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History of St. Joan of Arc Parish School
St. Joan of Arc Parish School is an educational ministry of the parish. The school is accredited by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Association. St. Joan of Arc Parish School was honored with Exemplary Recognition by these organizations in November, 2008. Staffed by certified, experienced teachers, the Catholic identity of the school is clearly articulated in instruction, activities, and environment.
The mission of St. Joan of Arc Parish School
“To promote uncompromising character by example;
to educate for academic excellence,
to teach servitude for the betterment of the wider community;
and to use the gift of spiritual development, which fostered here,
guides the leaders of tomorrow.”
On August 12, 1923, Archbishop Messmer brought the parish into existence with the laying of the church cornerstone in Okauchee. The first pastor, Monsignor Bernard Traudt, determined the style of architecture for the new church, a Spanish mission stucco type. After many pastors, Father Joseph Konkel came to St. Joan of Arc in 1967. Extensive repair work and considerable renovation of the interior of the church took place. It seated approximately 225.
There was rapid growth during the 1980’s and the 1990’s. These were the years Monsignor John F. Murphy was at St. Joan of Arc. As St. Joan of Arc Parish grew, so did the need for a larger building. Father James Loehr became pastor in 1992. Property was purchased in Nashotah and construction of the new church began in May of 1997. Many of the religious and artistic items from the original church were incorporated into the new church. The first Mass in the new church was Christmas Eve, 1997.
The new church seats approximately 600. The parish continued to experience an increase in new membership due to population growth in the area. With this in mind, a Parish Education Center was constructed in 2002 to accommodate our various ministries and growing needs.
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