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According to Matthew 13:55 and [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] 6:3, Joseph was a tekton, which means a mechanic in general and a carpenter in particular.  The oral tradition, accepted since the earliest times, was that Joseph was indeed a carpenter by trade, and it is likely that [[Jesus]] initially followed in his footsteps.

According to Matthew 13:55 and [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] 6:3, Joseph was a tekton, which means a mechanic in general and a carpenter in particular.  The oral tradition, accepted since the earliest times, was that Joseph was indeed a carpenter by trade, and it is likely that [[Jesus]] initially followed in his footsteps.

It is assumed that Joseph was deceased by the time of [[Jesus]]'s preaching and [[Passion]], as there is no mention of him after Jesus' childhood. It was common for a husband to be substantially older than a wife and for women to live longer than men.  [[Catholics]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] believe that Mary stayed virginal.

It is assumed that Joseph was deceased by the time of [[Jesus]]'s preaching and [[Passion]], as there is no mention of him after Jesus' childhood. It was common for a husband to be substantially older than a wife and for women to live longer than men.  [[Catholics]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] believe that Mary remained a virgin.