USCCB Respect Life: March Prayer Guide

March Prayer Guide

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Pray

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflect

In March, we celebrate both the Solemnities of St. Joseph and the Annunciation, just five days apart. These great feast days of the Church honor Joseph and Mary’s part in the work of our redemption.

We can only imagine how Joseph must have felt when he discovered Mary was with child. Yet he remained faithful to God, who was always with him. Through a series of dreams, God revealed to Joseph his role in bringing God’s plans to fulfillment. He told Joseph not to be afraid and to welcome Mary into his home. Even though he had a right to divorce Mary under Jewish law, Joseph obeyed God and welcomed her as his wife and raised a child that was not biologically his own.

Joseph is often considered the “silent” saint, but Scripture tells us that he was a just man. His love was shown through actions like protecting Mary and Jesus on the flight into Egypt and providing for and protecting God’s Holy Family throughout Christ’s childhood.

Sadly, many expectant mothers today do not have the support of their child’s father. The challenging realities of our fallen world lead us to ask ourselves how the Lord is calling each of us, personally, to imitate the sacrificial love of St. Joseph. In addition to supporting mothers with our prayers, we can consider financially supporting a maternity home, volunteering at a pregnancy care center, or accompanying mothers in need with the gift of our friendship.

How is God calling each of us to imitate St. Joseph’s care for expectant mothers and their children?

Act (Choose one.)

• Offer this Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life for this month’s intention.
• Contact a local pregnancy center, maternity home, or parish-based ministry. Ask about their greatest needs and what opportunities there are to volunteer, donate, or provide mentorship.
• Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.

One Step Further

Meditate more deeply on St. Joseph’s role as the faithful protector of Mary and Jesus in this short reflection. Consider how Joseph’s example can inspire our own support and accompaniment of mothers in need.

Did You Know?

The Church has an initiative specifically dedicated to increasing support for pregnant and parenting mothers called Walking with Moms in Need. Learn more: WalkingWithMoms.com.

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