The apostolic letter of Pope Francis Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”) declared this year as the Year of Saint Joseph for the Universal Church.
In response to the call of Pope Francis, we are offering the Journey with St. Joseph Pilgrimage commencing on June 19, 2021 and ending on December 7, 2021. The pilgrimage sites will be those churches named for Saint Joseph:
- St. Joseph Parish, Auburn: 1162 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
- St. Joseph Parish, Clarksburg: 32890 South River Road, Clarksburg, CA 95612
- Please call at least five (5) days in advance of your visit to Clarksburg
- St. Joseph Parish, Elk Grove: 9961 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624
- St. Joseph Parish, Lincoln: 280 Oak Tree Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648
- St. Joseph Parish, Marysville: 702 C Street, Marysville, CA 95901
- Please call at least five (5) days in advance of your visit to Marysville
- St. Joseph Parish, McCloud: 213 Colombero Drive, McCloud, CA 96057
- St. Joseph Parish, Redding: 2040 Walnut Avenue, Redding, CA 96001
- St. Joseph Parish, Rio Vista: 130 South 4th Street, Rio Vista, CA 94571
- St. Joseph Parish, Sacramento: 1717 El Monte Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95815
- St. Joseph Parish, Vacaville: 1791 Marshall Road, Vacaville, CA 95687
- St. Joseph Parish, Yreka: 312 Fourth Street, Yreka, CA 96097
Journeying with St. Joseph demands a true gift of self because in him we never see discouragement, but rather obedience to, and trust in God. St. Joseph is an exemplary figure for all of us to follow because he took heed of divine providence and guidance.
Pilgrim Mechanics
- A Pilgrim’s Prayer Booklet has been designed to prayerfully guide you through your pilgrimage. Download it here:
- Pilgrims may sign a guest book as they enter the pilgrim church. Pilgrims should venerate the Blessed Sacrament and proceed to the statue or image of St. Joseph.
- The last church to be visited will be the St. Joseph Church nearest your parish, or your own parish named after him.
Guidelines upon Visiting the Pilgrim Churches
- Pilgrims must pray the Act of Consecration to St. Joseph at the image of St. Joseph or some prescribed prayers for St. Joseph especially the ones in the pilgrim’s prayer booklet.
- If possible, pilgrims are encouraged to attend the celebration of the Eucharist and/or receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in one of the pilgrim churches.
- Always follow diocesan-prescribed protocols for COVID-19.
- Pilgrims are encouraged to bring something for the poor (including non-perishable groceries, food vouchers, visa cards, etc.) to one of the pilgrim churches.
Special Tips
- The Pilgrimage is about 6 months long. There is enough time to complete the journey, but expect that the number of pilgrims will be doubled as the period comes to a close.
- Visiting pilgrim churches will generally be available every Saturday from 8am-5pm. Please arrange the visit or call the parish office if you plan to visit the pilgrim church outside the Saturday schedule, attend Mass, or go to Confession. Note that there might be a baptism, wedding, funeral, etc. happening while you visit the church. It is advised that pilgrims remain quiet and respect the on-going event.
- Note that some churches ask that you call ahead at least five (5) days in advance of your visit. It is important to contact the parish office to make an appointment especially when you are with a group.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Always consider clothing that shows reverence for our Lord.
- Offer Masses or make prayer intentions for the poor souls in purgatory, praying for a happy death, or good health, etc.
- Offer an intention for the elderly, the ill, the dying, and those who are unable to leave the house for health reasons. Pray especially for your discomforts and challenges during these trying times of this pandemic.
- Discover each virtue of St. Joseph in our lives and grow in our faith: a beloved father; a tender and loving father; an obedient father; an accepting father; a creatively courageous father; a working father; and a father in the shadows.