2023 St. Joseph Altars

The St. Joseph Altar or St. Joseph Table is an old tradition from Sicily.  The island was suffering from a horrific drought and the people prayed for the intercession of St. Joseph for relief.  At last the rain came and the people rejoiced. Some time later, to show their gratitude, they prepared a table with a special assortment of foods they had harvested. After paying honor to St. Joseph, they distributed the food to the less fortunate. 

While the Solemnity of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19, this year, because March 19 falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent this year, the Solemnity of St. Joseph is transferred to Monday, March 20.

The act of making an altar fulfills a promise made to St. Joseph for an answered prayer.  The traditional St. Joseph Altar is constructed in the shape of the cross, with three levels honoring the Holy Trinity. A statue or picture of Joseph, often seen holding the baby Jesus stands at the center of the highest tier with flowers surrounding him. Most often the colors of red, white and green (the colors of the Italian flag) are displayed. Most altars have a basket where visitors can place written petitions.  Each food on the altar has some traditional significance.

• Breads are baked in the shapes of ladders, saws and hammers, the carpenter tools, and so forth.
• Hard-boiled eggs are embedded in baked bread to symbolize the rebirth of spring and the coming of Easter. 
• The breadcrumbs represent the sawdust of the carpenter.
• There are wreaths and a crown of thorns, palms branches, wheat, sacred heart, crosses, Joseph’s staff and the Monstrance.
• The whole baked fish represents the Miracle of the Multiplication of Loaves.
• Wine recalls the wedding feast at Cana. 
• The fava bean, which was the only crop that survived the drought, is called the lucky bean.
• Fresh produces recalls the bountiful harvest that concluded the famine.
• There is no meat on a St. Joseph Altar because the Solemnity falls during the Lenten season of repentance, fasting, and abstinence.

See below for the listing of St. Joseph's Altars in the Archdiocese of New Orleans:

All Saints Catholic Church, March 18th and 19th, 2023.Before and after All Masses. St. Joseph Candles will be available for donations. free St. Joseph Lucky beans, Free St. Joseph Prayer cards.Cookies..etc.  All donations will cover expenses of altar and support the parishioners and friends of All saints our parishioners in need. 1441 Teche St. New Orleans.

Archbishop Chapelle High School, Friday, March 17, altar blessing at 12 pm followed by viewing until 8 pm with the Rosary at 7 pm; March 18, viewing from 9 am to 4 pm with Tupa Tupa at 12 pm followed by lunch.. Rosary and Altar candles are available. Visit ArchbishopChapelle.org for more information.. Archbishop Chapelle Gymnasium, 8800 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie. For more information 504.467.3105.

Ascension of Our Lord Church, March 18 and 19, 2023; before and after all Masses. St. Joseph candles, St. Joseph Lucky beans, and St. Joseph prayer cards will be available. Cookies will be available for sale. The altar will be located in the Piovan Parish Hall which is accessible from the Church parking lot, 1900 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace, LA. For more information call the parish office at 985-652-2615.

Blessed Seelos Parish, 3037 Dauphine St., New Orleans. March 17, noon-7 p.m.; March 18, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; March 19, blessing after 9:30 a.m. Mass until 2 p.m. with meals.

Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, Location: James B. Branton Chapel on the campus of Brother Martin High School (Enter Chapel on Lombard St.);
Saturday, March 18, 2023,Blessing of the Altar 3 pm. The altar is open to the public  3 p.m. – 8 p.m. following the Blessing. Blessed bags will be available as well as candles with a donation. 
For further information, please visit www.brothermartin.com or call 504-283-1561.

Cabrini High School, 3400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, chapel, March 18, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and March 19, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with meals beginning at noon. Donations dedicated to chapel roof repairs. Sponsored by the Elenian Club. (504) 483-8675.

Divine Mercy Parish & St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Parish Narthex in the main church building. Items will be available for purchase during the hours the altar is open. Parish Narthex, located in the main church building. 4337 Sal Lentini Parkway, Kenner, LA 70065 at (504) 466-5016. For more information contact: Dylan Mitchell at [email protected]

Holy Family, 1220 14th Ave., Franklinton, in the Parish Hall, March 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Blessing and serving of the Holy Family at the conclusion of 10 a.m. Mass of St. Joseph; public served afterwards.

Immaculate Conception, New Orleans, Fri. March 17  8am-4pm, Sat. March 18 8am-3pm, Sun March 19 8am-5pmMon March 20 8am-4pm in the church at 132 Baronne Street, New Orleans.

Loyola University New Orleans, Monday, March 20th, 11 am - 4 pm, Blessing at 12noon. Loyola University New Orleans Danna Student Center (by Starbucks)

Mary Queen of Peace, Friday, March 17, 5 to 7:30 p.m. The altar will be open for viewing during the Friday Fish Fry in the cafeteria. 1501 West Causeway Approach Mandeville, LA School Cafeteria. For more information contact: Gayle Camus, 985-626-6977.

Metairie Manor, March 16 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Blessing at 9:30), March 17 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Donations will be accepted for cookie.. Metairie Manor Dining Hall 4929 York Street Metairie, LA 70001. For more information contact: Zina Smith and Frances Munaco; (504) 456-1467.

Most Holy Trinity, Monday, March 20. Blessing of the Altar will be held after 8:45 daily Mass (approximately 9:30) followed by Feeding of the Little Saints.  The serving line will open to visitors approximately 10am. 501 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington.

Mount Carmel Academy, 7027 Milne Blvd. New Orleans, in Cafe Campbell (enter on Milne Boulevard), blessing, March 17, 7:45 a.m., with viewing until 5 p.m

New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries, Saturday, March 18th 10-2. All are welcome to join us at our second annual St. Joseph's Day Altar. Blessing will occur at 10 am. Public viewing from 10 to 2. All are encouraged to bring memorial photographs of their deceased loved-ones to place on the altar. The altar will be located in the St. Joseph Cemetery Memorial Chapel within St. Joseph Cemetery No. 1.. St. Joseph Memorial Chapel St. Joseph Cemetery No. 1 2220 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA. For more information visit: https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org.

Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Jude Shrine, 411 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, in the church, March 18, starting at noon and ending on March 19 at 6 p.m. No meals served.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church & School, Monday, March 20th Blessing immediately following 8am Mass; altar at OLPS School. Meals will be served from 11am until food runs out. OLPS School 531 Avenue A Westwego, LA 70094. For more information contact: OLPS Church Office 504-341-9522.

Our Lady of the Angels Church, March 19 AT 12:00 PM. Tupa, Tupa will take place after the 10:30 Mass. Meals will be available from 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm. Cookies will be on sale. Our Lady of the Angels Parish Hall behind the church, 6851 RIVER RD., WAGGAMAN, 70094. For more information call (504) 722-9943.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Saturday, March 18- 10 am Blessing of the Altar followed by Tupa Tupa. Open for visitation until 3 pm Sunday, March 19th - Altar may be viewed in between Masses & until 4 pm. Cookies will be for sale. Memorial candles, blessed candles & oil, & holy water available for a donation.Donations cover expenses of altar and support the work of the Friends of St. Joseph, apostolate to those in need in our local community.

Our Lady of the Lake, March 18 - viewing from 1 pm to 5:30 pm; March 19 - blessings and Tupa Tupa at 9 am, feeding of the faithful to follow until the food runs out. Donations to assist the poor may be sent to the parish office. 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, The St. Joseph's Altar will be open for public viewing on Friday, March 17, 5:00-8:00pm, Saturday, March 18, 11:00am-7:00pm with Feast at 2:00pm, and Sunday, March 19, 10:00am-5:00pm.  In Vincent Hall, 1324 Moss Street, New Orleans.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, Saturday March 18,2023 9:00am Blessing of the Altar and viewing , Sunday March 19, 2023 after the 10:00am Mass till 12:00pm. Meatless Pasta on that Sunday after mass March 19,2023. 1835 St. Roch Avenue 70117 In Church. For more information contact: Carol Ali Jenkins 504-944-0166.

St. Alphonsus / St. Mary's Assumption, Saturday, March 17th 3:00 to 4:PM and 5:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday, March 18th 9:30 to 10:30 and 11:30 to 12:00 NOON. St. Joseph Vigil candles cookies. St. Joseph Alter in St. Mary's Assumption Church 2030 Constance Street New Orleans, LA 70130. For more information contact: Terry Loetzerich 504-908-3800.

St. Angela Merici Parish, DATE(S); Friday, March 17, 2023 and Saturday, March 18, 2023 TIME(S): Friday from 6-8 pm, with candlelight rosary at 7 pm; Saturday from 10 am - 7:30 pm BLESSING (DAY/TIME): Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10:30 am TUPA TUPA (DAY/TIME): Saturday, March 18, 20. DATE(S); Friday, March 17, 2023 and Saturday, March 18, 2023 TIME(S): Friday from 6-8 pm, with candlelight rosary at 7 pm; Saturday from 10 am - 7:30 pm BLESSING (DAY/TIME): Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10:30 am TUPA TUPA (DAY/TIME): Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10:30 am MEALS (DAY/TIME): Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 11 am - 7 pm. Corner of Pomona Street and Beverly Garden Drive, Metairie in The Kern Center/Gym. For more information contact: St. Angela Merici Parish Office, 504-835-0324.

St. Ann Church & Shrine, Friday, 3/17/23 | 3:00 - 7:00 PM Saturday, 3/18/23 | Noon - 6:00 PM Sunday, 3/19/23 | 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM. St. Joseph Lunch in the Cafeteria following the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday.. The altar is located in the parish ministry center directly behind the church at 4921 Loveland Street.. For more information contact: Kay Boutte 504-455-7071 [email protected]

St. Anthony of Padua, Luling, March 18, 2023 5pm blessing of the Altar open 5-8 March 19 6am-6pm March 20 6am- 3pm. March 18, 2023 5pm blessing of the Altar, meal served 5-7 March 19 meal served noon-7pm. St. Anthony of Padua 234 Angus Dr. Luling, LA 70070. For more information contact: St. Anthony Church 985-785-8885.

St. Benilde Church, open to the public on Sunday, March 19 following the morning Sunday Masses (9 and 11 a.m.) and will remain open until 5:45 p.m. Donations will be accepted and small items will be available for purchase. The altar is located inside St. Benilde Church: 1901 Division Street, Metairie, LA 70001. For more information contact: Parish Office at 504-834-4980.

St. Catherine of Siena's Rosary Altar Society, Sunday, March 19 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. A Spaghetti Meal will be served March 19 from 11:30am - 1:30pm in the school Cafeteria Cookies and items for sale. St. Catherine of Siena, Melancon Center (1643 Metairie Rd). For more information contact: Parish Office 504-835-9343.

St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Sat March 18 9am-6pm, Sun March 19 8:30am-2pm. Cookies bread and other items available for donation. The altar will be in the Borromeo Room  on campus at 13396 River Road, Destrehan. Please follow the signs on campus for directions.

St. Cletus Catholic Church, March 17 - 6:30 Rosary, blessing, and viewing after - closing at 8PM March 18 - Opens at 11:00 AM Closes at 8:00 PM. Cookies are available for a donation. Food will be served from 11 AM until food runs out. 3600 Claire Avenue Gretna, LA 70053. For more information contact: Bill Landry (504) 909-1685.

St. Dominic, Saturday, March 18, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Solemn Mass honoring St. Joseph at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20. Located in the churc at 775 Harrison Avenue New Orleans.

St. Francis Xavier, Metairie, Preview of Altar 9am-4pm on Sunday, March 19.  On Monday, March 20, the viewing of the Altar is from 9am-4pm with Mass at 8am honoring St. Joseph followed by the Tupa-Tupa.  The Public Meal will be from 11am-2pm in the cafeteria, and Archbishop Aymond will visit at 1:15 pm.The altar is located in the school auditorium, enter from ither Betz Place or through the parking lot on Metairie Rd.

St. Gabriel the Archangel, 5029 Louisa St., New Orleans, blessing March 18 after the 4 p.m. Mass; March 19, open to the public 8 a.m.-noon; March 20, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Blessed food from the altar will be donated to a local homeless shelter. Donations accepted. (504) 282-0296.

St. Genevieve, 58203 Hwy. 433, Slidell, March 20, 10 a.m. Mass followed by blessing of the altar and meals served from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Donations accepted. (985) 285-1561.

St. James Major, Friday, March 17th immediately following 8:30am Mass & AMStation on the Cross (approximately 10am) No Meals. St. James Major Church, 3736 Gentilly Blvd.,New Orleans.

St. Jane de Chantal, March 20, 2023 Noon - 4:30 pm, Viewing and meals served to the public at noon until food runs out. St. Jane Hall 72040 Maple Street Abita Springs.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Folsom. The St. Joseph Altar will be available for visiting from 4:00-5:30 pm on Saturday, March 18 and from 8:00 am-4:00 pm Sunday, March 19. In Jonathan Hall at 11345 St. John Church Road, Folsom.

St. Joan of Arc, 529 West 5th St., LaPlace, in the Family Life Center, blessing March 17 at 9 a.m. Public viewing, March 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with Tupa Tupa at 11 a.m. and meals noon-1 p.m., then 5:30-6:30 p.m. On March 19, viewing 10 a.m.-7 p.m., meals noon-1 p.m., then 5:30-6:30 p.m. (985) 652-9100.

St. Joseph Church & Shrine, Sunday, March 19, 2023 - 5:00-7:00pm; Rosary & Prayer Service Monday, March 20, 2023 Noon - 4:00pm. Mass at 10:00am; food served Noon-4:00pm or until all food is gone; cookies included with meal. St. Joseph Gymnasium, corner of 7th & Newton Sts., Gretna. For more information contact: Debbie Swiler (504)722-5958.

St. Joseph, 1802 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, in church, March 20, viewing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with St. Joseph Feast Day Mass and blessing at noon. Meals served after Mass. Donations will benefit various organizations in need. (504) 522-3186.


St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Sunday, March 19th after 9:00 a.m. Mass - 1 p.m.; Blessing at 10 a.m.. Holy cards, medals, lucky beans, blessed bread. 10021 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, LA. For more information contact: Kim Roberts 504-236-0776.

St. Patrick, 28698 Hwy. 23, Port Sulphur, in the Family Life Center, March 19 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Paul the Apostle, 6828 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans, in the chapel, opens March 20 with blessing at 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. No meals will be served.

St. Peter, 125 East 19th Ave., Covington, in St. Mary’s Hall, March 19, blessing follows 8:30 a.m. Mass with viewing until 12:30 p.m. Donations, (985) 886-0218.

St. Philip Neri, 6500 Kawanee Ave., Metairie, in the Parishioners’ Center, March 18, blessing at 9 a.m. with viewing until 5 p.m. Children’s St. Joseph Story Time, 10 a.m.; Living rosary, 11 a.m. Donations, (504) 615-9311.

St. Raymond and St. Leo the Great, 2916 Paris Ave., New Orleans. March 18, Mass of St. Joseph, 10 a.m., followed by blessing and viewing until 4 p.m. Mass, then reopens until 6 p.m. March 19, viewing after 10 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. Donations, (504) 220-6473.

Sts. Peter and Paul, 66192 St. Mary Drive, Pearl River, in the parish hall, March 19, blessing at 11:30 a.m., Tupa Tupa at 11:45 a.m. Viewing and meals begin at noon. Donations, (985) 863-7935.

St. Rita, 7100 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, in the Msgr. Champagne Parish Complex, March 19, blessing at 9 a.m. with viewing until 6 p.m. and meals served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (504) 737-2915.

St. Rita, 2729 Lowerline, New Orleans, blessing March 18 after the 8 a.m. Mass; viewing until 5:30 p.m. Reopens March 19, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mid-City Rock ‘n Bowl, 3016 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans. March 19, noon-5 p.m. Donations will be forwarded to Ozanam Inn.