Solemnity of St. Joseph
St. Joseph, pray for us! March 19th is the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Because the 19th falls on a Sunday in Lent, it is transferred to Monday, March 20 this year. Please remember, we have Masses at 7:15 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. on Monday. Perhaps, you and/or your family can participate at Mass that day.
Many, many people have a personal devotion to St. Joseph as adopted-father of Jesus, carpenter, and holy man. In recent years his name, as spouse of Mary, is included in the Eucharistic prayers. As of this writing, the Church is in the midst of remembering St. Joseph through novena prayers and special celebrations of the Eucharist. Many Catholics are seeking his continued intercession for the many needs of God’s people. Every year, St. Joseph Parish at St. Norbert College, the home of the National Shrine to St. Joseph, honors Joseph with novena prayers and Mass. There will be a Solemnity Mass at the college at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20.
St. Joseph is patron of many people, causes, and concerns. Here follow some of them: accountants; attorneys; cabinetmakers; carpenters; cemetery workers; children; civil engineers; craftsmen; the dying; educators; emigrants; exiles; expectant mothers; families; fathers; furniture makers; for a happy death; house hunters; immigrants; laborers; lawyers; married people; orphans; people in doubt; people who fight Communism; pioneers; pregnant women; social justice; teachers; travelers; unborn children; and workers.
I am asking for St. Joseph’s intercession, and I ask you to join me, for the successful repair of our church ceiling. St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us!
On a different note, please keep in prayer our five Elect who are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter, and for our one Candidate seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through profession of faith, Confirmation and Eucharist. They are currently experiencing the special rites and prayers of the Scrutinies. The Scrutinies take place on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The purpose of each of the Scrutinies, according to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is “to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect” and “to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good.” AMEN!
Peace, Fr. Andy
