Saint Joseph Students Deepen Faith During Lenten Season

The Lenten season is a significant time of the year for the Catholic Church, and members of the Saint Joseph Community are taking this season to become closer to Christ.

The school started Lent with an Ash Wednesday liturgy on March 5 where all students and Partners in Mission had an opportunity to receive ashes. Celebrated by campus chaplain Father Tom Lanza, his homily spoke about the importance of recalibrating one’s self to align with God’s love.

Saint Joe’s welcomed in Most Rev. Bishop James F. Checchio to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Joseph Mass with the community on March 19. Bishop Checchio commented on how a time like the Feast Day during Lent can be a good opportunity to deepen one’s faith.

“The solemnity is so important for us,” Bishop Chechhio said. “Saint Joseph is such a good man of virtue, someone for us to emulate and pray to, especially for young men who are learning to grow in grace and virtue.”

Students like Giacomo Imperiale ‘25, who serves as a Eucharistic Minister during Mass, noted the importance of Lent to himself and the Saint Joseph community.

“As Catholics, we all believe, but Lent makes us think about choices we have made in our lives deep down,” Imperiale said. “[It is] just talking to God on a regular basis. It’s the easiest thing to do. It is very important in strengthening our relationship with God, especially during the time of Lent and Easter.”

The Saint Joseph community continues to make strides towards a deeper understanding of the faith with each day leading up to Easter.