About St. Joan of Arc · Chagrin Falls, Ohio
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Cleveland located at 496 East Washington Street in the heart of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The parish community was first organized in 1948 as a mission of St. Rita Parish in Solon, was raised to parish status in 1962, and today numbers roughly 1,800 families. The parish shares its grounds with St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, a K-8 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and worships in the church building constructed in 1961. Weekend Masses, daily Mass with Rosary, Saturday confessions, monthly Adoration, PSR and youth ministry form the core rhythm of parish life.
- Established
- 1948
- Patron
- St. Joan of Arc
- Rector
- Rev. John D. Betters
- Diocese
- Diocese of Cleveland
Why belong here
St. Joan of Arc is a growing, Christ-centered Catholic community of about 1,800 families in the Chagrin Falls area, with a long history of forming disciples from baptism through Confirmation. Worship is supported by daily Mass, a daily Rosary, Saturday confessions, monthly Eucharistic Adoration, and four Sunday-style weekend Masses that include a Children's Liturgy of the Word. The parish is paired with a National Blue Ribbon K-8 school, a full PSR/HS Theology program, an Ignatian-style youth ministry for grades 6-12, an active Women's Guild, CYO athletics, and outreach such as the annual Rummage Sale and SJA Parish Festival — giving every age and stage a place to belong and serve.
Mass times at St. Joan of Arc
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:30 PM — until all are heard
- Advent & Lent: Saturday 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Adoration times
- Thursday before the 1st Friday of the month, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (cancelled when it falls on a holiday; resumes the following month)
Parish History
Saint Joan of Arc Parish began in 1948 as a mission of Saint Rita Parish in Solon, founded by Monsignor Oldrich Mazanec, who built both the original church (now the parish hall) and the present church in 1961. In 1962 Archbishop Edward Hoban raised the mission to parish status and named Father John Wolf as its first pastor. The administration building was built in 1963, the school in 1965 (with an addition in 1968), and the Parish Life Center in 1993-94; the church was renovated and a Gathering Area added in 1997. The 2012 golden jubilee marked approximately 1,800 families, and Fr. John D. Betters was installed as the current pastor at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, August 24.
- 1948 — Mission founded by Monsignor Oldrich Mazanec
- 1961 — Present church built
- 1962 — Raised to parish status; Father John Wolf named first pastor
- 1963 — Rectory/administration building
- 1965 — School built (addition 1968)
- 1993-94 — Parish Life Center built
- 1997 — Church renovated; Gathering Area added
- 2012 — Golden jubilee (~1,800 families)
- 2024 — Fr. John D. Betters installed as pastor
Mission & Vision
St. Joan of Arc Parish is a growing community of Roman Catholic Christians in the Chagrin Falls area — a diverse, gifted and joyful people who share a common belief in the Word of Jesus Christ. The parish's stated mission, like that of Jesus Christ and His apostles, is to proclaim the Kingdom of God through living the gospel and to grow in faith, holiness and service. The community gathers as a Christ-centered community to celebrate faith in the Eucharist, imitate the Savior in service to others, teach their beliefs at all levels, and welcome the participation of all in Christian fellowship.
- Proclaim the Kingdom of God through living the gospel
- Grow in faith, holiness and service
- Celebrate the Eucharist and presence of God in one another
- Imitate Christ in service to others
- Teach beliefs at all levels
- Welcome all into Christian fellowship
Pastoral Leadership & Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Rev. John D. Betters, with Rev. Dennis A. Guritza and Rev. John R. Olsavsky serving as Pastor Emeriti. The pastoral team includes a transitional deacon (Deacon Noah Furin) and a permanent deacon. A robust lay staff supports faith formation, music, communications, school administration, and parish operations.
- Rev. John D. Betters — Pastor
- Rev. Dennis A. Guritza — Pastor Emeritus
- Rev. John R. Olsavsky — Pastor Emeritus
- Deacon Noah Furin — Transitional Deacon
- Ms. Renee Barber — Pastoral Associate
- Mrs. Mary Vincenti — Director of Religious Education / Director of Faith Formation
- Sr. Theresa Hafner — Religious Education Administrative Assistant
- Mr. Jeff Botos — Director of Mission and Engagement
- Mr. Mike Burrows — Sacristan
- Mr. Jon Thibo — Parish Custodian
- Ms. Mary Horvath — Director of Music
- Mrs. Kelly Kearney — Communications Director
- Ms. Helena Conacher — Business Manager
- Mrs. Dru Lentz — Parish Administrative Assistant (calendar contact)
Mass & Sacraments Schedule
Weekend Masses are celebrated Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (Vigil) and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., with a Children's Liturgy of the Word for grades K-3 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Weekday Masses are Monday-Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and Friday at 12:00 noon, with a daily Rosary prayed at 8:30 a.m. before the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Civic Holidays observe a 9:00 a.m. Mass. Reconciliation is heard Saturday at 3:30 p.m. until all are heard (3:15-4:00 p.m. during Advent and Lent), and Eucharistic Adoration is held on the Thursday before the 1st Friday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Saturday Vigil — 4:30 PM
- Sunday — 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
- Monday-Thursday — 9:00 AM
- Friday — 12:00 Noon
- Daily Rosary — 8:30 AM before the 9:00 AM Mass
- Reconciliation — Saturday 3:30 PM (Advent & Lent 3:15-4:00 PM)
- Adoration — Thursday before 1st Friday, 6:30-8:30 PM
Baptism
Baptisms at St. Joan of Arc are celebrated at most weekend Masses or on most Sundays at 12:00 PM. Parents are asked to contact the Parish Office to begin scheduling.
- Weekend Masses or Sundays at 12:00 PM
- Contact the Parish Office to schedule
Religious Education & Faith Formation
St. Joan of Arc offers three programs for faith formation: the Parish School of Religion (PSR) for kindergarten through 8th grade, the High School Theology Program for grades 9-12, and Family Religion for grades 3-6 (home catechesis). Children with special needs are always welcome. The elementary curriculum uses Christ Our Life (grades K-6) and Finding God (grades 7-8) from Loyola Press. Two years of religious education are required by the Diocese before First Communion (1st-2nd grade) and Confirmation (7th-8th grade).
- PSR Grades K & 1-6 — Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM
- PSR Grades 7-8 — Sundays 10:00-10:55 AM
- HS Theology Grades 9-12 — Sundays 12:00-1:00 PM, School Library (4-year cycle)
- Family Religion Grades 3-6 — home catechesis with Loyola Press Christ Our Life
- Contact: Mrs. Mary Vincenti, Director of Religious Education; Sr. Theresa Hafner, Administrative Assistant — 440-247-3606
Youth Ministry (Blaze)
St. Joan of Arc's Youth Ministry, called Blaze, brings together students in grades 6-12 once a month to learn about their faith, play games, do community service, and have fun. Rooted in the principles of Ignatian Spirituality, Blaze is a vibrant community seeking to live for the Greater Glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, or AMDG). The ministry inspires students to find God in every aspect of their lives through small-group discussion, community service, and joyful large-group events, encouraging them to think critically, examine their faith, and 'go forth and set the world on fire.'
- Open to grades 6-12
- Meets once per month
- Ignatian Spirituality foundation (AMDG)
- Small group discussion, community service, large group events
- Text updates via Remind: @blaze2020 to 810180
- Instagram: @sja_ym
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (K-8)
The parish school shares the East Washington Street campus at 498 E. Washington St. and educates students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, SJA offers small class sizes, a low student-teacher ratio, technology in every classroom, advanced math, science and art labs, foreign language, music, and CYO sports. Faith is woven throughout the day, with weekly Mass, Altar Servers beginning in 5th grade, the 8th-grade 'buddy' program with incoming kindergartners, Student Council service projects, and the 'Breakfast of Champions' Lenten program for junior high students that pairs 8:00 a.m. Mass with talks by community leaders. 100% of graduates are accepted by their first-choice high school.
- Address: 498 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
- Phone: (440) 247-6530
- Principal: Mrs. Stacie Webster
- National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
- Kindergarten-8th grade; ~113 students
- CYO sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track, Volleyball
- Athletic Director: Matt Jones ([email protected])
- Altar Servers begin in 5th grade
- Eighth-grade buddies paired with kindergarteners
- 'Breakfast of Champions' — Thursdays in Lent, 8:00 AM Mass + breakfast with community leaders
Parish Life, Fellowship & Outreach
Beyond the sanctuary, the parish runs a robust calendar of fellowship and service opportunities. The annual SJA Parish Festival brings the Chagrin Falls community together with food, inflatables, pony rides, a balloon artist, face painting, a touch-a-truck from the Chagrin Falls Fire Department, and a bubble show. The annual Rummage Sale (with proceeds supporting the SJA Youth Group and Women's Guild), Women's Guild, SJA Family Connections ministry, Vacation Bible Camp, and the SJA Prayer Line all give parishioners ways to connect, serve, and pray together.
- SJA Parish Festival (held in September after the 11:00 AM Mass)
- Annual Rummage Sale — benefits SJA Youth Group & Women's Guild
- Women's Guild (Woman of the Year award)
- SJA Family Connections
- SJA Prayer Line
- Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) for ages 4-grade 6
Office & Visitor Information
The Parish Office at 496 East Washington Street is open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, and is closed on weekends. Mass Intentions are available for a $10 offering and may be scheduled by calling or visiting the Parish Office. Sacramental records and Sponsor/Godparent certificates are available by emailing the Parish Office (records) or Fr. John Betters (sponsor certificate). Newcomers are invited to register as parishioners through the parish website.
- Parish Office: 496 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
- Phone: (440) 247-7183
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
- Mass Intentions: $10 offering
- Sacramental Records: email Parish Office
- Sponsor/Godparent Certificate: email Fr. John Betters
- Parish registration available on the website
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Monsignor Oldrich Mazanec1948–1962
Founder; built the original church (now the parish hall) and the present 1961 church while it was still a mission of St. Rita, Solon.
- Father John Wolf1962–1981
First pastor when mission was raised to parish status by Archbishop Edward Hoban in 1962.
- Father John Kinkopf1981–1988
Named Vicar Co-Adjutor May 1, 1978; became second pastor on June 10, 1981; retired August 1988.
- Father John Olsavsky1988–2006
Began September 1, 1988; retired February 1, 2006; later named Pastor Emeritus.
- Father David Walkowiak2006–2013
Arrived March 20, 2006, installed June 25, 2006; subsequently installed as Bishop of Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 18, 2013.
- Father Gary J. Malin2013–2024
Previously Associate Pastor; installed as pastor August 24, 2013.
- Father John D. Betters2024–present
Installed as pastor on Sunday, August 24, 2024, at the 11:00 a.m. Mass.