Author: stfranciskw

Today we begin a special Novena to St. Joseph which will consist of a short reflection, prayer and action for each day from now until the Feast of St. Joseph on July 1st. Visit this website each morning for the next nine days for a link to the day’s Novena prayers. On July 1st we will Entrust ourselves to St. Joseph with a special set of prayers. You can celebrate this Entrustment in your own homes using the prayers that will be on our website that day, or you can join us for morning Mass at 9am on July 1st. For today, click on the button below to begin your Novena to St. Joseph.

Here is this week’s guided reflection on Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Patris Corde, With a Father’s Heart. You can use this series on your own for person reflection, or you can use it with your family or friends. It works very well for short zoom gatherings online!

Joseph, An Accepting Father

Opening Prayer

St. Joseph,
although the conception of Jesus was a mystery to you,
your acceptance of Mary upheld her dignity
and ensured her protection as she bore her son, Jesus.
By your acceptance of God’s will, you showed us that we, too,
must work so that all women and children experience justice.
Intercede for us, St. Joseph, that we may act justly for the common good.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. 
Amen

Video Reflection

In this video clip, Mr. Corey Jolly, Lay Evangelist, Diocese of Montreal, reflects on St. Joseph as an accepting father.  He considers questions such as:
– What does St. Joseph’s choice to accept and protect Mary tell us about his character?
– How does the spiritual path that St. Joseph traces help us to accept imperfect situations courageously?
– How does St. Joseph trust that all things work together for good?

For further reflection

Take some time to consider these questions. If you are reflecting on your own you may wish to journal. If you are using this reflection with a group, perhaps give time for personal reflection as well as optional sharing.

– Many of us know that God has a plan for us, but are we willing, like St. Joseph, to accept whatever God has in store for us? How is this true in your own life?
– What can St. Joseph teach us this year about ensuring justice for women and children?
– How is St. Joseph a model of holy acceptance for you?  What does holy acceptance mean in your life?

Closing Prayer

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.

Prayer: © Libreria Editrice Vaticana

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Watch this website next Tuesday for
Joseph, A Creatively Courageous Father

Today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and a day which has been celebrated by Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. In Canada we celebrate not only the solstice today, but also the legacy and traditions of the Indigenous Peoples. Unfortunately with the continuing concerns of COVID-19 there are not as many local events we can go to this year. However, there are many ways you can still celebrate today in solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. This year the day is all the more important given the recent discovery in Kamloops which has re-awoken us to the realities of our shared history and re-ignited our desire to live and learn together better.

In addition to the marketplace advertised above, The Healing of the Seven Generations has many more events and initiatives you can check out on their website and facebook page.

The Federal Government of Canada has also created a webpage for this day which includes many education resources, as well as an activity booklet for celebrating with your children. You can visit their website and download the booklet using the links below.

Finally, we invite you to check out APTN’s Indigenous Peoples Day Live performance, featuring many of Turtle Island’s established and emerging Indigenous artists in a new and creative way. The event is broadcast on APTN today from 2:30 – 6pm, or visit their website to stream it for free until June 22.