What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

Are many of you aware that there is quite a “relativity” theme in the music department at SJA? Well, it’s true and one of those family harmonies involves the quintessential talent of the Chouinard brothers. The particular brother I’m addressing at present is Joe Chouinard, whom some have come to recognize periodically at masses and specific services. Joe is the older brother of Dan. Joe has multiple musical talents as well. He told his story to me and surprised me with his long SJA background.

Born in Richfield, Joe and Dan’s family attended St.Joan’s from their early childhood. Joe has strong ties and a pretty keen sense of what, where, and how this parish has grown. His early years also give him a solid musical background particularily encouraging his dedication as a piano/ keyboard accompanist. Growing up the family moved to Lindstrom, MN where Joe attended Chisago Lakes High School, and then St. Johns University. During college he often offered piano performances playing classical Bach or Scarletti or the like. In his junior year he chose a Piano Performance degree as a field of study. Joe had started this interest area in his elementary years taking piano lessons along with his brothers and sisters. His training gave him a strong fundamental start. He loved architecture but music just as much! As he states : “My daily gig is engineering, and my evening gig is music.”

His area of engineering work includes CAD (computerized drafting), lighting design, and designing for commercial facilities. Spare time is spent either biking, running, or camping. He recently finished designing and putting in a deck off of his house which he was complimented on by the UPS man. (He felt coming from a UPS man was receiving some of the highest of accolades). Joe revealed that what he absolutely loves to do in his pastime is design his “dream house”. It’s an ongoing excursion that never tires him. He's been working on it for years and it looks like a few more years to go....but, you can see the excitement rise when he mentioned it!

Another interesting hobby is his active “advocacy” for T.L.C. -Transit for Livable Communities. He has written editorials for T.L.C. in favor of the light rail project and is excited to see our first line being put in. Again, many hours of contributed expertise were given to this project. Yet another sign of Joe’s good will.

Joe has performed with a variety of musical gigs which include “Power of Ten”, “Popluxe”, and Robert Robinson. He plays for large events, weddings, and private parties with music ranging anywhere from Patsy Cline to K.C. & the Sunshine Band. Presently, Joe and his father sing along with another father/son team as a Barber Shop Quartet! Joe is crazy about it and has received thumbs up from prominent groups in the cities. They have a performance scheduled in Stillwater on April, 21st if anyone is interested.

Joe loved the book “Angela’s Ashes” and is himself crazy about the movie “When the God’s Must Be Crazy”. He is also a big fan of “Return of the Pink Panther”. He is rumored to be an advanced garden guru as well . PLUS, Joe is a fanatic chef in his own kitchen. Always stirring up new delectables, he claims to have mastered a “to die for” homemade pizza !

Joe demonstrates a pure sense of dedication to music in our parish. As a fellow musician, comrades stated “Joe comes through in the punch.....sometimes for free”! Joe and his wife of 8 years, Connie, are members of the choir. As with many in the choir , their attendance is proof of their love for the choir by driving the long distance from Maplewood on many blustery winter nights. In addition to lending his voice, Joe has also contributed in mastering the arrangements of music for the choir single-handedly! Hours are spent writing, creating, and editing music. He has a professional talent to produce beautiful renditions of obsolete publications of songs.

Peg LaSota is interested in the biographies of parishioners... any suggestions?? She also loves studying piano, recorder, Spanish, and of course...singing in the choir!

What a “treasure” we have in Joe Chouinard! How lucky can a parish be? Time and time again, he steps up to the challenge giving us beautiful arrangements to enrich our services. It’s a bit of that collaborative ministry we see budding all over in many ways. I have come to know that we can count on Joe hands down. Whenever there’s a call for his help he responds and does it with complete commitment. Let us be thankful for our brother....Joe!