Saint Joseph the Worker

Today the Church celebrates Saint Joseph under the title of Saint Joseph the Worker – as I have noted previously, one of my favorite observances of the Church year. It is special to me because it underlines in a real way that when a person does his/her work, he/she is continuing God’s work of creation and ministering to His people.

“Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.”- Colossians 3:23-24

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Prayer for the Spirit of Work (source unknown):

God our Father, Creator and Ruler of the universe, in every age you call us to use and develop our gifts for the good of others. With St. Joseph as our guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised. Please grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A good reflection on the feast of Joseph the Worker is by Deacon Keith Fournier (of the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia). This reflection also includes thoughts from Pope John Paul II’s “Gospel of Work” and some thoughts from Pope Benedict XVI’s “Caritas in veritate”. (Deacon Fournier is, among other attributes, a graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, a lawyer, and the founder of Catholic Way and Common Good.)

To read Deacon Fournier’s reflection, visit:

Deacon Keith Fournier Reflection: Feast of St Joseph the Worker: Affirming the Dignity of All Work (30 APR 12)

For further reflection:

Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical on Human Work, promulgated 14 September 1981:

Pope John Paul II: “Laborem exercens” (on Human Work)

Pope Benedict XVI’s Encyclical, “Charity in truth”, promulgated 29 June 2009:

Pope Benedict XVI: “Caritas in veritate” (Charity in truth)

Pope John Paul II: “A Scriptural Vision of Work” (This is chapter 4 of The Good Stewards: Practical Applications of the Papal Social Vision of Work, by Michael Naughton (published by University Press of America in 1992.)

John Paul II: A Scriptural Vision of Work

P.S. There is a shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph the Worker in Lowell, Massachusetts. Its web site may be visited here:

St. Joseph the Worker Shrine, Lowell, MA