The St. Joseph Altar is a tradition at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.  There is usually a viewing of the Altar the day before the feast of St. Joseph. 

On the feast of St. Joseph there is a blessing of the altar and  a large buffet of several meatless dishes.  Usually the buffet consists of spaghetti and sauce, cabbage, fried and baked fish, stuffed bell peppers and artichokes, carrot scuffle, green bean and corn casseroles, and much more including a wide variety of desserts.

The event is free and the public is invited to come out and enjoy a delicious meal. However, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made at the door when entering Rouquette Hall next to the church.

There is also a box available for prayer requests which are placed on the altar at the end of the evening and made through the intercession of St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Altar is a beautiful tradition and adoration to St. Joseph, which has been celebrated here in the New Orleans area since the first Italian Catholic immigrants came to this country from Italy. It actually started in Italy after a great famine.  The people prayed a novena and through the intercession of St. Joseph the famine ended. Once again food was plentiful. To give thanks they made an altar filled with specially prepared baked goods, fruit, wine, etc., and held a feast for the entire community to enjoy.  This tradition is still alive today.