The Ite Ad Joseph Workshop

Hi, all.

Our garage, like many, has many uses: it stores our bikes and tools, it's a drying station for garlic, and it occasionally houses unwanted critters like brown recluses and mice. One special function it serves, though, is that of a woodworking workshop. Over the years, the majority of my work in it has been cutting and assembling raised garden beds for clients. Since I started the badge bit challenges back in June of 2023, I've delved into a few other projects including a Leopold bench, a step-stool, and boxes for my kids' homeschool supplies.

During this time, I've come to appreciate more the precision, technique, and strength that woodworking requires. It has also made me think more about a biblical figure who was known to be a carpenter, Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. There isn't much mentioned about him in scripture, but based on what is written about him, we can imagine that he was a humble soul who cared much for his wife and son and passed along to his son the knowledge of woodworking.

So, in honor of Joseph, I branded our garage 'The Ite Ad Joseph Workshop.' The Latin phrase means 'Go to Joseph,' and it has special meaning to Catholics since Joseph is the Patron of the Universal Church. I hope I can care for my wife and children as Joseph did for Mary and Jesus while passing on my knowledge of woodworking especially to my sons.