When I think of family, the image of my parents and siblings comes to mind. One of ten children with seven brothers and two sisters, I come from a prototypical Catholic family of the 1950s. My parents have been married to one another for 65 years and have lived in the same home since 1954. When we gather in the house for family celebrations, more than 75 people attend: children, spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some have college degrees, but most do not. Some are active Catholics or Protestants while others are not. And from my immediate family, nine are married to their first spouse. While for me this is a “normal” family, I know my understanding varies greatly from most people. But then “normal” is a different experience for every family.

The Gospels say very little about Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. He is only mentioned a few times by name (Matthew 1:16-25; 2:13ff; Luke 2), although Jesus is referred to as “the carpenter’s son,” so we know Joseph’s profession.