Saint Joseph’s Day Altar & Family Meal

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Ministry Hall

5:30 – 6:00 pm: Setting up the “altar” and food
6:00 – 7:30 pm: Sharing a family-style meal, short presentation, and blessing

On March 19 the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. We invite all parishioners to our first ever, Saint Joseph’s Day Altar and Family Meal. Come as an individual or bring the whole family to this family-friendly event. This is an Italian tradition where everyone wears red, and we invite everyone to sign up to bring Italian food to share.  Please also bring food items to donate to Catholic Charities for those experiencing food insecurity.

Why do we celebrate Saint Joseph with an altar and meal?

Legends from the Middle Ages attributed the end of a devastating drought to a prayer-devotion that the Sicilian people made to St. Joseph. During a time of drought and famine, no rain fell on Medieval Sicily.  Food crops for both people and livestock withered and died. The people prayed to St. Joseph for help. The rains returned and the crops were saved.  After thanking and honoring the saint, they distributed the food gathered at the feast to the less fortunate.

What is a Saint Joseph Altar?

It is comprised of three ascending tables or “steps” representing the Holy Trinity. It will be decorated with an image of Saint Joseph and other Catholic symbols.

What will we eat?

As the tradition resides from Italy – Italian fare is the food for the evening! We ask that you sign up to bring something to share. Pasta dishes, side dishes, salad, vegetable dishes, bread, and desserts.

How will we honor Saint Joseph?

We will open in prayer, have a brief presentation from Seminarian Tony Carosone and share in a blessing. We will also bring foodstuffs to donate to Catholic Charities for those experiencing food insecurity. (See list below.)

Is there anything special I should wear?

Traditionally, red is worn!

Catholic Charities Food Collection

Please bring items to be donated and distributed through Catholic Charities Atlanta.

  • Pasta
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Rice
  • Canned vegetables
  • Applesauce
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned tuna/salmon
  • Fruit cups
  • Oatmeal
  • Crackers
  • Granola bars
  • Soups/chili
  • Raisins
  • Honey
  • Jams
  • Small size condiments
  • Dried fruit
  • Cooking oil
  • Canned or dried beans

Questions? Contact Julia Acosta, jacosta@judeatl.com