God, come to my
assistance.
–
Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
–
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will
be for ever. Amen. Alleluia
HYMN
“Hymn to Saint Joseph
(Patron of the Universal Church)”
Performed by Mary Oberle Hubley from the
album “From Gate of Heaven, Part II: Patron
of the Universal Church”
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Jacob
became the father of Joseph, the husband of
Mary.
She gave birth to Jesus who is called
Christ.
Psalm 113
Praise the name of the Lord
He has cast down the mighty and has
lifted up the lowly (Luke 1:52).
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!
May the name of the Lord be blessed
both now and for evermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
praised be the name of the Lord!
High above all nations is the Lord,
above the heavens his glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God,
who has risen on high to his throne
yet stoops from the heights to look down,
to look down upon heaven and earth?
From the dust he lifts up the lowly,
from his misery he raises the poor
to set him in the company of princes,
yes, with the princes of his people.
To the childless wife he gives a home
and gladdens her heart with children.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 1
Jacob became the
father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
She gave birth to Jesus who is called
Christ.
Ant. 2
The angel Gabriel was
sent by God to a town of Galilee called
Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph.
Psalm 146
Those who trust in God know what it is to be
happy
To praise God in our lives means all we
do must be for his glory (Arnobius).
My soul, give praise to the Lord;
I will praise the Lord all my days,
make music to my God while I live.
Put no trust in princes,
in mortal men in whom there is no help.
Take their breath, they return to clay
and their plans that day come to nothing.
He is happy who is helped by Jacob’s God,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who alone made heaven and earth,
the seas and all they contain.
It is he who keeps faith for ever,
who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,
the Lord, who sets prisoners free,
the Lord who gives sight to the blind,
who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger
and upholds the widow and orphan.
It is the Lord who loves the just
but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever,
Zion’s God, from age to age.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant.
2 The angel Gabriel
was sent by God to a town of Galilee called
Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph.
Ant. 3
Mary the mother of
Jesus was betrothed to Joseph, but before
they came together,
she was found to be with child through the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Canticle –
Ephesians 1:3-10
God our Savior
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been
redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 3
Mary the mother
of Jesus was betrothed to Joseph, but before
they came together,
she was found to be with child through the
power of the Holy Spirit.
READING
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole
being. Do it for the Lord rather than for
men,
since you know full well that you will
receive an inheritance from him as your
reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord.
Sacred Silence
(indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect
and receive in our hearts the full resonance
of the voice of the Holy Spirit
and to unite our personal prayer more
closely with the word of God and public
voice of the Church.
RESPONSORY
The just man shall
blossom like the lily.
–
The just man shall blossom like the lily.
He shall flourish for
ever in the courts of our God,
–
like the lily.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
–
The just man shall blossom like the lily.
Canticle of Mary
Ant. This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the Lord has set over his household.
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly
servant.
From this day all generations will call me
blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their
thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant
Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the Lord has set over his household.
INTERCESSIONS
All fatherhood in
heaven and on earth has its origin in God.
Let us turn to him and pray:
–
Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
All-holy Father, you
revealed to Saint Joseph your eternal plan
of salvation in Christ,
deepen our understanding of your Son, true
God and true man.
–
Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
Father in heaven, you
feed the birds of the air, and clothe the
fields with the fruit of the earth,
give all your children their daily bread, to
sustain soul and body.
–
Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
Maker of the universe,
you have entrusted your creation to our
safekeeping,
may all who work receive a just reward for
their labors.
–
Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
God of all
righteousness, you want us all to be like
you,
may Saint Joseph inspire us to walk always
in your way of holiness.
–
Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
Look kindly on the
dying and the dead, and grant them your
mercy,
through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph.
–
Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Concluding Prayer
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of
Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord,
Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
–
Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil and bring us to
everlasting life.
–
Amen.
Lord, open my lips.
-And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Psalm 67
Ant. Let us praise Christ the Lord as we
celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph.
O God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your saving help.
Antiphon
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Antiphon
Let the nations be glad and exult
for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples,
you guide the nations on earth.
Antiphon
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Antiphon
The earth has yielded its fruit
for God, our God, has blessed us.
May God still give us his blessing
till the ends of the earth revere him.
Glory be ….
Antiphon
OFFICE OF READINGS
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia
HYMN
“Hymn to Saint Joseph
(Patron of the Universal Church)”
Performed by Mary Oberle Hubley from the
album “From Gate of Heaven, Part II: Patron
of the Universal Church”
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The angel of the Lord appeared to
Joseph and said: Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife;
she will give birth to a son, and you will
name him Jesus.
Psalm 21:2-8, 14
Thanksgiving for the king’s victory
He accepted life that he might rise and live
for ever (Saint Hilary).
O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king;
how your saving help makes him glad!
You have granted him his heart’s desire;
you have not refused the prayer of his lips.
You came to meet him with the blessings of
success,
you have set on his head a crown of pure
gold.
He asked you for life and this you have
given,
days that will last from age to age.
Your saving help has given him glory.
You have laid upon him majesty and splendor,
you have granted your blessings to him for
ever.
You have made him rejoice with the joy of
your presence.
The king has put his trust in the Lord:
through the mercy of the Most High he shall
stand firm.
O Lord, arise in your strength,
we shall sing and praise your power.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant.1 The angel of the Lord appeared to
Joseph and said: Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife;
she will give birth to a son, and you will
name him Jesus.
Ant. 2 When he awoke Joseph did as the
angel of the Lord had directed him,
and took Mary as his wife.
Psalm 92
Praise of God the Creator
Sing in praise of Christ’s redeeming work
(Saint Athanasius).
I
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your truth in the watches of the night,
on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute,
with the murmuring sound of the harp.
Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad;
for the work of your hands I shout with joy.
O Lord, how great are your works!
How deep are your designs!
The foolish man cannot know this
and the fool cannot understand.
Though the wicked spring up like grass
and all who do evil thrive:
they are doomed to be eternally destroyed.
But you, Lord, are eternally on high.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 2 When he awoke Joseph did as
the angel of the Lord had directed him,
and took Mary as his wife.
Ant. 3 Joseph left Nazareth and set out
for the town of David
called Bethlehem to register with Mary.
II
See how your enemies perish;
all doers of evil are scattered.
To me you give the wild-ox’s strength;
you anoint me with the purest oil.
My eyes looked in triumph on my foes;
my ears heard gladly of their fall.
The just will flourish like the palm-tree
and grow like a Lebanon cedar.
Planted in the house of the Lord
they will flourish in the courts of our God,
still bearing fruit when they are old,
still full of sap, still green,
to proclaim that the Lord is just;
in him, my rock, there is no wrong.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant.3 Joseph left Nazareth and set out
for the town of David
called Bethlehem to register with Mary.
Verse
The just man shall blossom like the lily.
– He shall flourish for ever in the courts
of our God.
READINGS
First reading
From the letter to the Hebrews 11-1-6
The faith of the ancients
Faith is confident assurance concerning what
we hope for, and conviction about things we
do not see.
Because of faith the men of old were
approved by God. Through faith we perceive
that the worlds were created by the word of
God,
and that what is visible came into being
through the invisible.
By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice
greater than Cain’s. Because of this he was
attested to be just,
God himself having borne witness to him on
account of his gifts; therefore, although
Abel is dead, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken away without dying,
and “he was seen no more because God took
him.”
Scripture testifies that, before he was
taken up, he was pleasing to Godbut without
faith, it is impossible to please him.
Anyone who comes to God must believe that he
exists, and that he rewards those who seek
him.
By faith Noah, warned about things not yet
seen, revered God and built an ark that his
household might be saved.
He thereby condemned the world and inherited
the justice which comes through faith.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called,
and went forth to the place he was to
receive as a heritage;
he went forth, moreover, not knowing where
he was going. By faith he sojourned in the
promised land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob,
heirs of the same promise; for he was
looking forward to the city with
foundations,
whose designer and maker is God.
By faith Sarah received power to conceive
though she was past the age,
for she thought that the One who had made
the promise was worthy of trust. As a result
of this faith, there came forth from one
man,
who was himself as good as dead, descendants
as numerous as the stars in the sky and the
sands of the seashore.
All of these died in faith. They did not
obtain what had been promised but saw and
saluted it from afar.
By acknowledging themselves to be strangers
and foreigners on the earth, they showed
that they were seeking a homeland.
If they had been thinking back to the place
from which they had come, they would have
had the opportunity of returning there.
But they were searching for a better, a
heavenly home. Wherefore God is not ashamed
to be called their God, f
or he has prepared a city for them.
Responsory
Romans 4:20, 22; James 2:22
He never doubted God’s promise but was
strengthened in his faith and gave glory to
God.
– Therefore through faith he was counted as
justified.
Faith was at work in his deeds, and by his
deeds his faith became perfect.
– Therefore through faith he was counted as
justified.
Second reading
From a sermon by Saint Bernadine of Siena,
priest
(Sermo 2, de S. Joseph: Opera 7, 16. 27-30)
The faithful foster-father and guardian
There is a general rule concerning all
special graces granted to any human being.
Whenever the divine favor
chooses someone to receive a special grace,
or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns
the person chosen
with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to
fulfill the task at hand.
This general rule is especially verified in
the case of Saint Joseph, the foster-father
of our Lord and the husband of the Queen of
our world,
enthroned above the angels. He was chosen by
the eternal Father as the trustworthy
guardian and protector of his greatest
treasures,
namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s
wife. He carried out this vocation with
complete fidelity until at last God called
him,
saying: Good and faithful servant enter into
the joy of your Lord.
What then is Joseph’s position in the whole
Church of Christ? Is he not a man chosen and
set apart? Through him and, yes, under him,
Christ was fittingly and honorably
introduced into the world. Holy Church in
its entirety is indebted to the Virgin
Mother
because through her it was judged worthy to
receive Christ. But after her we undoubtedly
owe special gratitude
and reverence to Saint Joseph.
In him the Old Testament finds its fitting
close. He brought the noble line of
patriarchs and prophets to its promised
fulfillment.
What the divine goodness had offered as a
promise to them, he held in his arms.
Obviously, Christ does not now deny to
Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very
high honor which he gave him on earth,
as a son to his father. Rather we must say
that in heaven Christ completes and perfects
all that he gave at Nazareth.
Now we can see how the last summoning words
of the Lord appropriately apply to Saint
Joseph:
Enter into the joy of your Lord. In fact,
although the joy of eternal happiness enters
into the soul of a man,
the Lord preferred to say to Joseph: Enter
into joy. His intention was that the words
should have a hidden spiritual meaning for
us.
They convey not only that this holy man
possesses an inward joy, but also that it
surrounds him and engulfs him like an
infinite abyss.
Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us
to your foster-child Ask your most holy
bride,
the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us,
since she is the mother of him who with
the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and
reigns eternally. Amen.
Responsory
Genesis 45:8; 50:20; Sirach 51:2
God has made me a father to the king and
master of all his household.
– He has raised me up, that he might save
many people.
The Lord is my helper and protector; he is
my savior.
– He has raised me up, that he might save
many people.
Te Deum
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless
praise:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and
might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church
acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all
worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the King of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all
believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our
judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Concluding Prayer
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of
Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord,
Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
“Prayer to St. Joseph (Husband of Mary)”
by Angelina from her “Songs of the
Faithful/The Faithful”
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 The shepherds went in haste and
found Joseph and Mary,
and the infant lying in the manger.
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns
for God.
O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 1 The shepherds went in haste and
found Joseph and Mary,
and the infant lying in the manger.
Ant. 2 Joseph and Mary, the mother of
Jesus,
marveled at what was said of their child,
and Simeon blessed them.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to
him (Revelation 19:5).
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the
Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the
Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless
the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the
Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the
Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and
the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all
forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of
heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above
all forever.
Ant. 2 Joseph and Mary, the mother of
Jesus,
marveled at what was said of their child,
and Simeon blessed them.
Ant. 3 Joseph rose in the night and took
the child and his mother into Egypt. T
here they stayed until the death of Herod.
Psalm 149
The joy of God’s holy people.
Let the sons of the Church, the children of
the new people, rejoice in Christ, their
King (Hesychius).
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 3 Joseph rose in the night and took
the child and his mother into Egypt.
There they stayed until the death of Herod.
READING
2 Samuel 7:28-29
Lord God, you are God and your words are
truth; you have made this generous promise
to your servant.
Do, then, bless the house of your servant
that it may be before you forever; for you,
Lord God, have promised,
and by your blessing the house of your
servant shall be blessed forever.
Sacred Silence(indicated by a bell) – a
moment to reflect and receive in our hearts
the full resonance of the voice of the Holy
Spirit
and to unite our personal prayer more
closely with the word of God and public
voice of the Church.
RESPONSORY
God made him the master of his household.
– God made him the master of his household.
He gave him charge over all his possessions,
– and made him the master of his household.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Spirit,
– God made him the master of his household.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth
to fulfill what the prophets
had foretold of Christ: He will be called a
Nazarean.
Luke 1:68 – 79
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father
Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our
enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days
of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet
of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare
his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and
the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth
to fulfill what the prophets
had foretold of Christ: He will be called a
Nazarean.
INTERCESSIONS
The Lord is the giver of holiness. Let us
turn to him and pray:
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in
holiness.
Lord our God, you called our fathers in
faith to walk before you in holiness of
heart,
may we follow in their footsteps, and obey
your command to be perfect.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in
holiness.
You chose Joseph the righteous to care for
your Son in childhood and youth,
teach us to care for Christ’s body by caring
for our brothers and sisters.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in
holiness.
You entrusted the earth to mankind, to
people it and make it prosper,
inspire us to work wholeheartedly in this
world, seeking always to give you glory.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in
holiness.
Father of all mankind, do not forget what
your hands have made,
grant that all who work may have secure
employment and a fitting standard of living.
– Holy God, raise us up to new life in
holiness.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Concluding Prayer
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of
Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord,
Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all
evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.
SECOND VESPERS, ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia
HYMN
For all the saints, who from their labors
rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world
confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and
their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought
fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true
Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of
gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their
rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious
day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
“For All The
Saints” Performed by Dan Haseltine; Text:
William W. How, in “Hymns for Saint’s Days”,
and Other Hymns, by Earl Nelson, 1864. The
original version began, “For all thy saints”
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 His parents found Jesus in the
temple sitting in the midst of the doctors,
listening to them and asking them questions.
Psalm 15
Who is worthy to stand in God’s presence?
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of
the living God (Hebrews 12:22).
Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent
and dwell on your holy mountain?
He who walks without fault;
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart;
he who does not slander with his tongue;
he who does no wrong to his brother,
who casts no slur on his neighbor,
who holds the godless in disdain,
but honors those who fear the Lord;
he who keeps his pledge, come what may;
who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent.
Such a man will stand firm for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 1 His parents found Jesus in the
temple sitting in the midst of the doctors,
listening to them and asking them questions.
Ant. 2 The mother of Jesus said to him:
Son, why have you done this to us?
See how your father and I have been
anxiously searching for you.
Psalm 112
The happiness of the just man
Live as children born of the light. Light
produces every kind of goodness and justice
and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9).
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever
He is a light in the darkness for the
upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
The wicked man sees and is angry,
grinds his teeth and fades away;
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 2 The mother of Jesus said to him:
Son, why have you done this to us?
See how your father and I have been
anxiously searching for you.
Ant. 3 Jesus returned with Mary and
Joseph to Nazareth;
there he lived and was obedient to them.
Canticle – Revelation 15:3-4
Hymn of adoration
Mighty and wonderful are your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who would dare refuse you honor,
or the glory due your name, O Lord?
Since you alone are holy,
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence.
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 3 Jesus returned with Mary and
Joseph to Nazareth;
there he lived and was obedient to them.
READING
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole
being. Do it for the Lord rather than for
men,
since you know full well that you will
receive an inheritance from him as your
reward.
Be slaves of Christ the Lord.
Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a
moment to reflect and receive in our hearts
the full resonance of the voice of the Holy
Spirit
and to unite our personal prayer more
closely with the word of God and public
voice of the Church.
RESPONSORY
The just man shall blossom like the lily.
– The just man shall blossom like the lily.
He shall flourish for ever in the courts of
our God,
– like the lily.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Spirit,
– The just man shall blossom like the lily.
Canticle of Mary
Ant. When Jesus began his ministry, he
was about thirty years old,
and was thought to be the son of Joseph.
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly
servant.
From this day all generations will call me
blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their
thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant
Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. When Jesus began his ministry, he
was about thirty years old,
and was thought to be the son of Joseph.
INTERCESSIONS
All fatherhood in heaven and on earth has
its origin in God. Let us turn to him and
pray:
– Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
All-holy Father, you revealed to Saint
Joseph your eternal plan of salvation in
Christ,
deepen our understanding of your Son, true
God and true man.
– Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
Father in heaven, you feed the birds of the
air, and clothe the fields with the fruit of
the earth,
give all your children their daily bread, to
sustain soul and body.
– Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
Maker of the universe, you have entrusted
your creation to our safekeeping,
may all who work receive a just reward for
their labors.
– Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
God of all righteousness, you want us all to
be like you,
may Saint Joseph inspire us to walk always
in your way of holiness.
– Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
Look kindly on the dying and the dead, and
grant them your mercy,
through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph.
– Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Concluding Prayer
Father,
you entrusted our Savior
to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord,
Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all
evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.
MASS READINGS
Reading I
2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
The Lord spoke to Nathan and said:
“Go, tell my servant David,
‘When your time comes and you rest with your
ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung
from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
It is he who shall build a house for my
name.
And I will make his royal throne firm
forever.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure
forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”
Responsorial Psalm
89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
R. (37) The son of David will
live for ever.
The promises of the Lord I will sing
forever;
through all generations my mouth shall
proclaim your faithfulness,
For you have said, “My kindness is
established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your
faithfulness.
R. The son of David will live for
ever.
“I have made a covenant with my
chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all
generations.”
R. The son of David will live
for ever.
“He shall say of me, ‘You are my
father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward
him,
and my covenant with him stands firm.”
R. The son of David will live for
ever.
Reading II
Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22
Brothers and sisters:
It was not through the law
that the promise was made to Abraham and his
descendants
that he would inherit the world,
but through the righteousness that comes
from faith.
For this reason, it depends on faith,
so that it may be a gift,
and the promise may be guaranteed to all his
descendants,
not to those who only adhere to the law
but to those who follow the faith of
Abraham,
who is the father of all of us, as it is
written,
I have made you father of many nations.
He is our father in the sight of God,
in whom he believed, who gives life to the
dead
and calls into being what does not exist.
He believed, hoping against hope,
that he would become the father of many
nations,
according to what was said, Thus shall your
descendants be.
That is why it was credited to him as
righteousness.
Gospel
Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the
husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the
Christ.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ
came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to
Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy
Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous
man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into
your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him
Jesus,
because he will save his people from their
sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had
commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
or
Each year Jesus’ parents went to
Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
and when he was twelve years old,
they went up according to festival custom.
After they had completed its days, as they
were returning,
the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,
but his parents did not know it.
Thinking that he was in the caravan,
they journeyed for a day
and looked for him among their relatives and
acquaintances,
but not finding him,
they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the
temple,
sitting in the midst of the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions,
and all who heard him were astounded
at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him,
they were astonished,
and his mother said to him,
“Son, why have you done this to us?
Your father and I have been looking for you
with great anxiety.”
And he said to them,
“Why were you looking for me?
Did you not know that I must be in my
Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he said to
them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth,
and was obedient to them.
