MCA's Food and Nutrition classes, as well as various clubs and other volunteers, have been baking cookies for MCA's St. Joseph Altar.

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MCA St. Joseph Altar

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Blessing - 8 a.m.
Cafe Campbell

Read about more about MCA's St. Joseph Altar on Nola.com

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THE ST. JOSEPH ALTAR AT MCA

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Mount Carmel Academy will honor St. Joseph with an altar for his feast day. This protector of our Blessed Mother and Jesus is the patron saint of workers and is very dear to the hearts of many. The altar is a community effort with students, alumnae, and parents contributing.

Each one of MCA's 50+ clubs and organizations contribute items for the altar. Students in Food and Nutrition class bake many batches of sesame cookies from scratch. Several clubs also volunteer to bake cookies as well. Students help set up the altar, and Student Ambassadors act as hostesses. At the end of the day, students help clean up and deliver the extra food to a homeless shelter. 

Many of our alumnae and parents contribute by baking cookies, donating items, and assisting with setup. In addition, the Giamrone family, one of our alumnae families, generously prepares a traditional St. Joseph meatless meal for the faculty and staff. The altar truly brings together students, parents, and alumnae in a collaborative effort and fosters community spirit, gratitude, and spiritual reflection. 

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THE TRADITION

Originating from Sicily during a time of drought and famine, the St. Joseph Altar expresses gratitude for St. Joseph's intercession. Amidst crop failures and hunger, Sicilians turned to St. Joseph in prayer, relying on the humble fava bean, typically used as animal fodder, as their sustenance. Today, the altar remains a symbol of thanksgiving for favors granted through St. Joseph's prayers or in petition for a favor sought.

The altar showcases symbolic items reflecting faith and devotion to St. Joseph. From palm branches symbolizing welcome to white lilies representing his virtue and chastity, each element holds deep significance. The altar's meticulous arrangement, including symbols such as statues of the Holy Family, bread crumbs symbolizing the carpenter's shop, and fig cookies marking Sicily's orchards, serves as a testament to St. Joseph's pivotal role as a devout spouse to Mary and father to Jesus. Recognized as the patron of various professions and groups, from carpenters to families and laborers, St. Joseph's enduring legacy continues to inspire faith and reverence among believers worldwide.