The 2008 US gathering of the Vincentian Family in New Orleans took place in a city where Vincentian presence has been strong since the early 1800s. St. Joseph Church, established in 1844, has been in the care of the Congregation of the Mission since 1858. Attendees of the gathering visited the church on April 11.

Although St. Joseph is at the forefront of efforts to heal the city from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina — a special program, the Rebuild Center, will be featured later this week — this lovely church was far from immune from the effects of the storm.

The church building is essentially sound in its structure and, more importantly, the people who are the very life of a church are a vibrant community of love and service. The US Vincentian Family has pledged its support to the parish  by raising funds to build living quarters for the seven members of the Congregation of the Mission who are based at St. Joseph. Visit the parish Web site.