• 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. (Pope Francis, Patris Corde) With his announcement of a Year of St. Joseph, Pope Francis has invited us to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pius IX's proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Catholic Church. He offers us this year, in our parishes, our Diocese of Paterson and the universal Church, to draw closer to the one who loved Jesus "with a father's heart." 1. Read and encourage others to read Pope Francis' beautiful reflection on St. Joseph in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde. It can be read in one sitting, and can be found here: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html 2. Be aware of the Apostolic Penitentiary's Decree concerning the special graces that may be obtained during this year. This may be a good opportunity to communicate carefully the Church's renewed understanding of the communion of saints and the granting of indulgences. These will help: a. The Decree: https://www.osservatoreromano.va/en/news/2020-12/in-the-year-of-saint-joseph-the-gift-of-indulgences.html  b. Indulgences: https://canonlawmadeeasy.com/2014/12/04/what-are-the-churchs-current-rules-on-indulgences/ c. Opportunities during the Year of St. Joseph: https://fathersofmercy.com/plenary-indulgence-options-for-the-year-of-st-joseph/ 3. The Oblates of St. Joseph of the Holy Spouses Province have great resources that you can use and share easily without reinventing the wheel! Here are some links: a. How to celebrate the Year: https://yearofstjoseph.org/resources/   b. St. Joseph Resources: https://osjusa.org/st-joseph/  c. St. Joseph in art: https://osjusa.org/st-joseph/art/ d. Veneration of St. Joseph through listed devotions, hymns, litanies and prayers: https://osjusa.org/prayers/veneration-of-st-joseph/ e. Prayers to St. Joseph: https://osjusa.org/prayers-to/st-joseph/