2025 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.

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, 1441 Teche St., New Orleans: Altar viewing March 15, 5-7 p.m.; March 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; March 17-18, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; March 19, 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Mass, followed by meals in the Parish Hall from 7-8 p.m. (504) 361-8835.

Annunciation, 517 Avenue B, Bogalusa (Dobyns Center): Blessing March 14, 6 p.m., viewing until 8 p.m. March 15, Tupa Tuba at 10:45 a.m. with viewing and meals until 3 p.m.

Archbishop Chapelle High School, 8800 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie (gym): March 18, noon blessing, open until 8 p.m.; March 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with Tupa Tupa and meals in cafeteria at noon. For donations, contact [email protected].

Ascension of Our Lord, 1900 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace (Piovan Parish Hall): March 15, blessing after 4 p.m. Mass, open 5-7 p.m.; March 16, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For donations, contact (985) 652-2615.

Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Parish, 3037 Dauphine St., New Orleans (Parish Hall): Viewing March 18 and 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. On March 19, noon blessing with to-go meals served.

Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans (James B. Branton Chapel, enter on Lombard Street): March 18, 3 p.m. blessing, open until 6 p.m. March 19, open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Blessed bags will be available as well as candles. For donations dedicated to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Missions in the U.S. and around the world. www.brothermartin.com or (504) 283-1561.

Cabrini High School and the Elenian Club, 1400 Moss St. (Sacred Heart Chapel), New Orleans: Viewing on March 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and March 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with cookies baked by religion classes under the guidance of Elenian Club members and Cabrini alumnae. Cabrini High School is a pilgrimage site during this 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, a holy site where Mother Cabrini lived as she expanded her mission in New Orleans.

De La Salle High School, 5300 St. Charles Ave. (lobby), New Orleans: March 19, blessing at 7:50 a.m., viewing 8 a.m.-4 p.m. [email protected].

Holy Family, 1220 14th Ave. (church hall), Franklinton: St. Joseph Mass, 10 a.m., followed by blessing and Tupa Tupa in the hall. Viewing 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For donations, contact Judy Gilardi, (985) 773-3051.

Holy Spirit, 6201 Stratford Place (Allen Roy Life Center), Algiers: Viewing March 18, 4-8 p.m.; March 19, St. Joseph Mass, 2:15 p.m. in church followed by the Tupa Tupa in center at 3 p.m. Viewing and meals 3:30-8 p.m. For donations, call (504) 394-5492.

Mary Queen of Peace, 1501 West Causeway Approach (MQP Parish Center), Mandeville: Viewing March 14, 4-8 p.m.; March 15, 2-6 p.m. No meals served. For donations, contact JoAnn Beach, (cell) (985) 630-2233 or [email protected].

Most Holy Trinity, 501 Holy Trinity Drive (Family Life Center), Covington: March 19, blessing with Tupa Tupa at 9:30 a.m., viewing and meals, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., dine-in or takeout. For donations, contact Lynette Hatty, (504) 481-3317.

Mount Carmel Academy, 7027 Milne Blvd. (Cafe Campbell), New Orleans: March 19, blessing at 8 a.m. with viewing until 5 p.m. No meals. For donations, contact Suzanne Buras, [email protected].

Our Lady of Guadalupe/Shrine of St. Jude, 411 N. Rampart St., New Orleans: March 18, Tupa Tupa 5-6 p.m. in church; March 19, blessing after the 7 a.m. Mass with viewing until 5 p.m. No meals.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, 1 Rectory Lane (Friends of St. Joseph Food Pantry), Hahnville, March 15, blessing followed by the Tupa Tupa, viewing 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 16, viewing after each Mass, and until 5 p.m. March 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Donation contact: Janel Pizzolato, (985) 783-1199.

Our Lady of the Lake, 312 Lafitte St. (school cafeteria), Mandeville: March 15, viewing 3-6 p.m. with blessing at 5:15 p.m. after the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass. March 16, 9:30 a.m. Tupa Tupa, with meals served from 10 a.m. until food runs out. For donations, John Iennusa, (985) 789-4248.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Latin Mass Community, 2031 Ronald Reagan Hwy. (American Legion Hall), Covington: March 22, 11 a.m. altar blessing followed by the Tupa Tupa. Public viewing and meal, noon to 4 p.m. Blessed bags, candles and salt available for donation. (985) 705-3324.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 2008 Short St. (Larose Center), Kenner: Viewing March 15, 3-6 p.m.; March 16, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; March 19, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Meals served March 19 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For donations, Mary McAlister, (504) 669-0120.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, 531 Avenue A (cafeteria), Westwego: March 19, 8 a.m. Mass in church. Viewing with meals in the cafeteria from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or until food runs out. For donations, Grace Skinner (504) 583-2715.

Our Lady of the Rosary, 1342 Moss St., New Orleans (Vincent Hall): Blessing with viewing March 15 after 4 p.m. Vigil Mass. Viewing March 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; March 19, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For donations, Nick Scramuzza, (504) 483-8168.

St. Alphonsus Parish-St. Mary’s Assumption Church, 923 Josephine St., New Orleans: March 19, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. with blessing at 11 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. Mass with devotions to St. Joseph. Viewing also March 20-21 through the Seelos Shrine of the church, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; March 22, Vigil Mass 4 p.m. March 23, altar food will be dispersed for all to enjoy following the 12:30 p.m. Spanish Mass and blessings bestowed. Donations accepted; St. Joseph Vigil candles, cookies and bread available. (504) 522-6748.

St. Angela Merici, 901 Beverly Garden Drive (Kern Center), Metairie: March 18, 6-8 p.m. with candlelight rosary, 7 p.m. March 19, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. with blessing and the Tupa Tupa at 10:30 a.m. Meals served 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For donations, Renee Lauland, [email protected], (504) 371-2101.

St. Ann Church and National Shrine, 3601 Transcontinental Drive (Ministry Center behind church on Loveland Street), Metairie: March 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 6-7 p.m., with spaghetti lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the cafeteria (benefits All God’s Babies). Viewing, March 18, noon-8 p.m., March 19, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For donations, Kay Boutte, (504) 455-7071 or  [email protected].

St. Anthony of Padua, 234 Angus Drive (Community Activities Building), Luling: Blessing March 16, noon; viewing and meals, March 16, noon-3 p.m.; March 17 and 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 19, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., with meals from noon until food runs out. For donations, (985) 785-8885.

St. Benilde, 1901 Division St., Metairie: March 19, blessing at 9 a.m. with viewing 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in church. No meals served.

St. Catherine of Siena, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie: March 19, blessing at 9:30 a.m. with viewing from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For donations, (504) 835-9343.

St. Charles Borromeo, 13396 River Road (Borromeo Room in old auditorium), Destrehan: Blessing March 16, 8:45 a.m. with viewing until 2 p.m. Viewing March 19, 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m. For donations, Mary Engler.

St. Clement of Rome, 4317 Richland Ave., Metairie: Blessing March 18, 6:30 p.m. with viewing March 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For donations, Katie Fabian, [email protected]

St. Cletus, 3600 Claire Ave. (St. Jerome Hall), Gretna: Blessing March 18 at 6:30 p.m. followed by rosary. Viewing March 19, with food served 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Donation contact: Bill Landry, (504) 909-1685.

St. Francis of Assisi, 631 State St., New Orleans: Viewing March 19, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., with blessing at 6 p.m. For donations, Caroline Toso, (504) 891-4479.

St. Francis Xavier Parish, 215 Betz Place (school auditorium), Metairie: Viewing March 18-19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. On March 19, the Tupa Tupa will be after 8 a.m. Mass (8:45 a.m.), with meals served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For donations, Rick and Jeannie Redman.

St. Genevieve, 58203 Hwy. 433 (Parish Life Center), Slidell: March 19, 10 a.m. Mass followed by blessing and the Tupa Tupa. Viewing and meals served 11:30-4 p.m. For donations, Edolia Barros, (985) 285-1561, or Mary Strecker, (985) 640-5971.

St. Hubert, 176 Anthony F. Monica St. (church hall), Garyville: March 19, 10:15 a.m., Father Ray Hymel, pastor, will bless the altar and lead the rosary. Spaghetti served 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Italian cookies will be sold.

St. Jane de Chantal, 72040 Maple St. (St. Jane Hall), Abita Springs: March 19, blessing 9 a.m. after 8 a.m. Mass with the Tupa Tupa at 9:30 a.m. Viewing noon-6:30 p.m. with meals served until food runs out. For donations, June Frechou, [email protected].

St. Joachim, 5505 Barataria Blvd., Marrero: Viewing March 19, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Mass.

St. Joan of Arc, 529 W. 5th St. (Family Life Center Meeting Room), LaPlace: Blessing March 18, 8:30 a.m. with the Tupa Tupa at 11 a.m., viewing by school children and public until 4 p.m. March 19, viewing 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and meals served noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. For donations, Bobby Bourgeois, (504) 382-2866.

St. John the Baptist, 1139 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans: March 19, blessing at 9 a.m. with viewing until 5 p.m. For donations, Ann Moll, (504) 392-8784.

St. John Paul II Church, 6851 River Road (Parish Hall), Waggaman: Blessing March 18, 6:10 p.m. March 19, 11:15 a.m. Tupa Tupa,, with viewing and meals from noon-6 p.m. For donations: Ray Milligan, (504) 722-9943.

St. Joseph, 1802 Tulane Ave., New Orleans: March 19, Mass at noon followed by blessing. Public viewing 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. For donations, (504) 522-3186.

St. Joseph Church and Shrine, 610 Sixth St. (gym at corner of 7th and Newton streets), Gretna: March 18, 5 p.m. rosary and prayer service in gym near the altar with viewing until 7 p.m. March 19, blessing and the Tupa Tupa after 10 a.m. Mass, with viewing and meals from noon-4 p.m. For donations, Debbie Swiler, (504) 722-5958.
St. Josephine Bakhita, 3501 N. Miro St., New Orleans: March 15, church opens 3 p.m.,  4 p.m. Mass, St. Joseph Altar blessed and meals served in rear from 5-6 p.m. March 16, 10 a.m. Mass, altar blessed, and meals served 11 a.m.-noon.

St. Luke the Evangelist, 910 Cross Gates Blvd. (Family Life Center), Slidell: Blessing March 19, 9:45 a.m. following 8:45 a.m. Mass. Cookies and candles available for donations. Church office, (985) 641-6429.

St. Michael the Archangel, 15405 Hwy. 90 (Parish Hall), Paradis: Blessing March 16, noon, followed by viewing and meals until 2 p.m. For donations, Sherryl Folse, (504) 852-2866.

St. Paul the Apostle, 6828 Chef Menteur Hwy. (St. Paul’s Chapel), New Orleans: March 19, blessing 8 a.m., with viewing from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

St. Peter, 131 E. Temperance St. (St. Mary’s Hall), Covington: Blessing March 16 after 8 a.m. Mass and viewing until 12:30 p.m. Consumption of altar after 11:30 a.m. Mass. For donations, Ann Kay Logarbo, (985) 886-0218.

Sts. Peter and Paul, 66192 St. Mary Drive (Parish Hall), Pearl River: March 19, 11 a.m. blessing, the Tupa Tupa at 11:30 a.m. and meal at noon. For donations, Karen Dickerson, (985) 863-7935.

St. Philip Neri Parish and School, 6500 Kawanee Ave. (Parishioners’ Center), Metairie: March 19, public viewing 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with blessing at 10 a.m., children’s story time at 4 p.m., living rosary at 4:30 p.m. and community dinner, 5-7 p.m. For donations, Crystal Vaccaro, (504) 450-6258 or [email protected].

St. Rita, 7100 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan: March 19, viewing 9 a.m.-6 p.m. with blessing at 9:15 a.m. and meals from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For donations, Alden Ross, (504) 577-4612.

St. Rita, 2729 Lowerline St., New Orleans: March 19, blessing after 7 a.m. Mass and viewing until 6 p.m. For donations, [email protected].

St. Francis Villa Assisted Living, 10411 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge: March 19, blessing at 10:30 a.m., with viewing from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pasta Milanese and artichoke casserole will be served to the public from 2-5 p.m. For donations, (504) 738-1060.