A Year of St. Joseph
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December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021Beginning 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 offeredResources
Prayers
Devotions
Seven Sundays DevotionOn 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.
More information on the Seven Sorrows & Seven Joys / Seven Sundays, & other devotionsHymns
Te Joseph Celebrent hymn in Latin:
O Blessed Saint Joseph hymn in English:
Traditions
St. Joseph Table March 19, 2016
St. Joseph Table March 19, 2021
Monthly Themes Inspired by Joseph's Virtues
APRIL – Joseph, Lover of Poverty
Joseph could count on nothing in this world to be his stay. Neither his trade nor property were employed in his first years as father of the Divine child. He had to abandon all that was his and provide for them in whatever way was possible as they were on pilgrimage to Bethlehem, to Egypt, and finally to Nazareth.
Sacred Artwork
St. Joseph and the Child Christ – Bartolome Esteban Murillo (ca 1670-75)
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!