St. Joan of Arc

Parish Overview

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish located at 109 S. Illinois Avenue in Weslaco, Texas, in the Diocese of Brownsville. The parish's stated mission is to nurture a diverse and welcoming local community, committed to following wherever God is leading and making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of Weslaco and the world. Worship is offered in a bilingual rhythm of Spanish, English, and combined bilingual celebrations to serve the Rio Grande Valley's predominantly Hispanic Catholic population.

History of St. Joan of Arc Parish

The parish was established in 1921 as a mission of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Mercedes, which had previously ministered to area Catholics. In 1929 the mission was elevated to a full parish, the year recorded on the official Diocese of Brownsville timeline. From 1940 to 1968 the parish ran a parochial school that educated generations of Mid-Valley students, many of whom went on to notable professional careers. The parish went on to help organize two daughter parishes: St. Pius X and San Martin de Porres. A Texas Historical Commission marker recognizing the church's significance was dedicated at the corner of South Illinois Avenue and East 2nd Street in 2008, and the parish marked its centennial in December 2021.

• 1921 — Established as a mission of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Mercedes.
• 1929 — Became a full parish (Diocese of Brownsville timeline).
• 1940–1968 — Operated a parochial school.
• Helped found St. Pius X and San Martin de Porres parishes.
• 2008 — Texas Historical Commission marker erected.
• December 11, 2021 — 100th anniversary Mass celebrated.

Clergy and Staff

St. Joan of Arc is currently shepherded by Rev. Francisco J. Solis, who leads the parish into its second century and was featured in local coverage of the parish's 100th anniversary in 2021. The Director of Faith Formation is Therese Pendleton, who oversees the parish's religious education programs.

• Rev. Francisco J. Solis — Pastor
• Therese Pendleton — Director of Faith Formation

Faith Formation and Ministries

St. Joan of Arc maintains an active faith formation program under its Director of Faith Formation, preparing children and adults for the sacraments and walking parishioners through programs such as RCIA. The parish has also hosted Consecration Mission preparation classes (English) and runs Vacation Bible School for children, advertised as 'VBS 2024' on the parish website. Outreach to those in need — a long-standing ministry traceable to the parish's earliest years — remains part of parish life, and the parish has historically helped found other area congregations.

• Faith Formation / Religious Education (Director: Therese Pendleton)
• RCIA preparation
• Vacation Bible School (VBS)
• RGV Consecration Mission — English preparation classes
• Outreach to the needy
• Adoration, Holy Hour, and Marian devotions

Sacraments

Parishioners are encouraged to contact the parish office for preparation and scheduling of the sacraments. Baptisms, weddings, and the Anointing of the Sick (celebrated through the First Wednesday Misa de Sanación) are all part of the parish's sacramental life.

• Baptism — contact parish office
• Marriage — contact parish office for preparation
• Anointing of the Sick — via First Wednesday Healing Mass
• RCIA — registration open for English and Spanish preparation

Parish Identity and Community Life

Worship is centered on the parish's patron, Saint Joan of Arc, the 15th-century French heroine and Catholic saint whose feast day is celebrated on May 30. As one of the Rio Grande Valley's historic Catholic institutions, St. Joan of Arc welcomes multiple generations of the same family — some of whom attended the parish school before it closed in 1968. The parish emphasizes bilingual fellowship and community service, and was honored in 2021 when Pastor Rev. Francisco Solis noted that 'people want to live the faith and lead with the faith... to work for the good of all the community.'

• Patron: Saint Joan of Arc (feast day May 30).
• Multi-generational parish families.
• Active bilingual worship and community life.
• Recognized 2008 by the Texas Historical Commission.

Visit and Contact

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is located on South Illinois Avenue in Weslaco, in the heart of the Mid-Valley. The parish office can be reached by phone, and visitors are welcome to attend any Mass, devotion, or parish event listed on the website calendar.

• Address: 109 S. Illinois Ave., Weslaco, Texas 78596
• Phone: (956) 968-3670
• Fax: (956) 968-1872
• Website: http://stjoanofarcweslaco.com/