Patterson church makes plans for St. Joseph Altar

The celebration of the St. Joseph Altar, honoring the patron saint on his feast day, has become a tradition at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson.
Blessing of the Altar will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, with viewing of the altar until 8 p.m. Festivities will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1011 First St., Patterson, on Thursday, March 19. Opening with Mass celebrated at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Herbert Bennerfield III.
The procession of the saints for the meal will be 10-11 a.m. A meal served to the public will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (until all food has been served). Viewing of the altar will be until 4 p.m. Any remaining cakes and cookies will be donated to the needy of the area in keeping with spirit of the St. Joseph Altar.
Each year the celebration is an act of humility where all food and decorations are derived from the generosity of friends and neighbors, the church said in announcing the event. The altar is adorned with many decorative cakes, cookies and specialty breads all of which are hand made by volunteers and derived from donated ingredients.