St. Joseph the Worker

May 1 Feast Day

While the month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph in his fatherly role in the Holy Family we also honor another side of St. Joseph, St. Joseph the Worker on May 1.

In his encyclical Laborem Exercens, Pope John Paul II stated: “the Church considers it her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and to help to guide [social] changes so as to ensure authentic progress by man and society.” With this in mind we can choose activities to celebrate St. Joseph’s profession.

Working and Crafting was a part of St. Joseph’s life. We know he was a carpenter and was skilled in making things. He passed on his skills to Jesus as they worked together providing for the Holy Family. While many associate woodworking with St. Joseph choosing any craft to do on St. Joseph’s day would be a way to honor his tradition of using your hands to make something.

Setting aside time during the day in May to work on your craft or learn a new one is a great family activity. It can be as simple as building something. Get out building toys: Lincoln Logs, Legos, Tinker Toys, blocks, modeling clay/dough, magnet tiles…the list can go on.

Making your own natural wood blocks from a fallen tree would be a great St. Joseph’s day project.

Here is a nice St. Joseph the Worker coloring page to display.

Color your own tool kit! A paper tools kit and toolbox set. This would also be a fun Father’s day card idea.