There’s much activity planned around St. Joan of Arc as the bustling 4,000-family parish located in Marlton celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

According to Msgr. Richard D. LaVerghetta, pastor, two events have already taken place – the parish mission held in January and the “big party” for parishioners held March 5. Among the upcoming dates parishioners are asked to mark on their calendars are May 11, when the youth group, Wings, will host Christian rock musician Steve Angrisano, who will present a retreat and evening concert.

June 26 will be a big day when the parish holds an anniversary Mass and parish picnic, and Oct. 21 will be a gala dinner dance. The year will close out with a special anniversary Mass Dec. 4.

St. Joan of Arc Parish was established by Bishop George W. Ahr in 1961, with Father William Kokoszka appointed as the first pastor. Sunday Masses were celebrated in the Florence V. Evans School in Marlton. The first church was dedicated in October, 1963, and a school was opened two years later. The school was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill, who continue to serve both the school and parish to this day in various capacities.

The significant growth that the parish experienced over the next 20 years prompted the need for a larger church facility. A new 1,200-seat church was dedicated in July, 1988. The structure included additional classrooms and an all-purpose room while the former church was converted into a gymnasium.

In the past 25 years, St. Joan of Arc Parish has been served by three pastors: Father William J. Kokoszka, 1961 to 1973; Msgr. Armand A. Pedata, 1973 to 2006, and currently, Msgr. LaVerghetta.