Aberdeen church opens new parish life center and chapel

Mary Beth Nocket moved up to Aberdeen from Baltimore in 1971. There, she found a home at St. Joan of Arc parish as her son became a student at the school in 1996.

She’s seen a great deal of growth in the community and “spiritual growth,” as time has gone on. There have been men’s and women’s Bible groups, along with new buildings. Nocket is also a first-grade teacher at the school. 

St. Joan of Arc celebrated its new parish life center March 10, when it was blessed by Archbishop William E. Lori.

“I think it made me feel such a sense of joy that our new building is open now and it will be available to have community events in a space that will hold more people,” Nocket said. “We have always used our church hall and that was a wonderful space – always filled with much joy. But the new parish life center will bring a new sense of renewed hope and take our eyes to the future, while leaning on our past for a very firm foundation.”

In addition, Archbishop Lori dedicated the altar of a recently constructed daily Mass chapel.The celebration, which was open for all, honored those who had previously lived their lives in accordance with St. Joan of Arc’s mission through song and prayer. This was in addition to blessing the building so that future missionaries could carry the mission.

After the blessing, people were free to explore the new chapel and parish life center for a time, and enjoy light refreshments.

“Over these past months, you have seen the new Parish Life Center and gym as well as the school addition rising from the ground,” Archbishop Lori said in his homily. “As all of you are aware, this didn’t just happen. It took vision and leadership. Perseverance. A focus on mission. Careful planning. Love for your parish and great generosity.

“I surely want to thank your pastor, Father Willie Franken, for his longstanding and loving leadership here at St. Joan of Arc,” he said.  

The $6.5 million, 14,500-square-foot parish life center will serve as a gym for St. Joan of Arc School, housing pre-kindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, along with administrative offices. It includes a 1,200-square-foot chapel added to the main church that is parallel to the school.

The school will now offer indoor gym classes at the new facility, having previously offered only outdoor gym classes. The school will develop a basketball and volleyball team as part of its athletic program.

In addition, the parish utilized $2.6 million from a trust to help pay for a capital campaign that raised $950,000– more than the $800,000 goal. Additionally, the parish used a loan from the archdiocese financed by grants and appeal revenue.

Dianne Kestler serves as the principal of the school. St. Joan of Arc School is home to 198 students with the program set to add the 3-year-old pre-K program. Kestler is excited for the chance to lead the program and for it to bring new and compelling opportunities to the young students within the community.

“It’s just amazing,” Kestler said. “What it’s going to allow for our teachers and students to be able to do within the school day – we’re just very, very excited. I can’t even talk, I’m so excited because it’s been a long time waiting for this project to be completed. We’re just so excited to expand our programs and to have community members to see and participate in different activities that we have.”

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