Heavenly Father, thank you for the ultimate gift of your Son Jesus and his father Joseph. We also thank you for the gift of our fathers who care and nurture us.

Please pour down your graces upon them with the wisdom of Abraham, the strength of David and the patience of Joseph.

God bless all fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to their children. Help them to be a father like You as we pray in your name:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day of our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The video program, Protecting God's Children, designed to introduce child sexual abuse and safety issues to parents, employees, volunteers, coaches and chaperones of the Diocese of Palm Beach, will be offered on September 10th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Art Room, upstairs in the school.

This video is presented at various times throughout the year. If you have viewed this program previously, there is no need to attend again.

If you plan to attend this presentation, please RSVP at 561-391-4345, leaving your name, parish or school affiliation and a return phone number in the event we need to contact you. If you have any questions or need more information, please call the number mentioned above.

Draw near to God,
and He will draw near to you.

Read about the SJA Healing Mission and how our community witnessed the power of God working in their lives.

Read Full Article

During Catholic Schools Week, we always take time to remember everyone who supports our school and helps St. Joan of Arc provide a Blue Ribbon Catholic education to the students.

We have had so many dedicated teachers, staff, priests and religious, parents, and parishioners over the years who have given their time, talent, and treasure on behalf of the children of this faith community. We thank them for all they have done and continue to pray for them. Also, as part of the week’s celebrations, we honor a ‘Grandparent of the Year’. We announced Mrs. Mel Gesner as our outstanding grandparent in recognition of the many years she has been an important part of the parish and school: she and her late husband, Walter, were original members of the parish. Mrs. Gesner has been a major benefactor for many capital projects at St. Joan, has worked with the CCW and the Foundation Office, and has been a staunch supporter of the convent, sisters, rectory, and priests.

This year we were honored by Catherine Wiley's visit, she is a loving and dedicated Irish grandmother of 10 children.  She introduced the 'Prayer for Grandparents' composed by Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to all present at our Prayer Service. Read about Catherine Wiley's wish for a prayer.

Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of the five county Diocese of Palm Beach, announced the details and kick-off for the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach. “The upcoming year provides a joyful opportunity for all of us to look to the past with gratitude and to the future with hope. It certainly is my joy and privilege to share part of these years with you and to experience your deep faith, hope and love,” said Bishop Barbarito.

The 25th Anniversary theme, “A Eucharistic People” is the vision of Bishop Barbarito, the fifth Bishop of the growing Diocese of Palm Beach. Reflecting on the milestone, Bishop Barbarito said, “While twenty-five years is a very short period of time in comparison to the two thousand year history of the Church, we are an integral part of that history, especially through the celebration of the Eucharist which transcends all time and makes us one in Christ.”

Throughout the year many spiritual and social events have been planned by the Anniversary Committee, including Forty Hours Eucharistic devotion at each parish and mission in keeping with the Eucharistic theme, a dinner/dance at the Breakers Palm Beach, individual Masses in each of the four deaneries celebrated by Bishop Barbarito which will provide an opportunity for the faithful to celebrate closer to home, a large scale youth event, vocations awareness events, ministry of prayer for the homebound, Catholic schools activities, and the closing Mass on October 24, 2009 at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

For more information visit the Anniversary page on the website of the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Pope John II, asked women to accept God's urgent call to "aid humanity in to not falling."  Did you know that God created you for a very special purpose and mission and that your womanhood is part of His plan?  In this Women of Grace Foundational Study Series, you will embark upon a journey of discovery and transformation as you explore the great call and gift of your femininity.  You'll delve into prayer, Sacred Scripture, Church documents and teachings, the Cathecism and the lives of women saints.  By looking to the Blessed Virgin Mary who is our exemplar, you will find a spiritual path that leads you to the heart of the Father and the abundant life of Jesus Christ.

A nine week series will be offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening at the Spiritual Life House.

Registration is required.  Space is limited.  To register, please contact Martha Nicolli, (561) 338-3097 (manicolli@aol.com) or Marie Barbagallo (561) 391-4346 (barbagallom@stjoan.org.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process to guide you on a journey into full communion in the Catholic Church. If you have not received Holy Eucharist or Confirmation or have not been Baptized, come join us! We are beginning the period of inquiry, so for more information, please call Marie Barbagallo at 561-391-4346. May God bless you and the Holy Spirit guide you.