News Post

The St. Joseph’s Academy community came together on August 14 for the first mass of the 2026-2027 school year, joining the Universal Church in observing the memorial of Saint Maximillian Kolbe and prayerfully reflecting on this year’s charism theme, Leadership: Weave One Heart. Father Trey Nelson, pastor of St. Jude Parish, was the presider. The Eucharistic celebration was held in the Academy Student Center.

Sophomore Ainsley Hoover welcomed the large gathering and explained that Saint Maximilian Kolbe was martyred 85 years ago today in Auschwitz. He was a Catholic priest sent to the notorious Nazi concentration camp for speaking out against the Nazis. There, he witnessed Nazi guards selecting 10 men to be publicly starved to death. When one pleaded for his life, Father Kolbe offered to take his place.

“This year’s charism theme is highlighted in the selfless act of Saint Maximilian Kolbe,” Hoover said. “We are all asked to be selfless in our leadership this year as we work together to weave a school community built around unifying love. We are asked to work toward the highest quality, challenge each other in an atmosphere of trust, have positive self-identity, take initiative and be accountable for our actions.”

Senior Amelia Walker lit the candle of remembrance to honor and pray for those members of the Academy community who have passed away. 

Sophomore Emma Prudhomme read from the first letter of John. Sophomores Julia Downs and Elise Becnel offered the prayers of the faithful. 

Following mass, Liturgy Club President Evie Martinez, a senior, invited students to consider membership in the Liturgy Committee, which helps coordinate school masses and prayer services. Numerous roles are available, including readers, altar servers, gift bearers and numerous behind-the-scenes roles. 

SJA’s new president, Stephanie Cargile, shared her path to her new role. After graduating from LSU in mass communications, she worked for the Catholic Commentator newspaper and then in public relations at Catholic High School. “Then God led me to ExxonMobil, where I spent more than 27 years growing as a leader managing the company’s public relations team, working with media, elected officials, community leaders and corporate managers,” she said. “But the most rewarding moments of my career happened when I was serving others and making an impact on lives. 

“I had the great opportunity to work in an underserved North Baton Rouge neighborhood. … Those experiences taught me something I hope every one of you learns early in life: Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about service. Leadership is using your gifts on behalf of someone else.”  

Danielle Laird directed the choir. Cantors were senior Caroline Bull and junior Ellen Craig. Angela Sneed and sophomore Olivia Mouch were the pianists, and Hugo Andricain played the guitar. Senior Hailey Schiro closed the gathering with the singing of the Alma Mater.