St. Joseph Catholic Church held its Annual St. Joseph Table in the Fr. Arthur N. Tafoya Narthex on March 19-22. The table was blessed after the 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. mass on Thursday, March 19, which is St. Joseph Day. Thanks to all those in our parish who took the time to set up the table for this year's celebration! Below are some photos of the finished table and information about the history of the St. Joseph's Table.
History of the St. Joseph Table
"St. Joseph is the patron saint of our St. Joseph Parish and the Universal Church."
- The St. Joseph Table is a religious and traditional custom that started centuries ago in Sicily during a famine.
- Prayers to St. Joseph were answered, the rains came, and the famine came to an end.
- In gratitude, the farmers honored St. Joseph by filling an Altar with their most prized possessions, FOOD!
- After paying homage to St. Joseph, they distributed the food to the poor and less fortunate.
- This altar is known as "la tavola di San Giuse" or "Saint Joseph's Table" and is always blessed by a Priest.
St. Joseph Table Altar
The Altar has three levels symbolic of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
The elements that compose the altar are:
- An Image of St. Joseph
- Flowers
- Symbolically shaped breads
- Candles
- Fruit and Vegetables
- Fava Beans
- Sprouted Wheat
Symbolic Meaning
- Cross: represents the Crucifixion
- Chalice: represents the Consecration of the Bread and Wine at the Last Supper
- Heart: represents the Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the symbol of love.
- Large round loaves of bread: symbolize the crown of thorns
- Hands: represent God's hands
- Shepherd's Staff: symbolizes the Lord is our Shepherd
- White Lilies: Symbolize transformation and purity
- Wine: symbolic of the Last Supper and the Miracle at Cana
- Hammer, saw, and ladder: represent the tools used by St. Joseph the Carpenter
- Fava Beans: considered "lucky" because during the drought, the fava thrived while other plant crops failed.
The Chalice for Vocations ministry was developed to promote fervent and devotional prayer for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. These specific intentions are raised as the chalice travels within the parish community.
