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

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 St. Joseph Activity Center during this time.

History of the St. Joseph Altar

The St. Joseph Altar is an offering of love, labor, and sacrafice 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 

Thank you for the outpouring of volunteers to work the day of the altar. All shifts have been filled.

We need volunteers to serve food and drinks, clean tables, and help where needed during the altar. The following shifts are available:

• 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM (clean up)

Bake Cookies

If you would like to help the St. Joseph Catholic Church Blessed Is She women's group bake Italian cookies for the altar, please email Luisa LeMoine at llemoine@stjosephchurch.net or call the church office (318) 865-3581.

Donate Baked Goods

Cakes, cookies, brownies, and other baked goods are needed for the altar. Click here for dessert drop off instructions.

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.