What was your first job? What lessons did you learn from doing it? I remember my first job was in the billing office of my uncles’ lumberyard. I learned that words, not numbers, are my strength! I became a religion teacher.

We know that any work has multiple benefits. Catholic teaching says work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God's creation, described in Genesis 2:4-5. The Catechism tells us, “Work is part of the original state of man and precedes his fall; it is therefore not a punishment or curse.” (Compendium, p. 256). Work is a participation in the creation of God. Faith formation lessons can shape our students’ attitudes about the work they will do when they enter the working world.

On May 1, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, who was a carpenter by trade. Celebrating the work that Joseph did to support his family helps us to remember to pray that God watches over all workers and protects them from accidents. We honor St. Joseph the Worker when we respect and appreciate all workers.

Pope Francis has said the fact that St. Joseph, as well as Jesus, practiced carpentry reminded him "of all the workers in the world, especially those who do grueling work in mines and factories" as well as "those who are exploited through undocumented work." Workers have the right to fair wages and safe working conditions. "Earning bread is what gives you dignity and if we do not give our people, our men and women, the ability to earn bread, this is a social injustice in that place, in that nation, in that continent," he said.

Essential Tools. Ask students to identify some kinds of work they see people doing in their community. They may list teachers, landscapers, bus drivers, police officers, builders, store clerks. Ask them to mention work that their own family members do. After you have a list, ask what kinds of tools each worker needs to do their work well. Finally, remind students that all workers also need God’s grace and protection for their work. Reflect together on the beginning of Psalm 127:

Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch.
It is vain for you to rise early and put off your rest at night,
To eat bread earned by hard toil—all this God gives to his beloved in sleep.

Praying for Workers. “St. Joseph, you showed us the dignity of working to support your family. Protect all workers in their daily tasks and defend them from becoming discouraged. Inspire all who are responsible for workers, employers and government leaders, to guard the safety and rights of all who work. Help unemployed people to find satisfying work. May we learn how to best use your talents for the good of all. Amen.”