News Post
SJA Celebrates Feast of Our Patron, St. Joseph
The St. Joseph’s Academy school community came together on March 19 to remember and celebrate the feast of our patron, St. Joseph. The Most Reverend Michael Duca, Bishop of Baton Rouge, was the presider. SJA’s chaplain, Father Mathew Dunn, was the concelebrant. The Eucharistic celebration was held in the Academy Student Center.
Freshman Evangaline Martinez welcomed the large gathering. “We honor Joseph as a model of faithfulness and righteousness,” she said. “We look to St. Joseph as a model of faith in his openness to serve God and his family. Service is an integral part of what it means to be a member of the SJA family and, even more, a model of what it means to be a Christian. We offer our gifts and talents to our God as we reflect upon the life of St. Joseph and live out his promise to serve those around him.”
Sophomore Clare Valluzzo read from the prophet Samuel. Sophomore Olivia Funes read from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. Seniors Hannah Crochet and Anna Kathryn White led the prayers of the faithful.
In his homily, Bishop Duca reflected on ego- or I-drama versus theo-drama and the way in which Joseph set aside his plans to accept his role as the spouse of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Rather than living an ego-drama life, he embraced theo-drama, in which he was called to something bigger and something more.
Theology teacher Hugo Andricain described the new altar he handcrafted for St. Joseph’s Academy, and Bishop Duca blessed it. The altar is inscribed as follows:
“This altar is made in honor of our patron, St. Joseph, and in gratitude for the many Catholic priests who have shared and continue to share their ministry with St. Joseph’s Academy through the Holy Eucharist. The wood was recovered from several areas of the Broussard Street campus of St. Joseph’s Academy in keeping with the tradition of stewardship taught by our founders, the Congregation of St. Joseph.
“Blessed by Bishop Michael Duca on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, 2024.
“Designed and crafted by SJA faculty member and CSJ Associate Hugo Andricain.”
Following mass, SJA President Jan Breen said that the original Sisters of St. Joseph identified the needs in their community and worked to fill them, humbly serving in the manner of their patron, Joseph. She introduced and thanked the Sisters in attendance, and officers of the Liturgy Committee presented each with a rose. Recognized were Sisters Joan Laplace, Adele Lambert, Anna Shellhaas, Lucy Silvio, Julie Kramer, Kathleen Babin, Annie Ramagos, Frances Landry, Evelyn Mee and Adelaide Williamson.
Dean of Women Christina Myles said the St. Joseph’s Altar would be available for viewing in the Chapel at SJA during the afternoon. All food will be donated to Queen of Peace Shelter at St. Agnes.
Myles also said that members of the SJA Student Council are hard at work preparing for Challenge Day on March 22. The annual competition between SJA and Catholic High will be held at CHS, with the Redstickers going for a three-peat.
Danielle Laird directed the choir. Cantors were junior Addison Macha and sophomore Allison Riley. Pianists were Aimee Urdiales and Danielle Laird. Senior Clara Cole led the singing of the alma mater.
Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director
Photos by Sara Rounds