The Year of St. Joseph
On December 8, 2020, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis announced a year dedicated to St. Joseph. It is fitting that Pope Francis encourages us to spend time reflecting on St. Joseph in conjunction with our Blessed Mother. After Mary, the saint that the Church most reveres is her spouse, St. Joseph. As we turn our minds and hearts to reflect on St. Joseph, we find an extraordinary man, like us in our humanity, who gave himself totally to God through his vocation of father and protector of the Holy Family.
Join us in the Month of March as we dive deeper into communion with St. Joseph and our Universal Church! Check out the details below.
You can also review these resources from the Archdiocese of Washington ( English ; En español ) and resources for the entire family ( English ; En español )
ST. JOSEPH BAGS - PICK UP AT OUR PARISH
Pick up a St. Joseph bag that contains an image of St. Joseph, a candle, a prayer card, medal, and a fava bean. Use these items to help cultivate a devotion to St. Joseph in your family. Pray together as family to invoke St. Joseph’s intercession. Look for the green bags at the entrance of the church.
Activities for Children and Families
Formed Videos about St. Joseph
St. Mary of the Mills now has a parish subscription to Formed. To sign in, visit http://signup.formed.org/, enter "St. Mary of the Mills" or "20707", and enter your name and e-mail address.
REFLECTION AND MEDIATION SERIES
Over the next several weeks, our Parish Priests will provide weekly meditations and reflections surrounding St. Joseph. Check back for more details.
CELEBRATE THE SOLEMNITY ON MARCH 19
St. Joseph’s feast day on Friday, March 19 is a solemnity... have some meat and treats! Yes, really. St. Joseph’s March 19 feast day is solemnity, which means we are not bound to abstain from meat on that day, even though it is a Friday in Lent. It is also appropriate to celebrate St. Joseph with a treat or dessert.
SET UP A ST. JOSEPH ALTAR IN YOUR HOME FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH ON FRIDAY, MARCH 19
St. Joseph Altars are a Sicilian tradition. The altar is made of three tiers – representing the Holy Trinity – with a statue or image of St. Joseph on top. The altar may be decorated with candles, flowers, fruit, breads, cookies, and other treats. It does not need to be elaborate, but a simple act of devotion. Learn more here.
Snap a photo of your at-home St. Joseph's Altar and send it to events@stmaryofthemills.org
Check out these Homemade Alter Submissions (stay tuned for more information and parish pictures.)
