Please join us as we celebrate our patron saint's feast day on Saturday, January 28th with Mass at 4:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the Kern Center. We hope to see you there!
Our next Pro-Life Ministry meeting is February 6th at 9:45 in the Conference Room. For more information about this ministry, please contact Erin Kalus at 504-265-0278 or eed543@cox.net
8th ANNUAL FAMILY ST. JOSEPH'S ALTAR
At St. Angela Merici, the St. Joseph Altar started as a fourth grade religion project. The students learned about St. Joseph, the traditions behind the altar and how it is an offering of love, labor, sacrifice and thanksgiving. All of our students, both from St. Angela Merici School and our Parish School of Religion, are now involved as they create art projects for display on our Parish Family St. Joseph's Altar. In addition, our fourth grade students make lamb cupcakes, perform the Tupa Tupa for the school Altar blessing, and help to fill the children's Altar cookie bags. Our Parish School of Religion children join us to perform the Tupa Tupa for the public Altar blessing. What a blessing the children are to our Parish!
Our St. Joseph's Altar, with encouragement from Father Beau, is now a parish/family celebration of thanksgiving that honors St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and husband to Mary, and his intercession for us, to God our Father.
Over the last few weeks, the St. Joseph's Altar Ministry has been busy preparing things for this year’s altar celebration. As the altar grows each year, there are many opportunities for everyone to participate. While cookies are usually the first thing people think of, we always need help with painting fava beans, making rosaries, baking casseroles, craft projects to make the altar beautiful, symbolic pastries, filling goodie bags, and many more. We also need volunteers to work the day of the altar to greet visitors, serve food, drinks and desserts, help with memorial candles, etc. (If you know students needing service hours, working on the St. Joseph's Altar is a great way to earn hours while making new friends, honoring St. Joseph, and helping to keep a tradition alive.)
If you are interested in being involved in the St. Joseph's Altar Ministry, you can find copies of the upcoming workshops and events schedule, in the church hallways. As always, if you have any questions please go to the church website, or contact Janet Cruppi at 504‑338‑2957, or Renee Lauland at 504-371-2101.
Did you know…
The Tupa Tupa or "Knock Knock" custom of the Holy Family's search for food and shelter is an integral part of the St. Joseph's Altar celebration. Children are selected to represent Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the angels. The ritual begins as St. Joseph knocks on doors at three Inns, looking for food and shelter for his family. They are finally welcomed in at the third Inn. After they have finished their meal, each Altar guest is welcomed and served with love and warm hospitality in imitation of St. Joseph.
The St. Angela Merici Prayer Line is a powerful and important way for us to bond as a faith community. Please send prayer requests no later than Friday of each week so they can be included on the prayer line going out that weekend. Or, if you would like to simply join us in praying for those in our parish, please contact Beth Kliebert at bbk9094@gmail.com or simply click the blue button below.
