The Year of Saint Joseph is the perfect time to embark on (or renew) your Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph
{we suggest one of the two options explained below}
The man who is known as: The Worker, Husband of Mary, Head of the Holy Family, Foster Father of Jesus, Chaste Protector of The Virgin, Zealous Defender of Christ, Mirror of Patience, Terror of Demons & more
And patron of: Fathers, Families, Married Couples, The Universal Church, Travelers, Immigrants, The Dying & more
“Some Saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking.” ~ St. Thomas Aquinas
The Year of Saint Joseph
In addition to Saint Joseph being the earthly Father to Jesus and the Patron of the Universal Church, he is also the Patron of the Archdiocese of Louisville! A special Day of Prayer was held at the Cathedral of the Assumption on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Click HERE to access a recording.
The Archdiocese provides suggestions for participating in the Year of St. Joseph at home, at school, at work, &/or at your parish – visit here: https://www.archlou.org/stjoseph/
General Questions about Consecration…
What does Consecration mean?
Consecration means to set aside for a sacred purpose.
The most familiar form of consecration was written in 1712 by St. Louis de Montfort, “True Devotion to Mary” [aka To Jesus through Mary]. In the past two years, consecrations to Jesus through Saint Joseph have been written and the Year of Saint Joseph is a perfect time to consecrate ourselves by learning about and following the example of Saint Joseph whose life was set aside for the sole purpose of being the guardian and protector of Jesus and Mary!
According to Fr. Calloway, consecration basically means that “you acknowledge [St. Joseph] as your spiritual father, and you want to be like him. To show it, you entrust yourself entirely to his paternal care so that he can lovingly help you acquire his virtues and become holy.”
Why do this?
We consecrate ourselves in order to be more devoted to Christ. It helps us grow in holiness and increase our faith, hope, and love. It is a prayerful and focused method of drawing closer to Jesus than ever before by better understanding His familial relationship with His earthly father, Joseph and their relationship with Mary.
How does it work?
Over a sequential number of days, using your chosen book, method, exercise … you follow along the daily, prayerful preparation leading up to the actual act of consecration on the final day.
In completing the consecration we commit / give ourselves to Christ in a fundamental way that consecrates us to Him. We set ourselves aside for a sacred purpose by committing / giving our lives to Christ in service and love.
Can I do this by myself? With my spouse? With a group?
YES! Whatever works best for you is the way to do this.
As Family Renewal Project becomes aware of ‘group’ options, we will post information on this page, in our bimonthly eNewsletter, and on our Facebook page. We will include which book/method the group will follow, the start/end dates, and contact information.
If you plan to start a group, please let us know and we will post it.
Recommended Books/Methods for Consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph
Published May 2019
By Dr. Greg Bottaro, Psy D and Jen Settle
(Dr. Bottaro is the founder & director of the CatholicPsych Institute. Jen Settle is a consecrated virgin and the director of programs for the Theology of the Body Institute)
$5.00 @ Theology of the Body Institute which supports their great work
44 days of preparation (less reading each day)
To complete the consecration on the next St. Joseph Feast Day = begin the preparation on March 19 the Feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Marcy and conclude with the final act of consecration on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker May 1.
However, the 44-day preparation and final consecration can be completed at any time on your own schedule
Participants can connect with others who are preparing for the consecration through a private Facebook group HERE.
* The subtitle of this book is “An Integrated Look at the Holy Family”. This particular consecration examines the life of St. Joseph and the Holy Family through the lens of Theology of the Body and offers psychological insights into human formation and our relationship with the Holy Family & our own family.
Published January 2020
By Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
Available formats: book (English or Spanish), e-book or download the audiobook
$14.95 @ Father’s website which supports the mission of his order, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception
33 days of preparation (more reading each day)
To complete the consecration on the next St. Joseph Feast Day = begin the official preparation on March 30 and conclude with the final act of consecration on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker May 1.
Additional start/end dates throughout the year can be found HERE. However, the 33-day preparation and final consecration can be completed at any time on your own schedule
Participants can join with others in preparing for the consecration HERE.
Consecration GROUPS:
Bottaro/Settle’s book:
Begin March 19 / End May 1
The FRP Team & spouses will prepare for the consecration together and will discuss weekly as part of our Team Meeting. Watch for weekly posts on our FRP Facebook page where we will share insights throughout the 44 days.
Fr. Calloway’s book:
Begin March 30 / End May 1
Meets weekly @ St. Thomas in Bardstown
Led by Olivia Seeger
Contact: [email protected]
502-348-3717
On Facebook HERE
Fr. Calloway’s book
Begin March 30 / End May 1
Meets online or in-person @ St. Margaret Mary
Sundays at 9am beginning March 28
Cost: $10
Sign up at: bit.ly/smmjoseph
Led by FRP Team Member, Bryan Cain
Contact: [email protected]
Fr. Calloway’s book
Young Adult Group (ages 20-40) hosted by the Louisville Young Catholic Professionals [YCP] Chapter
Begin March 30 / End May 1
Meets in-person @ St. Edward Church
9608 Sue Helen Dr, Louisville, KY 40299
Saturdays 9:30-11am beginning April 3
Register via Facebook
Led by YCP Board Member
* Participants need to purchase their own copy of the book. Available HERE in paperback, audiobook, or ebook
* Please purchase as soon as possible to receive before March 30
*As groups are formed, we will add them here.
If you plan to start a group, please let us know and we will add it to the list.
Family Renewal Project was established in 2016 to help “restore the family and renew the culture by educating and forming men and women to understand, embrace, and live authentic love and responsibility.” We strive to connect persons of all ages with the message of Theology of the Body through various programming and events.
Call: 502.303.1996
Email: [email protected]
Louisville, KY