They say, “If you like diversity, move to Skokie.” This dynamic 600-family parish happily retains many of its founders whose grandkids now attend the parish school.

Parishioners are close-knit and “take genuine care of each other.” Their church, dedicated in 1954, designed by architects Meyer and Cook and set adjacent to Skokie Central Park, is about to undergo a renovation, enhancing its design and in the process doubling its narthex.

Right now it displays over a hundred fleur-de-lis on its barrel-vaulted ceiling and a distinctive sanctuary draws on the look of a Medieval court in recalling Joan’s trial. Its patterned floor, red carpet and distinctive wainscoting carry out that theme.

Some changes will be made, while the best remains, including statues of the Maid of Orleans inside and on the handsome Lannon stone exterior.

The parish will mark its golden jubilee with an opening Mass July 1, and perhaps later in the year, a “tour de France.”

Pastor: Father James L. Barrett
Masses: Saturdays 5:30 p.m./ Sundays 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Seating capacity: 400
Parish founded: 1951
Phone: (847) 673-0409
Web site: www.stjoanofarc.net

Photo by Sandy Bertog