5 Shocking New Developments At St. Joan Of Arc Phoenix That Are Changing North Valley Catholicism

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The St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Parish in Phoenix, Arizona, is currently undergoing a massive transformation, cementing its role as a major spiritual and educational hub in the North Valley. As of December 26, 2025, the most significant and *fresh* development is the groundbreaking of a monumental new Catholic school campus, a multi-million dollar project that promises to redefine Catholic education in the Diocese of Phoenix. This parish, known for its conservative and traditional orientation, is not just maintaining its presence—it's expanding its mission with a fervor that reflects the courageous spirit of its patron saint, St. Joan of Arc. This article dives deep into the latest, most current, and unique developments, moving beyond simple Mass times to explore the ambitious projects, spiritual growth, and community outreach that make St. Joan of Arc Parish a dynamic center of faith in the desert Southwest. From a new $38.9 million educational facility to stunning, recently commissioned sacred art, the parish is making headlines for its commitment to faith, charity, and education.

A New Era of Education: The $38.9M St. Joan of Arc Catholic School Project

The most talked-about and substantial development at St. Joan of Arc is the ceremonial start of construction for its expansive new Catholic school. This project is a massive undertaking, reflecting an extraordinary commitment by the parish community and the St. Joan of Arc Foundation to Catholic education.

The Vision Behind the New School

The new facility is much more than just a school building; it is a comprehensive educational center designed to serve the community from the earliest stages of development. The plans are highly ambitious and include several key components:
  • Infant Care and Early Childhood Instruction: Recognizing the need for faith-based care from the very beginning, the new campus will offer dedicated infant care and robust early childhood instruction.
  • Comprehensive Grade Levels: The school is planned to accommodate two sections of instruction for various grade levels, significantly expanding the current educational offerings, which already include the well-regarded St. Joan of Arc Preschool and Kindergarten.
  • Financial Commitment: The project carries a hefty price tag, estimated at $38.9 million, underscoring the scale and quality of the facility being built.
  • Groundbreaking Success: Over the past year, the St. Joan of Arc Foundation has made "incredible strides" toward realizing this goal, culminating in the official groundbreaking event.
This investment is a clear signal that the St. Joan of Arc Parish is focused on long-term community service, fulfilling its mission to serve the community through "education" and "gospel values." The new school will provide a crucial resource for families in the North Phoenix area seeking a traditional, values-based learning environment.

The Passion of St. Joan of Arc: A 2024 Artistic Commission

Beyond the physical expansion of its grounds, St. Joan of Arc Parish has recently invested in its spiritual and aesthetic environment through a significant art commission. In a move that adds a unique layer of topical authority and cultural richness, the church commissioned a set of large-scale paintings titled "The Passion of St. Joan of Arc."

Details of the Commissioned Artwork

This unique set of works was completed in 2024 by New Jerusalem Studios.
  • Scale and Medium: The paintings are massive, measuring 10 feet by 7 feet each, and were executed in acrylic on canvas.
  • Thematic Significance: "The Passion" series focuses on the intense spiritual and physical suffering of St. Joan of Arc, the patroness of the parish. This artistic choice powerfully reinforces the parish's identity and its call to "courageously following Christ."
  • Enhancing the Sacred Space: The installation of such significant, contemporary sacred art elevates the church interior, offering parishioners and visitors a profound visual meditation on faith and sacrifice.
This artistic endeavor highlights the parish's commitment to beauty and tradition, complementing its reputation as a "conservative/traditional-oriented parish" within the Diocese of Phoenix.

The Enduring Mission and Community Pillars

While the new school and art are the most recent highlights, the daily life of St. Joan of Arc Parish continues to be driven by its foundational mission, which began with its first official Mass in 1979 at Larkspur Elementary School. The community, under the guidance of its current pastor, Father Kline, remains a vibrant center for Catholic liturgy, charity, and spiritual growth.

Key Community and Spiritual Entities

The parish sustains a variety of ministries and community entities that serve the spiritual and physical needs of its members:
  • St. Damien's Ministry: This active ministry is a key part of the parish's charitable outreach, with meetings held regularly in the Gomes Library.
  • Weekly Reflection Groups: The parish fosters spiritual development through weekly reflection meetings held in the Mother of Mercy Room, welcoming both men and women.
  • Diocese of Phoenix Connection: St. Joan of Arc is a dedicated member of the Diocese of Phoenix, actively participating in diocesan events and promoting initiatives like Pro-Life Links and various Catholic Apostolates.
  • Knights of Columbus: The local Knights of Columbus council is a strong supporter of the parish, often involved in community and fundraising events, including past relic tours and support for other local churches like St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.
  • Focus on Vocations: Father Kline has been noted for his efforts in promoting vocations, further solidifying the parish’s role in shaping the future of the Catholic Church.
The parish's commitment is encapsulated in its mission statement: "courageously following Christ by serving the community through Catholic liturgy, gospel values, charity and education." This mission, established by the original "true pilgrims of the Church" who first gathered in 1979, continues to guide the parish's ambitious growth. The expansion into a new, state-of-the-art school facility is the most powerful testament to this enduring vision, promising to impact the spiritual and educational landscape of Phoenix for decades to come.
5 Shocking New Developments at St. Joan of Arc Phoenix That Are Changing North Valley Catholicism
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