Beginning Dec. 8, 2020, Pope Francis has called for a Year of St. Joseph (read the decree here), “in which all faithful, after his example, may daily reinforce their own life of faith in complete fulfillment of God’s will.” Through the Apostolic Penitentiary the Holy Father has extended a series of plenary indulgences centered around devotion to St. Joseph (read article with practical guidance here).
I encourage you, either individually or as a family, to take up this call to grow closer to Jesus and the Church through devotion to St. Joseph. Pray the Rosary as a family; pray the Litany of St. Joseph; entrust your life to the protection of the protector of the Holy Family. The Holy Father then asks us to join him in prayer, and so we pray:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
In you Mary placed her trust;
With you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
Show yourself a father
And guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
And defend us from every evil. Amen.
- from the homily on 1/3/21 about St. Joseph on Epiphany/Holy Name, given by Fr. David Carter, Pastor and Rector (Read full homily here)
- Read Fr. Carter's Pastor's Notes from 1/17/21 about celebrating the Year of St. Joseph, including the indulgences offered
Seven Sundays Devotion(Jan. 31-Mar. 14, 2021)On seven consecutive Sundays, especially preceding his solemnity on Mar. 19, recite the prayers in honor of the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph, and receive Holy Communion in his honor.
First Sorrow: The doubt of St. Joseph. (Matt. 1:19)
But Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wishing to expose her to reproach, was minded to put her away privately. First Joy: The message of the Angel. (Matt. 1:20) But while he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David, to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. Prayers: |
Printable coloring page for kids
A Year of St. Joseph Recommended Resources
(published by the Diocese of Charlotte)
We will be adding more St. Joseph resources to this page during the year. Stay tuned!