Theme for Charity and Stewardship Appeal shows power of saint in parishes
Story by Randy Porter
(SNR) - Parishes throughout the Diocese of Lincoln demonstrate the theme of this year’s Charity and Stewardship Appeal — “Go to Joseph.”
Just as God’s people went to Joseph to relieve their hunger from famine, the annual appeal provides for many diocesan needs, especially Catholic education. It remains successful in supporting and expanding diocesan programs and ministries.
The appeal supports various apostolates such as Catholic Social Services, pro-life and youth ministries. Both individual parishioners and parishes find support when they ‘Go to Joseph’ in a similar way.
For example, the parishes of St. Joseph in Stratton and St. Joseph in Benkelman are completing a consecration to St. Joseph May 1.
From Beatrice and Barneston
Father Randall Langhorst, pastor of St. Joseph parishes in Beatrice and Barneston, said there are various reasons why parishioners ask St. Joseph for his intercession.
“Of all men, God chose St. Joseph to be the foster father of Jesus,” Father Langhorst said. “Or, one could also say that Jesus chose St. Joseph of all men to be his foster father.”
Who, Langhorst asked, with the exception of his spouse, Mary the Christ-bearer, could claim such an intimate relationship with Jesus? This relationship did not end with the death of Joseph, but now bears fruit for all who place their confidence in him to intercede.
Father Langhorst said one of the best ways to ask for St. Joseph’s intercession is simply to talk to, and with, St. Joseph directly from the heart and mind. Bring him into the school of prayer one uses or silence of thoughtful reflection, he suggested. Turn over to him whatever is in need of intercession.
Like a gentle and loving father, he explained, St. Joseph knows how to listen patiently, and then ask for what is truly needed — even when we perhaps don’t have that clarity ourselves.
St. Joseph helps both the Church and individuals, Langhorst said.
“He provides an example of fatherhood that nurtures, protects, encourages and supports,” said the priest of two St. Joseph parishes. “A much fuller and enriching answer can be found by reading Father Donald Calloway’s book, ‘Consecration to St. Joseph,’ in which he explores the characteristics and wonders of Joseph.”
In particular, in times of confusion, pain and suffering, St. Joseph’s title as “Terror of Demons” lends itself to providing strength and protection from the works of Satan’s evil and influence, Langhorst said. Joseph stands guard of all souls close to God’s heart and keeps at bay attempts to separate people from God. The year of St. Joseph is ushering in a deeper and more penetrating understanding of his presence in the life of Christ, he said, in the Church and in our own spiritual lives.
“Joseph as a man helps men to be both the head of a family whether natural or spiritual,” he said. “And he helps men grow in trusting faithfulness in relationships with Jesus and Mary that can heal brokenness, provide examples in the likeness of Christ and raise the levels of holiness to which one can aspire.”
Consecration in Wahoo
Robert Sullivan of St. Wenceslaus Parish in Wahoo led a consecration that began Feb. 15 and concluded March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
“I encouraged men, but it was open to everyone and both men and women participated,” Sullivan said. “The purpose of the consecration was two-fold.”
First and most importantly, it was to help people deepen their relationship with Christ, he said. Secondly, it was to assist in learning more about St. Joseph and his powerful intercession.
Many Catholics are familiar with the “Consecration to Jesus through Mary,” Sullivan said. In the consecration to St. Joseph, those consecrating develop a unique relationship with the saint. They grow closer to the center of the saint’s life, Jesus. In a sense, the person making the consecration takes the saint on as a spiritual guide, or a spiritual father. They draw on the saint’s example and spirituality in order to grow in love for Jesus Christ.
As Father Langhorst recommended, the Wahoo group also used Calloway’s book as a guide to the consecration. It follows a 33-day preparation, which is the same method for Marian consecration developed by St. Louis de Montfort, a French priest in the 1700s, and later by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, a bestselling author. The theory is that one is to begin 33 days prior to a major feast day for that particular saint.
“The consecration to St. Joseph is the perfect consecration for this time in the Church and the world,” Sullivan said. “That’s because Pope Francis has designated this the Year of St. Joseph, and because of St. Joseph’s particular vocation and example.”
All Christians have much to learn about, and from, St. Joseph, he said. With all the turmoil in the world, the Church, in communities, and in families, St. Joseph’s examples of faith, courage, and strength, are particularly relevant and powerful.
“The consecration at St. Wenceslaus went very well,” Sullivan said. “We had numerous participants from St. Wenceslaus and other parishes in the area, as well as Hastings.”
Organizers made arrangements for participants in person at live meetings and at home using Zoom. That allowed those at home to participate in the discussion.
The consecration concluded at St. Joseph Church in Colon with about 20 people in person.
Participants said they learned a great deal about St. Joseph, such as ancient traditions and beliefs, as well as devotions and private revelations previously unknown to them. Some of these included the holy ring in Santo Anello, in Perugia, Italy, the Holy House of Loreto, and the likelihood that St. Joseph was a young man when he married our Blessed Mother, not an older widower.
While these are private revelations and devotions which are not required by the Church, they can be helpful to the faithful, especially for particular circumstances and needs, Sullivan said.
“After going through the preparation and consecration, you will likely go to St. Joseph more in prayer,” he said. “It is obvious he has been granted abundant graces which make his ability to intercede second only to our Blessed Mother.”
Many great saints of the Church teach that a request of St. Joseph can turn into a miracle, Sullivan said. This is due to St. Joseph’s love of Christ, and Christ’s love for the man who nurtured and defended him as a vulnerable child. It’s also because he protected our Blessed Mother through dangerous and difficult times.
Statue in Cortland
A new statute in Cortland in honor of St. Joseph is expected in weeks.
Because it is the Year of St. Joseph, Father Joseph Walsh, pastor of St. James Parish, felt it would be appropriate to do something in the saint’s honor, said parishioner Joann Vrbka of Cortland. Her husband, Ray Vrbka, and she manage the plots at St. James Cemetery.
The idea of placing a St. Joseph statue with benches in the cemetery met with parishioners’ approval, she said. The parish is blessed with members who work together and get along well. Father Walsh met with a statue provider, then recommended one to the Vrbkas.
They agreed on one that was suitable and looked the best.
St. James Cemetery is located one mile south of Cortland on the east side of Highway 77. The oldest known grave is dated 1889. The cemetery neighbors the Cortland Cemetery.
Not only will the statue honor St. Joseph, but it also will add beauty to the cemetery, Joann said.
