History of Our Parish
An Abridge History of St. Joan of Arc Parish
Prior to 1964, the Catholic residents of Streetsboro attended church at St. Patrick's in Kent, Immaculate Conception in Ravenna, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora, St. Mary's in Hudson, and St. Joseph in Mantua. On February 2, 1964 a new mission was established by Msgr. John Lavelle, pastor of Immaculate Conception. The parish was named after Msgr. Lavelle sister Joan, who was a Catholic nun.
On June 18, 1965, Bishop Emmet M. Walsh decreed the new parish of St. Joan of Arc and that it was to serve the Catholic community of Streetsboro which was then a township. Rev. John N. Hoey was appointed the first pastor of this new parish. Fr. Hoey resided at that time at the rectory of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Aurora, until a rectory could be built.
The diocese purchased 17 acre parcel off of State Route 14. Ground breaking for the rectory was on May 26, 1966. The ground breaking for the parish hall took place on Sunday, April 23, 1967. with actual dedication of the hall taking place on May 26, 1968 by Bishop Jame W. Malone. On May 27, 1968 Fr. James J. Stenson was named the new pastor.
After spending 19 years celebrating Masses in the Parish/Social Hall ground was broken on July 15, 1987 for the new church building. A little over a year later, Bishop Malone dedicated the church on Friday, September 30, 1988.
The parish has continued to grow with parishioners committed to share their gifts, time, and talent to fulfill the needs of the parish. Fr. Stenson remained pastor of the church until his retirement, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert V. Flynn on July 14, 1989.
Bishop Malone celebrated mass on the parishes 25th anniversary, June 16, 1990. Following Fr. Flynn's retirement Msgr. Frederick Slaven was named pastor on January 1, 1998.
On July 1, 2002, Fr. Pat Ferraro was named pastor. Fr. Ferraro instituted a capital campaign fund to refurbish the sanctuary and grounds of the parish. Building repairs, directional signs, a new altar, crucifix and baptismal font were added.
On May 31, 2003 the social hall was dedicated in the name of former pastor, Fr. James Stenson. On Friday, September 2, 2016, Fr. Pat Ferraro passed away suddenly at the age of 51. , Fr. Christopher Luoni, was name pastor, in November of 2016, to fill deep hole created in the passing of Fr. Ferraro. Under Fr. Ferraro leadership the parish membership continued to grow, with over 900 families being served to the present day.
As we reflect upon our founders, we look forward to the future as a vibrant faith community.