St. Joseph's Feast Day

St. Joseph's Feast Day is a big deal in the Church.  During Lent, it's a big enough Feast (called a Solemnity) that you are exempt from Lenten fasting and abstinence from meat (the meat part only applies if the Solemnity falls on a Friday which it doesn't this year).

St. Joseph is the husband of Mary, and the foster-father of Jesus.  He is the Patron of the Universal Church. In addition to that he is also the Patron of a plethora of other things: fathers, cabinetmakers, carpenters, families, workers, a happy death, and travelers to name a few.  In many countries that are primarily Catholic, March 19th is celebrated as Father's Day.

There are many and varied traditions for the celebration of the St. Joseph Feast.  Red is traditionally worn on St. Joseph's feast much in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick's Day (but without all the fluff of shamrocks and leprechauns).  Many cultures celebrate with a large feast to honor him.  Traditionally the meal is made up in large part with various breads, many of them shaped and woven into beautiful, baked masterpieces of deliciousness.  The symbols of St. Joseph are often incorporated in these edible pieces of artwork.

Symbols that represent St. Joseph are the Carpenter's square, hammer, or saw. White lilies represent his virtue, holiness, and obedience to God.  St. Joseph may also be depicted with a flowering staff or a Star of David.

For St. Joseph's Feast Day we will be celebrating with various breaded treats.

Because he is the Patron Saint of the Church, I crafted a little Church felt set for the girls to play with.  Ok, ok, so Kayla will be the one playing with this set as it has very small pieces.

We are also going to begin a Dad Book tradition.  Each year on St. Joseph's feast day the kids will ask their dad four questions.  I will also ask the kids a question.  All the answers will be recorded in the Dad Book and in the years to come we will have collected some amazing memories.

The Questions (you can adjust them or make up your own)

For Dad:

1. Name a favorite memory with each child that took place this year.

2. Think of a random memory you have with your own Dad to share with your kids.

3. Pick a Saint that you would like to learn more about as a family this year.

4. What is an important lesson you learned/piece of advice you have to share?

For each kid:

1. What is your favorite memory with Dad this year?

Prayer to St. Joseph

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, St. 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 engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

Don't forget to pray for your father today (and your spiritual Fathers (priests, pastors) too!

Good St. Joseph...Pray for us!