St. Joseph’s Academy’s Student Ministers visited the new CSJ Retirement Center on January 24 to share king cake with the Sisters of St. Joseph who live there. The Sisters moved into the center in August after turning over Mother Alice Hall, their former residence, to the school.

“It was so nice to be able to spend time with the Sisters and discuss life with them...” Lucie Calderon '10

“Sharing a meal with the Sisters of St. Joseph was an experience I will never forget,” said senior Hayley Arceneaux. “I talked with a few of the Sisters who told me about their childhood and how they got into the ministry. We also got to tour their beautiful home. I knew the house would be nice, but I had no idea it would be as fantastic as it is.

“One of the Sisters was watching the Colts-Jets football game during our tour,” Arceneaux added. “The experience showed me how much the Sisters are just like us. They invited me and my family back to see them at any time. I encourage all SJA students and parents to go and visit. Getting to know them was a unique and special opportunity that I will always treasure. I hope to go back and visit with them again soon.”

Senior Lucie Calderon said the afternoon was an enjoyable experience. “It was so nice to be able to spend time with the Sisters and discuss life with them over lemonade and king cake,” she said. “Several of the Sisters brought us around their new living quarters, and we toured their rooms and the beautifully centered chapel. We saw different photographs and works of art on the walls that were brought from the old convent. They displayed the progress of the building of our school, and in that way, I felt connected to the Sisters and the fruit of their works in our education.”
 
“It was so wonderful visiting with the Sisters,” said senior Emily Lopez. “They are always so welcoming and kind, and I was so thankful to them for allowing us to visit. They gave us a tour of their beautiful new residence, including the new chapel. It was a great experience, and I’m glad the Student Ministers had the opportunity to see them.” 

Senior Jennifer Harrison said the Sisters’ new residence is amazing. “I am so happy for them,” she said. “They deserve a beautiful home because they are beautiful women. They enjoyed our company so much and gave us tours. We talked about their past and our future. The conversations were enriching, and the king cake was fabulous. They were so sweet to welcome us into their new home, and I hope to visit them again.”

Senior Rebecca Kleinpeter said she enjoyed seeing the new residence and hearing the Sisters’ stories. “The chapel is beautiful, and everything is really nice,” she said. “The Sisters seem to be really happy there. I went on a tour with Sister Rita Lambert, and it was nice hearing about her life and spending some time with her.”

Senior Kenna Maranto said it warmed her heart to see how happy the Sisters were in their new residence. “They definitely deserve a great and cozy home,” she said. “Also, it was great talking with the Sisters and meeting all of them and seeing them smile because they were so happy to see us there. It was a great day to share with them and the rest of the Student Ministers.”