Year of St. Joseph
Dec. 8, 2020 – Dec. 8, 2021

This year marks the 150^th Anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s decree, Quemadmodum Deus, naming Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father of Jesus, as the Patron of the Universal Church.  In commemoration of this anniversary and recognizing the fitting time for the Church to invoke the intercession of this guardian, His Holiness, Pope Francis has declared this year as a “Year of Saint Joseph” to be observed in the Universal Church from Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021.

The Archdiocesan website has a page dedicated to the Year of St. Joseph. Please visit:

www.archgh.org/resources/year-of-st-joseph/

which includes the history of St. Joseph in the church, prayers of devotion and more.

As we devote an entire year to St. Joseph’s honor, we will undoubtedly unlock many special graces not only for the Parish, but for each of the faithful who increase their devotion to him during this special year. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary. Every month we will be writing about an specific virtue of Saint Joseph so we can dedicate that month to practice it.
As Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat once quoted:  “Let us love Jesus above all, let us love Mary as our mother; but then, how could we keep from loving Joseph, who was so intimately united to both Jesus and Mary? And how can we honor him better than by imitating his virtues? Now, what else did he do in all his life but contemplate, study, and adore Jesus, even in the midst of his daily labors? Behold, therefore, our model.” Below are ideas for how to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph: 

•  Begin the Year of St. Joseph with a special intention for his intercession, for which you will offer your prayers and St. Joseph devotions throughout the year.
•  Learn about St. Joseph’s virtues and try to imitate them.
•  Participate in the 33-day consecration to St. Joseph (more information below).
•  Pray the Holy Rosary daily, reciting the Year of St. Joseph prayer at the conclusion.
•  Plan a pilgrimage to one or more of the St. Joseph parishes across Texas.
•  Adopt St. Joseph traditions into your prayer life and family life.
•  Attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on his feast days: March 19th and May 1st.
•  Participate in the Year of St. Joseph events across the diocese.
•  Include prayers to St. Joseph in your morning and evening prayers.
•  Encourage others to foster as greater devotion to St. Joseph.
•  Perform Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy.
•  Take advantage of the Year of St. Joseph indulgences granted by the Holy See (more information below).

Year of St. Joseph indulgences

Take advantage of the Year of St. Joseph indulgences granted by the Vatican. Plenary Indulgence remit all Temporal punishment due to sin and must be accompanied by detachment from sin.
To obtain the Indulgence requires the following conditions:
1.            Sacramental Confession (up to 20 days before or after Indulgence)
2.            Eucharistic Communion on the day of Indulgence
3.            Prayer for Pope's Intention (Our Father, Hail Mary & Glory Be)
The Gift of plenary indulgence also extends particularly to The elderly, The sick, The Dying!  All those who, for legitimate reasons cannot leave their home— who, with the spirit detached from any sin and with the intention of fulfilling, as soon as possible, the three usual conditions, in your own home or wherever the impediment holds you, pray an act of piety in honor of Saint Joseph, consolation of the sick and patron of good death.
  

Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted.
Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection.
Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.