March 1, 2024

USCCB offers March 10-18 novena for those on the adoption journey

Criterion staff report

Graphic for St. Joseph Adoption NovenaAmong St. Joseph’s many patronages are families, fathers and expectant mothers. In light of these patronages, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) created an online novena to

St. Joseph for those on the path to adoption, available in English and Spanish. The novena begins on March 10 and ends on March 18, the day before the saint’s feast day.

Each day of the online novena includes an intention for the day, a Scripture reading, a prayer, a petition to St. Joseph and concluding prayers.

At cutt.ly/AdoptionNovena, participants can access the novena each day, register to receive it daily via text or e-mail, or download a printable copy of the novena.

The site also includes a link to parish resources, such as graphics and bulletin announcements about the novena.

For those who would like to pray the novena but do not have access to the

Internet, the daily intentions are as follows, concluding with an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be each day:

—Day 1: For mothers who place their children for adoption. (Ex 1:22-2:6, Ex 2:10)

—Day 2: For fathers who place their children for adoption. (Jn 3:16)

—Day 3: For family members of children placed for adoption. (Jn 15:12-17)

—Day 4: For children awaiting adoption. (Mt 19:13-14)

—Day 5: For married couples pursuing adoption. (Rom 8:14-17)

—Day 6: For adopted children. (Jn 14:16-21)

—Day 7: For adoptive mothers. (Jn 19:25-27)

—Day 8: For adoptive fathers. (Mt 1:18-21, 24)

—Day 9: For family members welcoming children through adoption. (Eph 3:14-15, 17-19)

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