News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy gathered as a school community on November 20 for the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. The service, held in the Academy Student Center, celebrated and gave thanks to God for our countless blessings and reminded those in attendance to share their gifts with others in thanksgiving. 

In the three weeks leading up to the prayer service, members of the SJA community participated in the Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. 

Freshman Emma Prudhomme welcomed the large gathering and explained that in the spirit of Thanksgiving, material gifts, such as the collected food, and the creative gifts we possess are shared with one another and with God in a spirit of gratitude. 

Senior Sophia Montalbano read from the book of Psalms. The Red Steppers performed a liturgical dance. The Praise and Worship band performed while a small table was brought to the center of the gym floor, covered and decorated. 

Junior Abby Eldridge and senior Sophie Stelly read a Thanksgiving poem written by an SJA student in 1937. As the poem was recited, large tables were carried to the center of the gymnasium, then set.

Montalbano read from the Gospel according to Matthew.

Food from the collection drive was brought to the tables. Students representing those who will receive the donated food sat at the small table as grace was said. 

The Praise & Worship Band performed throughout the prayer service. Vocalists were senior Sophie Stelly; juniors Hadley Tassin and Anna Clare Wilson; sophomores Lauren Roy, Madeline McDaniel and Riley LeBlanc; and freshman Analise Hufty. Freshman Remie Stoute and Hugo Andricain played the guitar. Freshman Olivia Mouch played the keyboard. 

Participating in acted scenes and in technical roles were seniors Louisa deBlieux and Anne Tanory, Eldredge, Prudhome and freshman Amariane Brown. Junior Liliana Sheets handled audio duties.