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ST CROIX DEANERY CELEBRATIONS CONFIRMATIONS, LAUNCHES JUBILEE OF ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
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March 3, 2025On Sunday, March 2, 2025, a twin celebration took place in Saint Joseph Church, Frederiksted, in St Croix Deanery. It was the launching of the 60th Anniversary of St Joseph High School, and the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to candidates from the Parishes of the Deanery.
This double event was in the context of a Eucharistic celebration presided at by Very Rev. Andrea Filippucci, Vicar General of the Diocese of St Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and Pastor of St Joseph Church. The Mass was concelebrated by priests serving in the Deanery. St Joseph Choir from the Parish led the singing in English and Spanish, and the Confirmandi proclaimed the Scripture Readings.
The diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Jerome Feudjio, was unavoidably absent due to bereavement and the funeral program of two of his family members. At the start of the celebration, Very Rev. Marcel Gham, Chancellor of the Diocese, read a letter from the Bishop in which the latter expressed his well wishes, and delegated the Vicar General to represent him at the important event, and administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Parents, Sponsors (God-parents), family and friends of those who received confirmation, together with the faithful from across St Croix Deanery were present at the event. In attendance was the principal of St Joseph High School, Ms Colleen Mae Williams, together with the faculty and staff of the school, students, parents, and alumni.
Confirmation
Fr Filippucci conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to 24 candidates: 2 from St Joseph Church, 8 from St Ann Church, 9 from Holy Cross Church, and 5 from St Patrick Church.
In his homily, following the presentation of the candidates by the Chancellor, Fr Filippucci urged them to cooperate with the grace of God to be witnesses to Jesus.
He reminded everyone that receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is not the end of a journey, but an aid and empowerment to live without fear the life they have learnt in their catechesis sessions. “Christian formation never ends,” he said to an attentive congregation of faithful from all the Parishes in the Deanery.
The candidates for the sacrament were prepared in their respective Parishes by the confirmation teachers, with the coordination of the Religious Education staff, and the Pastors.St Joseph Jubilee and Catholic Education
Reflecting on education and the Jubilee of St Joseph High School, the preacher underscored the value of Catholic education, and called on everyone present to be its ambassador. Saint Croix Deanery has 3 Catholic Schools, including St Joseph High School, St. Mary Catholic School, and St. Patrick Catholic School.
Catholic Education provides a healthy foundation for life. This is why St Joseph High School has four pillars: religion, academic competence, discipline, and integrity. For 60 years now, the institution has impacted the lives of many people, and built generations.
As is the case with other schools in the Diocese, the institution has had its share of financial struggles. Some fundraiser events have been organized to boost the financial life of the High School. Aside from the brunch organized after the celebration on March 2, a Diamond Jubilee Kickoff Brunch has been programmed for Friday, May 16, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the Caribbean Museum Center for The Arts.
You can watch the live stream of the entire event on Facebook and view the photo gallery on St Joseph Church website.
