The Feast of St. Joseph

St. Joseph Table 

Parishioners of Holy Cross Church, Timber Lake, celebrated the Feast of Saint Joseph with a St. Joseph Table for the Youth Faith Formation classes. Traditional feast tables were filled with breads and pastries. The students received a cookie and a treat. Items on the table were rich with symbolism: 

• The three tiers represent the Holy Trinity and the ascent from earth to heaven.  
• St. Joseph’s purse is a symbol to give alms during Lent. 
• The pineapple and lemons represent hospitality. 
• St. Joseph the carpenter is shown with a saw and saw dust. 
• Lilies symbolize purity and innocence as the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and his own integrity.  Legend has it, St. Joseph’s staff blossomed into a lily, a symbol of life. 
• The heart shaped cookies are a symbol of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  
• Shades of green, brown, and gold also represent St. Joseph.