About Us
We are a Catholic association of clergy and consecrated laity. In the image of Jesus Christ and under the care of St. Joseph, we serve as instruments of God so that children, youth, and young adults may come to know Him and His infinite love.
The Association of St. Joseph is the fruit of discernment made by our founders, a group of brothers and friends who, docile to the Holy Spirit, recognized the need to commit their lives completely to God and His Church in a world full of young people searching for God’s love and in need of close and courageous shepherds who are not afraid to lay down their lives for their sheep.
Our model, St. Joseph, stands as an exemplar of masculinity, mission, and the entire Christian life. Our founders were inspired by St. Joseph as the man who, with great love, accompanied Jesus through His youth and who, together with the Blessed Virgin Mary, formed His character. Recent pontiffs have encouraged the Church to embrace the example and intercession of St. Joseph as a solution to modern times, most especially St. John Paul II in his Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos and Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde.
Core Virtues and Identities
-
Obedient: Joseph listened to and obeyed the voice of God, trusting in His will (Mt 1:20–21). We discern the voice of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the Word of God, and obedience to the Church.
Chaste: Saint Joseph lived chastity as a total gift of self to God and his family (CCC 2338). We live out chastity as both a gift and an expression of true love.
Poor: Joseph was a poor, humble man, detached from material things and trusting in Divine Providence (cf. Mt 2:19ff). We live with simplicity and a generous heart, identifying with the poor.
-
Spouse: Following the example of Christ and the Church (Eph 5:1, 25–28), we give ourselves to the youth community with spousal love, seeking their sanctification.
Father: Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus. We seek to be gradually shaped into spiritual fathers for young people, loving them with deep and committed affection (1 Thes 2:8).
-
Youthful: Although Saint Joseph is known as an older man in some traditions, his spirit always reflected the first love for God (Rev 2:4). We continually renew our vocation with youthful enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow.
Just: Joseph is called “just” in Scripture (Mt 1:19) because he knew how to discern and act according to God’s will (Gal 1:10). His moral uprightness and integrity inspire us to always conform to God’s will and to seek the truth in our personal lives and relationships.
Prudent: Joseph did not act hastily when he considered leaving Mary, his wife (Mt 1:19). Prudence enables us to live authentically, avoiding hypocrisy, double lives, and impulsive decisions.
Faithful: Joseph was faithful to his mission of guarding the Holy Family (Mt 1:24; 2:13). We embrace fidelity in our daily lives, vocations, and in our relationships with God and others.
Humble: Saint Joseph recognized his smallness before the mystery of God. We accept our own fragility and depend on divine grace. Humility opens us to growth and fraternal communion.
-
Formator: Joseph was a teacher to Jesus in His childhood, adolescence, and youth. We strive not only to learn but also to be teachers of others in the faith.
Worker: Joseph was a craftsman who carried out his work with dedication (cf. Mt 13:55; Mk 6:3). We lean into discipline and effort, preparing ourselves for the demanding work of ministry and the duties of daily life.
-
Companion: Joseph accompanied Jesus in His human and spiritual growth (cf. Lk 2:51ff). We are called to walk alongside young people, illuminating their path with love and tenderness.
Protector: Joseph safeguarded the Holy Family and now watches over the Church (Redemptoris Custos, no. 1). We, as priests and consecrated laity, are called to protect the youth community, ensuring their growth in the faith.
Servant: Joseph did not seek recognition but served with love. We serve with joy and detachment, imitating his patron and following the teaching of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to give His life (cf. Mt 20:28ff).