The Catholic Spirit recently asked our readers to share responses to two questions: What does St. Joseph mean to you? and What sacred image at your parish inspires your faith and why? The following are a selection of responses.

At St. Odilia in Shoreview, we have the statue of St. Joseph from our Nativity scene in our sanctuary for the year. This St. Joseph is slightly bent forward, the better to see and protect the baby Jesus. He is carrying a little lamp. This is a pure tribute to St. Joseph — the leader, the protector, the patient love. I treasure the meditation inspired by this humble portrayal of St. Joseph.

Rosie O’Donovan
St. Odilia, Shoreview

At the St. Joseph campus of St. Gabriel the Archangel at 1310 Mainstreet, Hopkins, there is one particular stained glass window that shows St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican (where people gather to hear the Holy Father’s messages and blessings). Closer to the bottom of the same window, it shows the side view of the church in Hopkins. It reminds me that we are connected with St. Peter, who Jesus said, “Upon this Rock, I will build my Church.” (The name “Peter” means “rock.”) Yes, Jesus chose a man who was not perfect and neither are we. And neither is every pope, bishop, priest. However, we are still here, the Catholic Church, still searching, still learning and following (in our clumsy ways) Jesus!

Kathleen Esh
St. Gabriel the Archangel, Hopkins

At the church of St. Peter in Forest Lake, there is a Holy Family statue to the right of the sanctuary. St. Joseph is on Blessed Virgin Mary’s left, with his eyes looking down at Jesus in Mary’s arms and his right hand is on Mary’s right shoulder. He’s showing me his offering of quiet, gentle support and courage. It seems to me he is telling Mary everything will be OK. Mary, with a soft smile and looking down at Jesus, holds him with her right hand in front by his waist while he half sits on her left arm. Jesus’ arms are spread out. It makes me think of a young child excited to see me and reaching out for me to hold and embrace him. It appears as if Mary’s hold is keeping Jesus from falling because he wants to come to me, but she is happy to give him to me. Then my gaze shifts to the crucifix in the sanctuary above the tabernacle. The Child Jesus’ outstretched arms and posture appear to be a foreshadowing of him stretched out and hanging on the cross. I need the Holy Family to help me go to Jesus on the cross and bear the crosses that come to me.

Rose Gustafson
St. Peter, Forest Lake

“Readers Respond” is a new feature in The Catholic Spirit. Respond to our next question: “What is your favorite Catholic historical site in Minnesota, and why?” in 200 words or less to [email protected] with “Readers Respond” in the subject line.