Solemnity of St. Joseph

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph, our patronal feast day!  As we celebrate St. Joseph in the midst of Lent, we are invited to celebrate as a family the providential purpose of our lives.  That our divine Father, from all eternity, choose to place us within the family of His choosing that would provide the surest path for our salvation.  All has been accounted for by the Father.  Our weakness, strengths, environment, relationships, and the effects of our fallen world have been considered in His ongoing creation of you.  Like our first parents, God reaches out to touch you so as to give you His divine spark of life.  The Son, in the name of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, reaches out to grasp your forearm.  He lifts you up and restores back what has been lost in our brokenness.  Thus, we take hope and imitate our patron St. Joseph.  He was a broken man, who in his brokenness was called to the care and protection of the Holy Family.  The Lord knew he was unworthy.  In our estimation, we would say we are not qualified to complete the plans the Father has for us.  Yet, God qualifies the unqualified.  So, I offer you a couple lessons from the life of St. Joseph for us to put into practice in our lives today!

1. Trust in God’s Plan, Even When It’s Unclear

Joseph faced immense uncertainty when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. His initial reaction was natural—he considered stepping away. Yet, when God revealed his plan, Joseph fully embraced it without hesitation (Matthew 1:24).  Lesson for Us: Faith often requires trusting God in the unknown. We may not understand why certain things happen, but like Joseph, we are called to surrender our fears and trust in God’s divine providence.  When faced with uncertainty, pray for trust and reflect on Joseph’s example. Ask for his intercession when making difficult decisions.

2. Protecting and Leading the Family in Faith

Joseph was entrusted with the care of Jesus and Mary, a task he fulfilled with devotion. He shielded them from Herod’s threat, guided them through difficult times, and ensured they were raised in a faithful Jewish home (Luke 2:39-40).  Lesson for Us: Spiritual leadership is essential, especially within families. Whether as parents, mentors, or spiritual guides, we are called to protect, nurture, and lead others in the faith. Even as young single people, this could be exercised through leadership roles in church or other volunteer activities.  Take an active role in the spiritual formation of your family and community. Pray for those under your care and be an example of faith and integrity.

May the Lord continue to bless and protect us under the patronage of St. Joseph!

St. Joseph, pray for us!

Fr. Luke Fleck