News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy gathered as a school community on November 20 for the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. Planned by the SJA Liturgy Committee, the service celebrated and gave thanks for the gifts from God, the ability to share those gifts with others and the call to service passed down through the Sisters of St. Joseph. The service was held in the Academy Student Center. 

Senior Caroline Roussel welcomed the large gathering, and junior Hannah Schiro read from the book of Psalms. The Red Steppers performed a liturgical dance. 

Roussel explained that the prayer service was a time to contemplate the various elements of the Thanksgiving meal as an opportunity to pray and reflect on our relationship with God. After each element was explained, Schiro offered a prayer. 

As students placed tables in the center of the gymnasium, then set the tables, those in attendance were asked to think about the symbolism of “getting ready” in their spiritual lives, quieting themselves in their fast-paced lives to spend meaningful time with God.

The Thanksgiving turkey placed on the table symbolized faith as the main course in our lives. Attendees were asked to think about the blessings given by God and to be thankful for all that He, the source and center of our lives, has done for them.

The salad set on the table represented the diversity in our lives, as its various ingredients come together to create the whole. Attendees were asked to think about the people and their gifts which make them better and more loving people. 

Senior Sophia Simoneaux read from the Acts of the Apostles. 

A casserole, or comfort food, set on the table symbolized the people God has placed in our lives to be His arms when we need a hug and His voice when we need reassurance. Attendees were asked to feel gratitude for those they can count on. 

The Thanksgiving pie set on the table symbolized a sweet end to the meal. Attendees were asked to think of those who bring joy and laughter to their lives. 

Simoneaux read a Thanksgiving poem. Junior Sophie Stelly read from the Gospel according to Matthew. Roussel and Schiro offered a prayer over the meal. 

Between the explanations of the various elements of the meal, students, faculty and staff brought forth donations of canned food and placed them in boxes set around the gymnasium floor. The food drive will benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. 

Following the prayer service, Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb announced her office’s Advent schedule, including Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each morning and during all lunch hours on December 12, rosary each Wednesday morning, a Spanish rosary on December 11 and Bible study in the Campus Ministry office each Wednesday during lunch hours.
 
The Praise & Worship Band performed throughout the prayer service. Vocalists were seniors Gianna Lavastida and Emily Vennen; sophomore Anna Claire Wilson; and freshmen Riley LeBlanc, Madeline McDaniel and Lauren Roy. Freshman Lily Jane Crawford was the percussionist, and Hugo Andricain played the guitar. Audio engineer was senior Lana Nguyen. The lighting technician was Francesco Pinque, and the powerpoint was created by Aimee Cronan. 

The service ended with the Praise & Worship Band leading the singing of the Alma Mater.

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director