Opening Prayer
O God, Creator of all things,
who laid down for the human race the law of work,
graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph
and under his patronage we may complete the works
you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Additional resources:
Catechism 2401-2406; 2424-2436
Compendium 248-251; Chapter 6; Chapter 7
Universal destination of goods 171-184
USCCB page on Labor and Human Work
On Reconstruction of the Social Order
USCCB page on Economic Justice
Scripture Reading –Reading from the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker
Catechesis Video
Grades K-6
- The workers at the Chocolate factory, have to work long hours with little pay. How do you think that makes them feel?
Why is it wrong to force people to work without pay or for low pay that doesn’t let them afford everything they need?
Should Mr. Lunt has more sympathy on his workers? What should he do differently?
If you were Mr. Lunt and people who were working for you complaining, how would you respond?
If you were an employee’s how would you feel working for Mr. Lunt?
Why are the workers unhappy?
Domestic Church (the home)
- The workers at the Chocolate factory, have to work long hours with little pay. How do you think that makes them feel?
Why is it wrong to force people to work without pay or for low pay that doesn’t let them afford everything they need?
Should Mr. Lunt has more sympathy on his workers? What should he do differently?
If you were Mr. Lunt and people who were working for you complaining, how would you respond?
If you were an employee’s how would you feel working for Mr. Lunt?
Why are the workers unhappy?
Witness Video
Witness Video Reflection Questions
Grades K-6
- Why is St. Joseph the Patron saint of workers?
Why do so many people look up to St. Joseph?
When is St. Joseph’s feast day?
Domestic Church (the home)
- Why is St. Joseph the Patron saint of workers?
Why do so many people look up to St. Joseph?
When is St. Joseph’s feast day?
Action Steps
Grades K-6
- Help with the cleaning of your classroom to learn the importance of work and to recognize that every job has dignity. A doctor for instance should not receive higher regard than those who work to keep the hospital clean.
- Make cards for all of the people who work at your school thanking them for their hard work.
- Learn about a profession that you might want to work in when you grow up. What are all of the jobs that other people work that will help you to achieve that goal. (example if you want to be a doctor – teachers, people who make sure your classrooms are comfortable and safe, etc.)
Domestic Church (the home)
- Help with the cleaning of your house to learn the importance of work and to recognize that every job has dignity. A doctor for instance should not receive higher regard than those who work to keep the hospital clean.
- Learn about a profession that you might want to work in when you grow up. What are all of the jobs that other people work that will help you to achieve that goal. (example if you want to be a doctor – teachers, people who make sure your classrooms are comfortable and safe, etc.)
Closing Prayer
God of Justice,
open our eyes
to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears
to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths
to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do
to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.
—from Being Neighbor, the Catechism and Social Justice,Catholic Campaign for Human Development, ©1998 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops