News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy gathered as a school community to celebrate the annual Vocations Mass on September 30. The Eucharistic celebration was held in the Academy Student Center. Father Brad Doyle, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Camel Parish in St. Francisville, was the celebrant.

Senior Audrey Elliott welcomed the gathering. “Saint John Henry Newman once said, ‘I am created to do or to be something for which no one else is created: I have a place in God’s counsels, in God’s world, which no one else has… God knows me and calls me by my name.’
 
“We gather this morning to celebrate that we are called by name. Each one of us has a vocation, a special call by God, to transform the world through service. Each of us is called in a very special way to serve God, as priests or sisters, husbands and wives, teachers and coaches, and sons and daughters of God. As students and faculty, we join together in our willingness and openness to answer God’s call in each of our lives.” 

She welcomed the friends and family members in attendance, particularly the Sisters of St. Joseph. 

Junior Isabella Vargas read from the first book of Samuel. 

In his homily, Father Brad said that being called to heaven is everyone’s vocation. While we have a calling here on earth, each vocation leads to the same thing, which is love. “And who is love? God,” Father Brad said. “Jesus said do not be afraid. He said to ‘put out into deep water.’ Sometimes, the nets get heavy. They’re breaking. But in those moments that are hard, Jesus will make you holy.” 

Senior Emily Vennen and freshman Ella Gisclair led the prayers of the faithful. 

Danielle Baird directed the choir. Cantors were senior Addison Macha and junior Camille Funes. Musicians were Angela Sneed, keyboard; freshman Parker Lewis, bass guitar; and Hugo Andricain, guitar. 

Following mass, Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn said the liturgical celebration was dedicated to vocations to a religious life in all forms. “A life like our Sisters, who work so all can be one, who serve with great-hearted love; some of us will hopefully follow that path,” she said. “Others will choose a job that demands a special commitment. That is what the faculty/staff lay people at SJA have done. They work with the Sisters, keeping their eyes open, ears attentive, spirit alert and sleeves rolled up to make a difference in the lives of the dear student.”

Suzie Toups Adler, class of 1985, is SJA’s facilities director. She spoke about how she lives her vocation and advised the students to live by five truths: 1. Keep God as your center and focus. 2. Remember that we are not in control. God has a plan, but we need to make good decisions. 3. Work hard. When you think you’ve worked hard enough, work even harder. 4. Be grateful for your time and experiences at SJA. 5. Beyond your group of friends, someone sees you and believes in you unconditionally. 

She also shared a simple recipe for success: Find what you’re good at; find something that makes you happy; find a need and work to fill it. 

“I have come full circle and am giving back to the school that gave me so much,” Adler said. “I wake up on Monday morning and am happy to come here every day to work with the faculty and staff and with you students. The Sisters of St. Joseph gave us the plan for the future. Our job is to make sure the mission is sustained.” 
 
Macha closed the assembly with the singing of the alma mater. 

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director