In the early 1960s, Catholics of the small, Northern Ohio town of Streetsboro—populated by farmers and auto workers—sought to have a parish of their own. Streetsboro residents had for years attended Mass at nearby parishes, but, because residents were assigned at that time to a particular parish according to where they lived, many in Streetsboro felt a lack of unity and wanted their own parish. Responding to that desire, in 1963, the Youngstown Diocese purchased property for a parish. On February 2, 1964, St. Joseph Parish in Mantua established its St. Joan of Arc Mission. The pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish drove from Ravenna to Streetsboro High School to celebrate the first Mass for the St. Joan Mission, enabling Streetsboro Catholics for the first time to worship as a community united in prayer. In 1965, Bishop Emmet Walsh elevated the mission to a parish, but Mass continued to be celebrated in the school cafeteria. On May 26, 1966, ground was broken for a rectory, which was dedicated on November 20, 1966. Next, the parish pursued construction of a social hall, which was dedicated in May 1967, so the celebration of Mass moved from the school to the social hall. Efforts to raise money for a church commenced, and the church was dedicated more than a decade later, on September 30, 1988.
Building on that accomplishment, the parish pursued various efforts to enrich the spiritual lives of parishioners, expanding outreach to nursing homes and the homebound and fostering community through groups like the St. Vincent de Paul ministry and Knights of Columbus and social activities, such as parish picnics, sports leagues and the annual fall festival. Today, St. Joan of Arc is part of the collaborative unit of four parishes known as “Portage North.” The parish’s name honors Saint Joan of Arc, the 15th century peasant, who, believing that she was acting on instructions from God, led French forces to victory against English invaders. As such, the parish draws inspiration from her unwavering faith, courage and dedication to her calling.
Description from The March of the Eucharist, 2nd edition (2025) published by The Catholic Echo. All rights reserved.
