More Than 60 Years of Faith and Community

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church has been an important part of the Chagrin Falls community for generations. Founded in 1948 as a mission of St. Rita Parish in Solon, Ohio, the parish grew from a small church into a thriving Catholic community with its own church, school, rectory, and parish facilities. Its history reflects decades of faith, service, education, and fellowship.

The Founding of St. Joan of Arc Parish in 1948

St. Joan of Arc Parish began in 1948 under the guidance of Monsignor Oldrich Mazanec, who oversaw the construction of the first church building. This modest structure faced East Washington Street and continues to serve the parish as its Parish Hall.

As the Catholic community grew, a larger church became necessary. Monsignor Mazanec built the present church in 1961, providing a permanent place of worship for the expanding congregation.

In 1962, Archbishop Edward Hoban elevated St. Joan of Arc from mission status to an independent parish. Father John Wolf was appointed its first pastor, marking an important milestone in the parish’s development.

Building the Church, School, and Parish Facilities

During the 1960s and early 1970s, St. Joan of Arc continued to expand its facilities to meet the needs of its growing congregation and school community.

Key developments included:

• 1961: Construction of the present church building.
• 1962: St. Joan of Arc officially became a parish.
• 1963: Construction of the administration building and rectory.
• 1965: Opening of the parish school.
• 1968: Completion of an addition to the school.
• 1972: Acquisition of a faculty residence located just west of the parish property.

These additions established the foundation for a growing parish community centered on worship, Catholic education, and fellowship.

Expanding Parish Life: The 1990s Renovations

The 1990s brought significant improvements to the church and its surrounding facilities, creating additional space for parish activities, gatherings, and community events.

Construction of the Parish Life Center began in October 1993 and was completed in August 1994, providing an important resource for parish programs and fellowship.

Further improvements followed in the church itself. Renovations to the church and construction of a new Gathering Area were completed in 1997, with a dedication ceremony held on September 7 of that year. The Parish Hall was refurbished the following year, with work completed in July 1998.

Together, these projects modernized the parish facilities while preserving the church’s role as a central place for worship and community life.

Celebrating the Golden Jubilee in 2012

In 2012, St. Joan of Arc Parish celebrated its golden jubilee, marking 50 years since its elevation to parish status in 1962. By that milestone, the parish had grown to approximately 1,800 families.

From its beginnings as a small mission of St. Rita Parish in 1948, St. Joan of Arc had developed into an established Catholic community serving generations of families in the Chagrin Falls area.

The Enduring Legacy of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church

The history of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is a story of growth, faith, education, and community spirit. From the construction of its first church building to the development of its school, Parish Life Center, and renovated worship spaces, the parish has continually adapted to serve its congregation.

Its enduring presence reflects the dedication of its clergy, educators, parishioners, and families who have helped make St. Joan of Arc an important part of the religious and community history of the Chagrin Falls area.