Welcome to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Festival of Trees Page!

If you haven’t visited the festival yet, you can find the archdiocese’s “Jesus Christ Our Hope” Christmas tree at the Indiana Historical Society. Click here to learn more and secure your tickets.

We’re honored to have our Christmas tree featured in this year’s Indiana Historical Society Festival of Trees, joining more than 80 beautifully decorated trees that celebrate the spirit and diversity of Indiana.

Our themed tree, “Jesus Christ, Our Hope,” is a visual invitation to reflect on the corporal works of mercy—acts of love referenced in the 25th chapter of St. Matthew’s gospel —that bring Christ’s compassion to life. Each ornament and plaque represents a call to serve: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and more. These are not just seasonal traditions—they are living expressions of hope, inspired by Jesus Christ.

The tree’s gold and blue hues echo our archdiocesan coat of arms (blue for the Virgin Mary, gold for Christ the King), while its nativity scene and crystalline crosses recall Christ’s humble beginnings and eternal promise.

Through the QR code that most likely brought you here, we invite you to:

• Read real-life stories from The Criterion about archdiocese ministries and members within our communities who are living out these works of mercy.
   
• Submit a prayer request—we’d be honored to pray with and for you.
   
• Explore our ministries that serve the communities throughout central and southern Indiana.
   
• Support these ministries through the United Catholic Appeal.
   
• Listen to Christmas music sung by our schola choir, Vox Sacra.

As we enter this season of hope, may the light of Christ shine brightly in your heart and home.

Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas!

Advent Prayer from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson:

Heavenly Father,
As we prepare to celebrate
the birth of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Grant that we may rejoice in Him as our hope.
Help us, like Mary and Joseph,
to become people of hope,
who welcome Him into our hearts
and homes this Christmas.
Inspire us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
visit the sick and proclaim the good news.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.
Amen.