We invite you to participate in the special tradition of the St. Joseph Altar as we celebrate the feast day of our patron saint.

The St. Joseph Altar will begin at 10:30 AM following 9:30 AM Mass and continue until 2:30 PM. All are welcome to view the altar and enjoy a family meal in the Family Life Center during this time.

History of the St. Joseph Altar

The St. Joseph Altar is an offering of love, labor, and sacrifice in honor of St. Joseph, our patron saint, but also the patron saint of the Sicilians and the Universal Roman Catholic Church. According to legend, the St. Joseph Altar originated many centuries ago in Sicily during a period of drought and famine. In desperation, the people turned to St. Joseph asking his help and intercession. When the rains came and the crops prospered, their prayers were answered. In thanksgiving, the community made offerings to St. Joseph of their most prized possession: food. The custom and devotion continue to this day. Each year, altars laden with food are prepared to celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph.

Interested in volunteering?

Please prayerfully consider participating in this year's altar by volunteering. There are several ways you can volunteer to help:

Serve the Day of the Altar

We need volunteers to help where needed during the altar. The following shifts are available:

• 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

• 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Click here to view available shifts and sign up online or call the church office at (318) 865-3581.

Donate Baked Goods

Cakes, cookies, brownies, and dessert bars are needed for the St. Joseph Altar cake table. Please bring them in disposable containers and make sure they are sealed well. Also, label items and note if they contain any type of nuts.

Drop off dates and times for baked goods are as follows:

• Thursday, March 20, 9 AM - 4 PM at the church office

• Saturday, March 22, 12 noon - 3 PM at the Family Life Center (Main Room)

• Sunday, March 23, by 10:30 AM at the St. Joseph Altar in the Family Life Center (Main Room)

Contact Kay Nader with questions or to donate: (318) 286-1590; kay.nader@gmail.com.

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations to help with the purchase of items for the St. Joseph Altar are also appreciated. Items we will be purchasing include flowers, fish, ingredients for cookies, salad, dressing, bread, paper goods, etc.

Monetary donations can be made online here through St. Joseph Catholic Church's online giving fund (choose St. Joseph Altar as "Fund") or by check. If donating by check, please make check payable to St. Joseph Church with reference to St. Joseph Altar in the memo and drop off or mail to the church office at 211 Atlantic Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71105.