St. Joseph's Altar at 

St. Thomas Catholic Church 

Community Center

St. Thomas Catholic Church is pleased to announce the hosting of a traditional St. Joseph's Altar at the St. Thomas Catholic Church Community Center on March 19, 2025. This deeply revered celebration honors St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, and is a cherished tradition among many Catholic communities, especially those of Sicilian descent. There were many Sicilians who settled, from the 1880's to 1920's, to support the Truck Farming industry in the new City of Long Beach, Mississippi, which was established in 1905.

The St. Joseph's Altar will be open to the public from its 11:00 AM Blessing to 5:45 PM, providing an opportunity for all to participate in this special event. The altar will be adorned with a variety of breads, fruits, and pastries, symbolizing the bounty bestowed by St. Joseph. Visitors are invited to bring their own offerings and enjoy the communal spirit fostered by this tradition.

Additionally, a special mass will be held at 5:45 PM in the St. Thomas Community Center at the conclusion of the day. The event will also feature traditional Sicilian/Italian dishes, served from 11 :45 AM to 1:00 PM, reflecting the rich cultural heritage associated with St. Joseph's Day.

"We are excited to bring this beautiful tradition to our community," said Father Satish Adhav, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. "The St. Joseph's Altar is not just a tribute to St. Joseph's generosity and kindness but also a testament to the unity and faith of our parish, especially our families with Sicilian heritage."

For more information about the event or to find out how you can contribute, please contact the St. Thomas Catholic Church office at (228) 863-1610 or visit our website at saintthomaslb.org or our church Facebook page.

We look forward to seeing you at this meaningful celebration.