Special events across archdiocese celebrate the life of Saint Joseph

This year, the Feast of Saint Joseph takes on heightened importance following Pope Francis’ proclamation of the Year of Saint Joseph from Dec. 8, 2020, to Dec. 8, 2021.

Many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark have organized novenas, reflections, and other special events to commemorate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on Friday, March 19.

“Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation,” the Holy Father said in his Apostolic Letter announcing the Year of Saint Joseph.

“Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.”

Numerous parishes and ministries in the Archdiocese of Newark are celebrating in-person or virtual events to commemorate the Holy Year of Saint Joseph. A list of events is available at www.rcan.org/joseph. This online resource includes special prayers, links to relevant articles, and beautiful artwork depicting the beloved saint. Specially-designed archdiocesan prayer cards featuring Saint Joseph as depicted in the Holy Family Window of the Cathedral Basilica also are available for purchase on the website.  

Fr. Scott Attanasio, the pastor at Saint Joseph’s Church in Bogota, created a special video message to mark the occasion, and he will host a Saint Joseph reflection series in his parish on Saturdays throughout March and April. Additionally, a novena prayer to Saint Joseph is prayed after daily Masses, and a bilingual Mass is scheduled for 7.p.m. on March 19 to commemorate the feast day.

“Saint Joseph shows us that, when done with love and prayer, the work we do in our families and workplaces can be a path to sainthood,” said Fr. Scott. “Saint Joseph’s life was simple, ordinary and normal. His holiness came through serving as a husband to Mary and father to Jesus. It came through completing his tasks whole-heartedly because he loved that it was God’s will for him to do the work. He is a powerful spiritual father who will always protect us and lead us closer to Our Father in heaven.”

Saint Joseph’s Church in West Orange is planning a triduum of prayers to their patron saint from March 17-19 following the 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Masses.

According to Fr. Joe Astarita, pastor of Saint Joseph’s Church in East Rutherford, the faithful recite the Pope’s daily prayer to Saint Joseph after each Mass. On Friday, the parish staff will distribute a copy of the prayer along with individually wrapped Saint Joseph’s pastries to all parishioners. During Mass, religious education students will present lilies in honor of Saint Joseph. 

“It is important to celebrate Saint Joseph because he was an ordinary man who was faithful to God’s call and suffered a lot to carry it out,” said Fr. Astarita. “He shows us that, in the midst of ordinary life, we can be saints.”

At Divine Mercy Parish in Rahway, a novena to Saint Joseph concludes Thursday in preparation for the feast day.  According to Fr. Alex Cruz, pastor, “Saint Joseph is a model of true discipleship like the Blessed Mother because he followed God’s will without doubt and with complete trust.” He adds, “Saint Joseph is a model of true fatherhood caring for Jesus and Mary and working humbly as a carpenter to provide for them.”

Following is a partial list of additional events planned around the archdiocese in honor of Saint Joseph’s Day.

Parish of St. Joseph of the Palisades in West New York

• 24 hours of prayer to Saint Joseph from March 19 to March 20 including a musical serenade on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Solemn Mass and Stations of the Cross in English and Spanish.
• Early morning prayer on Saturday.
• See the parish bulletin for details.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Nutley

• Stations of the Cross in the Year of Saint Joseph: March 19, at 7 p.m.
• Novena to Saint Joseph: March 11-19 after the 8 a.m. daily Mass.
• Solemn Mass: March 19 at 8 a.m.

St. Anastasia Church in Teaneck

• Daily Saint Joseph Novenas with special guests every day at 7 p.m.; in-person and livestreamed.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange

• Novena to Saint Joseph and nine-day retreat, which includes special speakers through Friday.

For a complete listing, visit the “Archdiocesan and Parish Events” section online at www.rcan.org/joseph, or call your local parish or visit their website.