On March 19t, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph — husband of the Virgin Mary, earthly father of Jesus, and patron of the universal Church. If you’re looking for a simple way to celebrate with your kids, this post includes a free St. Joseph printable plus ideas for making the feast day special at home.
St. Joseph: A Model of Faith and Courage
St. Joseph is a man of great virtue and humility, chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus and the protector of the Holy Family. Though he is not often mentioned in Scripture, his role in the story of salvation is crucial. St. Joseph’s obedience to God’s will, his unwavering faith, and his loving care for Mary and Jesus make him an incredible role model for us all.
Who is St. Joseph?
St. Joseph is known as the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. He was a humble carpenter from Nazareth, and though he was a quiet figure, his actions speak volumes about his character:
A Just Man
Joseph is described in the Gospel as a “just man” (Matthew 1:19). This means he was righteous and faithful to God’s laws, living in a way that honored God’s will.
His Obedience to God
When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, he was troubled but chose to listen to God’s voice through the angel, accepting Mary and Jesus into his life. His obedience to God’s call shows his deep trust and faith (Matthew 1:20-24).
Protector of the Holy Family
Joseph’s main role was to protect and care for Mary and Jesus. He took them to Egypt to escape King Herod’s threat, ensuring their safety and well-being (Matthew 2:13-15).
A Model of Work
As a carpenter, Joseph shows us the dignity of work. He taught Jesus the trade and lived a life of humble labor, setting an example for all of us in our daily work (CCC 531).
The Role of St. Joseph in the Church
St. Joseph’s role as the protector of the Holy Family also extends to his role in the Church. He is the patron saint of the universal Church, as well as the patron saint of workers, fathers, and families. His quiet yet profound faith teaches us that we don’t need to be in the spotlight to do God’s will; sometimes, it’s in the small, hidden moments where our true faith shines.
St Joseph’s Lilies Activity — Free Cut and Paste Printable
Here’s a fun hands-on activity for little ones to celebrate St. Joseph’s feast day! St. Joseph’s lily is the traditional flower associated with him — a symbol of his purity and faithfulness. In this activity, kids color and cut out the lilies and paste them onto the garden page. A beautiful and simple way to make March 19 special!
Click here to download your free PDF “Saint Joseph’s Lilies: Free Printable PDF”
St. Joseph Coloring Page:
Click here to download your free coloring page “Saint Joseph: Free Printable PDF”
St. Joseph: A Model of Faith and Courage
St. Joseph’s life reminds us to trust in God’s plan, to be obedient to His will, and to care for our families with love and humility. By looking to St. Joseph as a model, we can deepen our own faith and strive to live a life of quiet devotion to God.
For more Catholic resources and printables, explore our collection and help your child learn more about the saints who inspire us.
Share this post with other families to introduce them to the life of St. Joseph and his role in the story of salvation.