Reader :

Good morning everyone! Today we gather to celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph – a quiet hero, a caring dad, a husband, a hard worker, and a man who listened to God and did the right thing, even when it was tough.

Joseph didn’t use a lot of big words. He showed love through actions – by protecting, guiding, and caring for Mary and Jesus. Today we’ll listen to a story from the Bible that shows Joseph’s patience, courage, and trust.

Let’s open our hearts, our ears, and our imaginations as we pray together.

Leader :

We begin our prayer in the name of the Father,

All :

And of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader :

God of love and family,

All :

Be with us today.

Leader :

God who guides and protects,

All :

Help us listen to you.

Leader :

God who calls us to care for others,

All :

Help us to be like Saint Joseph.

Amen.

Leader :

Let us pray … (pause)

Loving God, thank you for bringing us together. As we celebrate Saint Joseph today, help us listen with our ears, think with our minds, and love with our hearts.

Help us be caring and brave, just like Saint Joseph. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

All :

Amen.

Reader :

Every year, Mary and Joseph travelled with Jesus to Jerusalem for a big religious celebration. When the festival ended, they started the long journey home. But something was wrong – Jesus wasn’t with them.

Mary and Joseph were worried. They searched everywhere for three whole days. Finally, they found Jesus in the Temple. He was sitting with the teachers, listening very carefully and asking great questions.

Mary said, “Jesus, we were so worried! Why did you do this?”

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?”

Mary and Joseph didn’t fully understand what this all meant, but Jesus went home with them and listened to them. He grew strong and wise, and God was very pleased with him.

(Pause) The Gospel of the Lord.

All :

Praise to you, Lord Jesus, Christ.

Leader :

Saint Joseph didn’t use big speeches or loud words.
He showed love by what he did.

Today, we’re going to make a promise to Be a Joseph Today. When I say, “Be a Joseph,” you respond, “I can help!”

(Practice once or twice – kids love this!)

Leader :

Be a Joseph when someone feels left out.

All :

I can help!

Leader :

Be a Joseph when someone needs a friend to play with.

All :

I can help!

Leader :

Be a Joseph by listening, caring and doing the right thing – even when no one is watching.

All :

I can help!

Leader :

Be a Joseph when someone is learning something new and it’s hard.

All :

I can help!

Leader :

Today, when you go back to your classrooms and playgrounds, look for one small way to help someone – because that’s how Saint Joseph showed love.

Let’s put our hands on our hearts. (Pause)

All :

Today, I will “Be a Joseph” by helping others, doing my best, and showing kindness. Amen.

Leader :

Loving God, thank you for Saint Joseph, who showed us how to help and care for others. Help us to be kind, helpful, and brave, just like him.

All :

Amen.

Leader :

May God bless our hands to help others.

All :

Bless our hands.

Reader :

May God bless our hearts to be kind.

All :

Bless our hearts.

Reader :

May God bless our minds to make good choices.

All :

Bless our minds.

Reader :

Saint Joseph watch over us today and always.

All :

Watch over us.

Reader :

And may God bless us all.

All :

Amen.

Leader :

Who will we follow today?

All :

Saint Joseph!

Leader :

How will we act?

All :

With kindness and love!

Leader :

Where will we go?

All :

To help others!

Leader :

Go now in peace.

All :

Thanks be to God!