In celebration of the Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York will livestream a Mass at Noon ET today at which Catholic Charities staff, volunteers, and donors will be honored and prayed for. Click here for the worship aid. 

Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker

Readings of the Day

While today’s feast is an optional memorial in our liturgical cycle, there has never been a more appropriate time to both reflect upon the value of work, and call upon the intercession of Good St. Joseph for workers and the growing numbers of unemployed persons during this Covid-19 pandemic.

In Catholic Social Teaching, work is more than a job. Instead, it’s a value through which we not only fulfill our God-given talents and potential, but place them in service of the whole human family, participating in God’s ongoing creative and saving work in the world.

This saving work has been so apparent today in the many healthcare providers, emergency responders, research scientists, and those behind-the-scenes custodians and janitors who place their own health and lives on the line during this crisis. We have all come to appreciate these incredible people who we might otherwise take for granted. I have several such workers in my extended family. And when I have taken the time to express my genuine appreciation, they have all responded with these words: It is a privilege to serve. What a sense of the true meaning of work!

There are others who work in manufacturing, perhaps once producing cars, whose skills have been repurposed to make needed medical equipment. They too express that same sentiment. They have gratitude, not so much for having a paying job, but for being able to put their gifts at the service of our human family affected by Covid-19. Their work truly has a sacred purpose!

And let’s not forget the many who have lost jobs, which not only involves the loss of a sense of purpose, but of needed family income. I know many of our Catholic Charities’ agencies, like my own, are trying to support these individuals and families in any way we can. I am personally grateful for the funding Catholic Charities USA has provided to help us do this. We have used these funds to especially assist many undocumented Latino sisters and brothers who have lost their work, and do not have the luxury of applying for unemployment or being eligible to receive stimulus checks.

Here at Catholic Charities Louisville, our many skilled social workers on staff continue to provide support to clients in so many ways, from food assistance to virtual case management. They too are all inspiring examples of the true meaning of work.

Good Saint Joseph, pray for us and all workers who are affected by the scourge of this Covid-19 virus. Amen!

Deacon Lucio Caruso is Director of Mission at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Louisville.

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