Feast of St. Joseph the Worker – Dignity of Work and Rights of the Worker
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Opening Prayer
O God, Creator of all things,
who laid down for the human race the law of work,
graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph
and under his patronage we may complete the works
you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(from the collect of prayers Feast of St. Joseph ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)Scripture Reading –Reading from the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker
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Additional resources:
Catechism 2401-2406; 2424-2436
Compendium 248-251; Chapter 6; Chapter 7
Universal destination of goods 171-184
USCCB page on Labor and Human Work
On Reconstruction of the Social Order
USCCB page on Economic Justice
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Grades 7-12
- Why is all work dignified?
- What is owed the worker?
- Are there any (legal and moral) jobs that do not deserve respect? If you think so, why? What does the church teach?
Parish Leaders/Committees
- Where does the “dignity of work” come from according to the Church?
- What is owed every worker?
- How can your parish promote the dignity of work and rights of the workers?
Faith Sharing/Parishioners/Bible Study
- Where does the “dignity of work” come from according to the Church?
- What is owed every worker?
- How can your parish promote the dignity of work and rights of the workers?
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Witness Video Reflection Questions
Grades 7-12
- Why is Joseph called “the worker”?
- What importance does a feast day for St. Joseph the Worker have for those who work?
- What lessons can be learned from St. Joseph the Worker on how we should approach our own work?
Parish Leaders/Committees
- How can your parish honor the feast of St. Joseph the Worker with regards to workers’ rights?
- How did the feast come about?
- What lessons can be learned from St. Joseph the Worker on how we should approach our own work?
Faith Sharing/Parishioners/Bible Study
- How can youhonor the feast of St. Joseph the Worker with regards to workers’ rights?
- How did the feast come about?
- What lessons can be learned from St. Joseph the Worker on how we should approach our own work?
Action Steps
Grades 7-12
- Learn about the history and importance of unions in America and elsewhere.
- Thank the people at your school for the work they do. This includes every faculty and staff member.
- Learn about a particular job that is not typically respected. Talk about how that job is essential to human dignity and the common good.
Parish Leaders/Committees
- Think of ways to strengthen workers rights in your parish and community.
- Promote raising the minimum wage to a level that can support a family on one parent income.
- Reflect on how you view your own job/career. How can you witness to others the dignity of work and rights of the worker?
Faith Sharing/Parishioners/Bible Study
- Think of ways to strengthen workers rights in your parish and community.
- Promote raising the minimum wage to a level that can support a family regardless of the job being done.
- Reflect on how you view your own job/career. How can you witness to others the dignity of work and rights of the worker?
Closing Prayer
God of Justice,
open our eyes
to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears
to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths
to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do
to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.—from Being Neighbor, the Catechism and Social Justice,Catholic Campaign for Human Development, ©1998 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops