Joseph The Worker

The Dignity of Work

The Dignity of The Worker

May 1 is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

The feast was originated by Pope Pius XII in 1955 to counter the “May Day” celebrations sponsored by the Communists. But the relationship between St. Joseph and the cause of workers goes further back, all the way to the early Church, which emphasized that Jesus was himself a worker – a humble carpenter – trained by his carpenter father, Joseph.

  

United States Conference of Bishop Statement

The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to  make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If  the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must  be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the  organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic  initiative.

Network ISSUE AREA: INCOME

NETWORK believes in the dignity of work and the right to meaningful work for all. National legislation should move from adjusting a minimum wage to creating a living wage.

Prayer and Action

Celebrating St Joseph the Worker today, we recall all workers who have experienced injustice and sought better working conditions for themselves and those around them. The teachers going on strike, and all teachers across the United States, are shaping our education system and forming the young women and men who will soon enter the workforce, and serve as our politicians, engineers, and innovators. Their contribution to the common good cannot be understated. All workers deserve dignity, fair compensation, and safe work environments that allow them to shape our shared future and contribute to the common good.

Prayer For Those Seeking Employment

Loving God,

you created the human race and know each one of us by name.

Through Christ you have chosen us to be your sons and daughters,

and to build up your Kingdom on earth.

Give us work so that we may share our talents with others and know the dignity and satisfaction that you give us through our work.

Give us patience while you open doors and wisdom to see your will.

Keep our families in your care, and provide for all our needs.

Never let stress diminish our love for each other

nor the desire for material things lessen our love for you.

With confidence and trust we make this prayer thru Jesus.

Amen.                                  

                                                               From: Prayers for Catholic Living