Dear Friends,

The life of St. Joseph bears remarkable witness to the mystery of God’s call. St. Joseph faithfully adhered to God’s will and lovingly took Mary as his wife, thus becoming the unique guardian of God’s own Son made man. Never wavering from what had been made known to him by the angel St. Joseph steadfastly persevered in his vocation despite serious hardships in the young life of the Holy Family. Present at the critical stages of Christ’s early life from his birth and presentation in the temple to his hidden years at Nazareth St. Joseph is shown as that just man, who surrendered his life in obedience, virginity and faith to the demands of the Messiah and his Holy Mother. The aura of silence with which Sacred Scripture surrounds St. Joseph reveals the inner portrait of a man of deep contemplation, whose intimate communion with the Christ-Child makes him a model of holiness to us all.

St. Joseph dedicated himself to the care and upbringing of God’s own Son on His way to embrace and fulfill His saving mission. This special commitment of St. Joseph leads me to believe that his powerful intercession will accompany all those who have set out to embrace God’s call as he will be an inspiring patron to all those who pray and work for vocations in our Diocese.

The St. Joseph Vocation Society brings together those who wish to promote vocations, strengthens their resolve, multiplies their efforts, raises awareness, and thus builds a culture of vocations. Members offer prayers and sacrifices for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life and, in addition, pray for the grace of perseverance for those who are in formation in seminaries and religious communities as well as for the holiness of those already ordained and professed. Together, our work will bear much fruit.

Gratefully in Christ,

Fr. Norbert Glasmacher Director of Vocations, Diocese of Peterborough