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Year of St. Joseph

Our diocesan year of St. Joseph was scheduled to take place from March 19, 2020 to May 1, 2021. Because of the pandemic, that year did not begin until August 16, with its conclusion remaining on May 1, 2021. Pope Francis then declared a worldwide year of St. Joseph, from Dec 8, 2020 to Dec 8, 2021.

St JosephSt. Joseph often slips under the radar because of his quiet demeanor and hidden life. However, he has much to teach us about growing in holiness.

St. Joseph Models Fatherhood for Us
God the Father chose St. Joseph from all men to be the foster-father of Jesus. That truly says something about his character, for he was entrusted with leading, providing for and protecting the Son of God and God’s greatest creature, Our Lady. Joseph faithfully served the Holy Family and protected them from danger so that they could fulfill God’s mission.

St. Joseph taught Jesus in his humanity how to be a man. No doubt he taught him how to be a faithful Jew, as well as the trade of carpentry. He models well for us fathers how to be the spiritual leaders of our families. Like St. Joseph, we are called to show the love of God the Father to our wives and children.

 St. Joseph was a Man of Silence
We never hear a word from St. Joseph in the Bible for he was a man of great silence. Because of this silence, he was able to hear God’s voice and discern his will for the Holy Family. In an age of noise and many words, Joseph reminds us that if we wish to hear God’s voice, we must quiet our hearts and enter into the silence.

St. Joseph was an Obedient Man
Every time God asked him to do something, Joseph was eager to say yes. Whether that was taking Mary as his wife, going to Bethlehem for the census, or fleeing with his family to Egypt, Joseph always followed God’s will immediately. In an age where we are told to do things our own way, Joseph is a great reminder that true greatness is found in following God’s will, not our own.

St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Workers.
As men work takes up a great portion of our lives. Often we struggle to work in a way that honors God. St. Joseph can teach us how to work well if we ask him. One way to do this is start your work day with a prayer to St. Joseph. St. Joseph is also good to invoke if you are having difficulty finding a job.  He was commissioned to provide for the Son of God, so he fully understand the pressure men face to provide for their families.

St. Joseph's Intercession is Powerful.
A seminarian once told me the powerful intercession of St. Joseph. He explained that whenever he needed something, he asked for St. Joseph’s help, and his needs were met. St. Joseph’s intercession is so powerful to other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succor us in some of our necessities, but of this glorious saint is that he succors us in them all, that the Lord wishes to teach us that, as He was Himself subject to him on earth, (for being His guardian and being called His father, he could command Him) just so in Heaven He still does all that he asks.

St. Joseph Most Prudent
Prudence is the mother of virtues which depends upon the practical wisdom gained by experience matched with an agile mind to make decisions in the here and now. Each time Joseph knew the will of God he acted decisively, swiftly, and accurately. He acted neither rashly nor timidly, but prudently.

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. 
PrayO Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having experienced here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. 
O Saint Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Hold Him close in my name and kiss His fine head from me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen. 
     
       
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St. Bernadette Catholic Church