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Views from the Choir Loft

St. Joseph, Fatherhood, and Inclusive Language

Richard J. Clark · March 20, 2015

RJC_832_StJosephJesusMacManus “St. Joseph and the Child Jesus” Florida, USA (2007) Dony Mac Manus AM A MIDDLE AGED white man who has no credibility weighing in on the complex and sensitive issue of inclusive language. Working in parishes for nearly thirty years, I appreciate how important this topic is to many. The nature of language is ever changing. Awareness has changed. And then it changes again.

The USCCB has grappled over the years with many aspects of how to handle inclusive language. Various publishers have struggled, revising nearly all texts to be inclusive in the early 1990’s and in the last decade walking back many of those revisions. It is a hot-button topic I should not touch with a 100-foot pole.

But what is not at debate is the inclusive nature of the message of the Gospel. More than calling all men and women, the Gospel calls all sinners. None of us are exempt.

As Jesus spent most of his time with sinners, lowly fishermen, prostitutes, tax collectors, He in fact called them to service. Today, it is the margins of society, those disenfranchised, those most unattractive to us that that the Church must call to bring back into the fold of Christ’s love.

O, AS SOMEONE WHO CANNOT speak to the challenges of being a woman, a minority, poor, or on the margins of society, I can hopefully add some small perspective as a father.

I am daily amazed at the gift of my children. Oh, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The delightful photos we show our friends are not the picture of constant reality. Parenthood often brings a sense of desperation and even failure. But the day I became a father—a daddy—was the greatest day of my life. It’s scary, humbling, and God calls me, a man, to be a better and stronger person for the sake of my children.

Out of these experiences, I propose a different perspective upon encountering masculine pronouns in prayer and song, but especially in reference to Jesus’ relationship with God, the Father—whom He called “Abba” or “daddy”: Instead of thoughts of male privilege and entitlement, one may look more to St. Joseph, the great role model for all men and fathers—loving, humble protector, advocate, and possessor of great inner-strength, all in service to God.

Furthermore, remember that St. Joseph, like Mary his spouse, said “Yes” to God—all in less than ideal circumstances. And with Mary, he raised Jesus.

Try as we might, mere words are inadequate to express God, the Father’s love for us, his children. So are we called to love one another with a love that is beyond all telling.

You can learn more about the sacred art of Dony Mac Manus and his Sacred Art School in Firenze, Italy here.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For General Use Until Advent”
    If you conduct a volunteer choir, you might consider using this Simple Piece #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) which can be used during the rest of the liturgical season until Advent. It's based on the well known hymn tune: OLD HUNDREDTH. Rehearsal videos are available at #40691. A live recording of #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) by a volunteer choir is here (#40065).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Far from dreading an encounter with the Iroquois, Fr. Garnier often told us he would be quite content to fall into their hands and remain their prisoner if—while they were torturing him—he at least had a chance of instructing them as long as his torments lasted. If they allowed him to live, it would afford him a golden opportunity to work for their conversion, which was now impossible, since the gateway to their country was closed as long as they were our enemies.

— Father Ragueneau (Jesuit Relations)

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