St. Joan of Arc, Delafield

Welcome from the Pastor

Fr. Yamid Blanco (pronounced 'Jah-meed'), appointed by Archbishop Jerome Listecki on June 18, 2024 to pastor the SCSJ cluster, writes that God has blessed each of us with great gifts and invites us to put them into service to build His kingdom on earth. He welcomes visitors, newcomers, returning Catholics, and longtime members alike, and invites anyone interested in joining parish life to reach out to him directly at [email protected] or to either parish office (St. Joan of Arc 262-646-8078, St. Catherine of Alexandria 920-474-7000). The parish's stated shared vision is to be 'a vibrant Catholic community that is joyful, uplifting, and open to all hungry for faith based knowledge and living out God's values.'

History of St. Joan of Arc Parish

St. Joan of Arc Parish was established on August 23, 1923, when Archbishop Sebastian Gebhard Messmer of Milwaukee blessed the cornerstone of the original church in Okauchee — just three years after St. Joan of Arc's 1920 canonization. Founding pastor Monsignor Barnard Traudt designed the original building in a Spanish mission stucco style. The parish grew steadily: the rectory was added in 1943, and the parish school opened in 1954–55 with about 100 students. By the 1990s the parish needed more room, and in December 1997 the community moved from Okauchee to its present Nashotah Road campus, celebrating its first Mass in the new church on Christmas Eve 1997. Religious and artistic elements from the original church were preserved and incorporated into the new building. The school continued at the Okauchee site until August 2002, when a new Religious Education Center opened on the Nashotah campus. The 100th Jubilee was celebrated in September 2023.

Mass and Worship Schedule

Weekend Masses across the cluster are Saturday Vigil at 5:00 PM (alternating each Saturday between St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Joan of Arc), Sunday 8:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc, Sunday 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Alexandria, and Sunday 12:00 PM at St. Joan of Arc in Spanish (Español). Weekday Masses include Tuesday 8:30 AM at St. Catherine, Wednesday 8:30 AM at St. Joan of Arc, Thursday 8:30 AM at St. Joan of Arc, and Friday 8:30 AM at St. Catherine. Reconciliation is heard Saturday at 4:00 PM (1st and 4th Saturday at the parish hosting the 5:00 PM Mass), or by appointment.

• Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM (alternates between parishes)
• Sunday: 8:00 AM (St. Joan of Arc) — English
• Sunday: 10:00 AM (St. Catherine of Alexandria) — English
• Sunday: 12:00 PM (St. Joan of Arc) — Spanish
• Wednesday & Thursday: 8:30 AM (St. Joan of Arc)
• Saturday Confession: 4:00 PM, 1st & 4th Saturday at the host parish

Parish Cluster with St. Catherine of Alexandria

St. Joan of Arc is part of the SCSJ Cluster with St. Catherine of Alexandria in Oconomowoc (established 1847). Together they form a vibrant Roman Catholic community in the Lake Country area of southeast Wisconsin, described by the cluster as bringing 'two historic parishes, each with a rich legacy of faith and service' under shared pastoral leadership. Both parishes keep distinct Mass schedules, offices, and parish identities, while sharing clergy, school administration, directors, and commissions.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (K3–8)

St. Joan of Arc Parish School is a fully accredited K3–8 Catholic elementary school located on the Nashotah campus and affiliated with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The school welcomes students of all backgrounds and frames itself around 'faith, fellowship, and family,' striving to mirror the life and legacy of Jesus. The school day runs 7:40 AM to 2:45 PM with a half-day option for 3K and 4K (7:40–11:35 AM), hot lunch available Monday/Wednesday/Friday, drop-off from 7:00 AM, and extended care until 5:30 PM (4:30 PM on Fridays).

• Interim Principal & 1st/2nd Grade Teacher: Dana McEvoy
• K3 & K4 Teacher: Kellie Schenk
• K5 Teacher: Emily Mac Kenzie
• 3rd & 4th Grade Teacher: Drew Opichka
• Middle School Teachers: Kathy Keleher, Eli Wilson
• Health & Physical Education: Melissa Brengosz
• Music Teacher: Leisha Smith
• Spanish Instructor: Karen McArthey
• Facilities Management: Brad Ama
• Extended Care Provider: JoAnna Olejnik
• Administrative Assistant: Shannon Howell

Religious Education & Faith Formation

The cluster offers lifelong Christian Formation through several coordinated programs. Children in 4K–8th grade meet weekly with catechists and use the Finding God series from Loyola Press, with age-appropriate hands-on activities meeting Archdiocese of Milwaukee benchmarks. High school students (9th–11th grade) deepen their Catholic faith through service, group discussion, personal reflection, and retreats. Second grade Sacramental Preparation covers both First Reconciliation and First Communion during class, with additional family meetings and retreats. Confirmation preparation is an additional process culminating at the end of 11th grade. Adult Formation offers opportunities for adults to integrate life experience with faith, plus seasonal studies.

• Finding God (Loyola Press) curriculum for grades 4K–8
• First Reconciliation & First Communion Sacramental Prep (2nd grade)
• Confirmation Prep (additional process; parent and sponsor meetings)
• High School Youth Ministry (9th–11th grade)
• Adult Faith Formation
• Vacation Bible School (annual week after school ends; 4K–5 students; 6+ youth may volunteer)

Adult Scripture & Study Programs

Two ongoing Scripture formation opportunities accompany parish life. Exploring the Gospel is a weekly, one-hour reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel led by Janis Parker ([email protected]), offered at both a morning and an evening time with no advance preparation needed. Each fall, the Church and Scripture Study offers a more in-depth study of Scripture and/or the Church, with both morning and evening sessions to accommodate parishioners; contact John Sokop at 262-443-3170 for information.

• Exploring the Gospel — weekly, morning and evening options
• Church and Scripture Study — fall program, morning and evening sessions

Outreach & Charity

Human Concerns and Christian Formation commissions organize the cluster's outreach and service work. Active ministries include St. Vincent de Paul (helping neighbors in need), Elizabeth Ministry (support for expectant and new parents), blood pressure screenings, blood donor drives, and ongoing visits to the sick and homebound. The Stewardship Commission supports sharing time, talent, and treasure, while the Worship Commission forms liturgical ministers — greeters, ushers, servers, readers, Eucharistic Ministers, and musicians.

• St. Vincent de Paul Ministry
• Elizabeth Ministry
• Visits to the sick and homebound
• Blood pressure screenings
• Blood donor drives
• Seasonal community service activities

Commissions, Councils & Committees

Parishioner-led commissions share responsibility for the cluster's mission. Pastoral Council (advisory to the pastor) meets the fourth Tuesday of each month and is chaired by Doug Bissing (SCA) with Vice-Chair Andres Lezama (SJOA) and Secretary Michelle Kocon. Finance, Stewardship, Human Concerns, Worship, Christian Formation, and School Commissions bring together clergy, staff, and laity to plan parish life. The Stewardship Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at St. Joan of Arc.

• Pastoral Council (Doug Bissing, Chair; Andres Lezama, Vice-Chair; meets 4th Tuesday)
• Finance Committee
• Stewardship Commission (meets 3rd Thursday at SJOA)
• Human Concerns Commission
• Worship Commission (meets 1st Tuesday)
• Christian Formation Commission (meets 2nd Tuesday)
• School Commission (meets 3rd Tuesday)

Parish Life & Fellowship

Outside of Mass and formation, the cluster supports a full social life through long-running groups including a Sheepshead Card Club, a parish Book Club, and a Quilters ministry. A Men's Group centers itself on growing faith and relationships through fellowship, prayer, and biblical study, with a Lent weekly series meeting Fridays 6:00–7:30 AM. The parish's stated identity — 'gather together in the light to love and serve God and one another' — animates both formal ministry and these informal gathering opportunities.

Sacraments

Information about all seven sacraments is handled through the parish offices. Baptisms are scheduled through the parish office. First Reconciliation and First Communion are prepared in 2nd grade with family meetings and retreats. Confirmation preparation is a multi-year process through high school, with parent and sponsor meetings. Marriages are arranged with Fr. Yamid Blanco at [email protected]. Reconciliation is offered Saturday at 4:00 PM at the parish hosting the 5:00 PM Mass (1st and 4th Saturdays), or by appointment. Anointing and pastoral care of the sick and homebound is provided through the parish and parish visits to hospitals and homes.

Visiting & Newcomer FAQs

Common questions answered on the cluster website: both parishes have a narthex with glass doors that functions as a crying room — parents can step out while still hearing and seeing Mass; children remain in the pews with their parents during Mass, with a Children's Liturgy of the Word offered as an option; the parish offices are open Tuesday–Thursday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM to noon at St. Joan of Arc; both parishes have designated accessible parking spaces for state disabled placards; and Mass intentions can be scheduled by contacting the parish offices.

Locations, Hours & Contact

St. Joan of Arc Church and Parish Office: 120 Nashotah Road, Nashotah, WI 53058 (parish office phone 262-646-8078; office hours Tuesday–Thursday 8:30 AM–3:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM–12:00 PM). St. Joan of Arc Parish School: W359 N8512 Brown Street, Oconomowoc, WI. Cluster partner St. Catherine of Alexandria Church and Parish Office: W359 N8512 Brown Street, Oconomowoc, WI (parish office phone 920-474-7000; office hours Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–3:30 PM). Pastor Fr. Yamid Blanco may be emailed at [email protected].

• St. Joan of Arc Church & Parish Office: 120 Nashotah Road, Nashotah, WI 53058 — 262-646-8078
• St. Catherine of Alexandria Church & Parish Office: W359 N8512 Brown Street, Oconomowoc, WI — 920-474-7000
• St. Joan of Arc Parish School: W359 N8512 Brown Street, Oconomowoc, WI
• Pastor email: [email protected]
• Cluster website: https://www.scsjcluster.org

Laudato Si' Stewardship

The SCSJ Cluster was recognized as a 2023 Laudato Si' Champion by the Catholic Climate Covenant, reflecting the parishes' commitment to environmental stewardship as part of their broader Catholic mission. The award honors Catholic communities putting Pope Francis's encyclical on care for our common home into action.