News Post

SJA Celebrates Feast of St. Joseph

St. Joseph’s Academy came together as a school community on March 17 to celebrate the Feast of 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.

Junior Emma Bonney welcomed the large gathering. “We come together as one SJA community to remember and to celebrate the feast of our patron, St. Joseph,” she said. “We also reflect upon our call of service to God and to one another. We honor Joseph as a model of faithfulness and righteousness. 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 Rachel Thompson read from the prophet Samuel. Freshman Sophia Montalbano read from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. Junior Lauren Quebedeaux led the prayers of the faithful. 

Bishop Duca blessed food items that were collected during the week. The Sisters of St. Joseph and their lay associates worked together to collect snack items that will be distributed to those experiencing food insecurity by the St. Vincent de Paul shelters.

Following mass, SJA President Jan Breen said that the original Sisters of St. Joseph identified the needs in their community and filled them, humbly serving in the manner of their patron, Joseph. She said in the charism of the Sisters, we serve the dear neighbor without distinction. She introduced and thanked the Sisters in attendance, and officers of the Liturgy Committee presented each with a rose. Recognized were Sisters Anna Shellhaas, Cynthia Sabathier, Evelyn Meek, Frances Landry, Janet Roesner, Joan Laplace, Julie Kramer, Chris Pologa, Adelaide Williamson, Janet Franklin, Jackie Goodin, Adele Lambert and Lucy Silvio.

Breen said that in gratitude to the Sisters and the gift of their charism, SJA will dedicate its orchard to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph on April 26. 

Dean of Women Christina Myles said the Student Council is hard at work preparing for Challenge Day on March 24. The annual competition between SJA and Catholic High will be held at CHS. She also announced that in honor of St. Joseph, the traditional favorite Sister Agatha brownies would be served at lunch.

Danielle Laird directed the choir. Cantors were seniors Emma Hulse and Maria Hargrave. Pianists were Aimee Urdiales and senior Izzy Gruner. Senior Claire Waggenspack led the singing of the alma mater.
 

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos by Sara Rounds