, news and ideas of the week.

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Julio Escobar extends his thanks to the many who donated Christmas cards to be given out to incarcerated persons within the Archdiocese of San Francisco this year.  Although it's too late to donate Christmas cards for use this year, Christmas cards are graciously accepted for next year's card-drive and can be sent to 1 Peter Yorke Way San Francisco CA 94109.

The Office of Human Life & Dignity released a short video explaining California Plastic Reduction Bills SB 54 & AB 1080.  These bills would require manufacturers to reduce the production of single-use plastic packaging and make their products recyclable or compostable.  The short video relates the bill to church teachings, and connects viewers to a website where they can find their local legislator's contact information to urge them to support these bills.

Pope Francis became the first reigning pope to celebrate the Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi in the Vatican.  Simbang Gabi, a novena of Masses preceding Christmas, is celebrated by Filipinos all over the world, including the Archdiocese of San Francisco.  The Filipino community in Rome presented the Holy Father with a gift for his 83rd birthday, which took place on December 17th, a traditional statue of Our Lady. Pope Francis responded after receiving the gift: “Be smugglers of the faith!”