Saint Joseph Altar Celebration

The Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa will hold its 20th annual St. Joseph Altar celebration on March 18th and 19th, 2017.

Doors open at 5:30 PM on Saturday, March 18th with the blessing of the altar at 6:00 PM. Following the blessing, the children will present the “tupa tupa” (knocking) pageant.  A traditional Lenten meal will be served family style after the blessing.

Altar visitations will continue on Sunday, March 19th, the feast of St. Joseph, patron of families and laborers.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Refreshments will be provided during the day.  This year’s celebration will conclude with the incineration of petitions at 4:00 PM.

Both days are open to the public free of charge.  A free-will offering will be accepted.  All attending either of the celebrations will be given a gift bag containing a St. Joseph prayer card, St. Joseph medal, blessed bread and the traditional “lucky” fava bean.  All proceeds, as well as the fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries and financial contributions will be distributed to the St. Joseph Shelter, the Bidwell Center and the Catholic Worker House.

Family Altar Sponsorship Requests

The St. Joseph Altar Celebration is comprised of a main altar and additional family-sponsored side altars. Families who would like to sponsor an altar provide items which represent their family such as statues, linens, family pictures, etc. They have the option of decorating their altar themselves or providing the items for the committee to decorate their altars for them. The committee provides flowers and other traditional items to each of the altars. to request a family altar or for additional information, please feel free to call the chairperson at 244-4672 or 250-8804.

Baking

DSC01898 (Small)Several days are required for the baking of the traditional St. Joseph cookies and breads. Those who would like to come and learn the preparation of new kinds of sweets are invited to attend one of several baking sessions. There is a wide variety of cookies that are made. Volunteers will also be making several pounds of fresh pasta that will be served at both the dinner and the luncheon.

Baking will run March 8th, 9th, 10th,13th,14th,15th,16th and 17th at 9:00 am each day. 

For more information about baking for the celebration, please call the chairperson at 244-4672 or 250-8804.

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