Turn to Saint Joseph for Guidance

As Father's Day approaches, there is something I'd like to offer this year's "Dads" and their children for comfort and consideration. It's never been more difficult to be a Dad, and sometimes, it's never been more difficult to be a child. There are many broken or non-existent families, or your Dad may be ill, or has passed away. Sometimes due to the challenges of life today, and dysfunction, it is hard to know what a good Dad even is. Your Dad may be in danger, serving in the military, or in one of many occupations where he has to take risk and work hard. If you don't have a Dad, or had one that was abusive, absent, or otherwise emotionally unavailable to you, please do what generations before you have done and think of St. Joseph as your Dad, and draw upon his strength, love, and integrity.

St. Joseph was a real man, pure and responsible. Remember, angels spoke to him. He over everyone else was entrusted to care for and protect the Blessed Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus. He is more than a statue buried upside down in a yard to sell a home (and I'm not knocking it, I'm just saying.) He can be your father too. He can be talked to just like a Dad, and if you listen carefully and ponder "what St. Joseph would do," you will feel love, comfort and guidance. This is what Catholics believe, Catholics do not worship the saints; they honor them and know that they can speak to them in prayer like family, but one that can be totally trusted, because this family member resides forever in Christ's heart. Jesus Christ promised and testified that there is eternal life for those who believe and obey, and so you can rest assured that St. Joseph is as real as the days he walked the earth, protected, and provided for the Holy Family. Here are copied from my Bible some of his titles, and a prayer. Think of the prayers as what they are: requests for love and understanding, and for his power as a role model.

Patron of the Universal Church
Prudent Guardian of the Holy Family, protect God's Holy Church.

Model of Righteousness
Joseph most just, make us relish what is right.

Solace of the Afflicted
Amidst our many trials and temptations, sustain us by your help.

Protector of Children
By your fatherly love for Jesus, bless and protect all children.

Hope of the Sick.
Fosterfather of the Divine Physician, sustain the sick and obtain relief for them.

Consolation of the Poor
Provider for the Needs of Jesus and Mary, help the needy of the whole world.

Rescuer of Sinners
Rescuer of the Child Jesus from Herod, save us from our many sins.

Model of Christian Workmen
Just Joseph, honest workman, teach us always to labor for Jesus.

Patron of Priests and Seminarians
Fosterfather of Christ, the Priest-Victim, make priests faithful to the sacred calling.

Model of Single Men and Married Men
Model Father and chaste Spouse, enable all men to imitate your example.

Patron of a Happy Death
Blessed Joseph, who died in the arms of Jesus and Mary, intercede for the dying.

Guardian of Virgins
Chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mother, preserve in all hearts a love of purity.

Safeguard of Families
Chosen Guardian of the Holy Family, protect all Christian homes.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do with sharing. St Joseph is everyone's father (stepfather if you want to be all contemporary about it!) Whenever you need a father's love, or need help in being a father, or a good and righteous man, take a look at these, and keep a holy card or picture of St Joseph nearby. In addition to helping to lead people to love for and understanding of the Lord, he is such a wonderful role model to soothe and assist in all the troubling challenges of life.