Count St. Joseph Altars as another south Louisiana tradition fallen victim to COVID-19.
Churches throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge have been forced to either cancel or at least postpone the popular altars, which have now joined festivals, athletic events and the aggrandized Mardi Gras as cultural icons snuffed out by the novel coronavirus.
“It was a sad but easy decision to make, since the guidelines given by the chancery for in-person gatherings and food service would so limit the possible excessive numbers, safe seating and distancing, and food-handling that it really is not possible for us to comply,” said Father Paul Counce, pastor at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge.
The cathedral’s elaborate altar, affectionally known as a “meal for all downtown,” is a popular stopping off point on St. Joseph’s Day.”
Father Mathew Graham, pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs, called the decision to at least postpone the altar “common sense.”
“For me, after talking to a few people, even those in charge, it was a simple decision,” he said. “A lot of people who prepare the food are not comfortable getting together or taking food from other people’s houses. Most people are not comfortable in our kitchen (close together) to make cookies.”
He said the uncertainty of being able to display the altar that paralleled the uncertainty of people of people being able to visit played a role.
“There were no hurt feelings,” Father Graham said.
But at least there is hope, hope that if conditions continue to improve the parish can potentially host an altar during the summer. He said that in some ways everyone was mutually agreeable that with 2021 being the Year of St. Joseph a votive Mass could potentially be celebrated during the summer followed by the St. Joseph’s Altar.
“We are trying to use common sense at the moment but hopeful we can do something like that later this summer,” Father Graham said, adding that any such event would depend on the state guidelines as well as those set by Bishop Michael G. Duca.
Father Graham, who was installed as pastor in September, said the parish has been able to hold its annual Lenten meals, which he said have been “very successful. I’m excited about that.”
He added the postponement was especially disappointing because as a “brand new pastor you hear about all of the things that happen (throughout the year) and it’s just another thing we can’t do.”
“I have not experienced a fall festival yet, or programs for learning center that bring excitement and enthusiasm,” he said. “A lot of things as a new pastor you want to see the fullness of that first year, to get an idea what do you do, expand upon and what can you change if I still have to wait.”
St. Joseph Altar
March 20 & 21
St. John the Evangelist Church
Knights of Columbus Hall
58715 Price Street, Plaqumine
March 20: 4 p.m. Mass in honor
of St. Joseph at the church
March 21: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. serving
of the altar at KC hall
Betty Aucoin 225-687-2111
Rosemary Cox 225-687-6160
Louise Dugas 225-659-2371
St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland
30300 Catholic. Hall Road, Hammond
(Albany exit I12)
St. Thomas Chapel
32191 Hwy. 22, Springfield
After each weekend Mass each parishioner will receive a bag containing a St. Joseph prayer card, rosary, fava bean and St. Joseph bread.
St. Joseph votive candles will be
for sale for $5.
Lanie Borum 225-567-3573