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
JANUARY – Joseph, Most Valiant Protector of Church
St. Joseph had the entire Church under his protection since the Holy Family was the Church. Our Lady is the Mother and Image of the Church, the Holy Spirit the soul of the Church and Christ the Church’s head. To Joseph this treasure was entrusted and by his wit, his obedience and his sacrifice he valiantly defended them.
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!