News Post

The St. Joseph’s Academy Alumnae Office hosted the 10th annual Legacy Mass and Brunch on August 20. Generations of Academy graduates, along with family members who are current students, gathered in the Chapel at SJA for the Eucharistic celebration. Father David Allen was the celebrant. 

SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 welcomed the families whose legacies are woven throughout the Academy’s history. She recognized a five-generation legacy family, who traces its history at SJA to the early 1900s. Carmie Guarino Berry, class of 1977, is the aunt of Katherine Mechwart Peake ’12 and grandmother of Gianna Lea Purpera ’27. Carmie’s mother, Angela D'Agostino Guarino, was a 1957 graduate, and her aunt, Rose Mary D'Agostino Jeansonne, graduated in 1964. Carmie’s great-aunt, Annie D’Agostino, graduated in 1922.

Breen also recognized the “most mature” graduate in attendance, Ruth Eiswirth Brown, class of 1941. The class of 1994 had the most members in attendance. 

Readers were Grace Alford ’25 and Catherine Alford ’01. Emily May Kline ’99 and Sydney Kline ’26 offered the prayers of the faithful. Gift bearers were Erin Vaccaro Brickey ’94 and Maggie Cate Brickey ’24. Breen served as the Eucharistic minister.

Kelsey Martin ’24 served as cantor. Aimee Wiles Urdiales ’93 was the pianist. 

Following mass, the multi-generational families gathered in the community room of Mother Alice Hall for brunch catered by SAGE Dining Services. 

Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 coordinated the event.

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos by Jennifer M. Fontaine