Catholic Charities Indianapolis

At Holy Family Shelter, we believe no child should miss out on adventure, friendship, and the joy of a carefree summer. For the children we serve, many of whom have experienced frequent instability, summer camp can be life changing and uplifting.

Summer camp offers more than fun; it provides stability, builds confidence, offers nutritious meals, promotes creative expression, and supports academic learning to help prevent the “summer slide.” It’s a chance for children to feel safe, included, and free to simply enjoy being kids.

You can help make this possible. Click the link to give today: https://bit.ly/HFSsummercamp

Your support helps create lasting memories and meaningful moments for children.

Today, Catholic Charities Indianapolis takes a moment to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice and hold their families and loved ones in our prayers.

As people of faith, we ask God to grant eternal rest to the fallen, comfort to those who mourn, and wisdom and peace to our nation. May we honor their legacy by striving for justice, compassion, and the dignity of every person.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, we remember that healing is possible, even after deep trauma. Through our Counseling Program, Jane found hope after struggling for years with anxiety, depression, and unhealthy relationships. She learned to recognize her own God given dignity and worth. Today, she is building a healthy, loving future grounded in compassion, trust, and resilience. Catholic Charities Indianapolis is honored to walk alongside individuals like Jane, offering care, support, and hope when it is needed most.

At A Caring Place, older adults with cognitive impairments are provided with a warm and supportive environment where they can stay engaged throughout the day. Each day is filled with meaningful activities like music, arts and crafts, games, and cognitive exercises that promote connection and well being.

One special highlight is the intergenerational partnership with a preschool class in the same facility. Through shared games, creativity, and laughter, participants and children build genuine connections that bring joy, purpose, and emotional enrichment to everyone involved.

St. Elizabeth / Coleman Pregnancy & Adoption Services offers a wide range of services, and one of the most impactful is the International Adoption Program, which is a powerful testament to love that knows no borders. While international adoption can be a long, complex, and emotional journey, our dedicated team is committed to guiding families through every step of their journey.

Recently, they assisted a family in welcoming their daughter home from India. After applying in 2022 and being matched in 2023, the family thoughtfully reviewed her medical and social history and joyfully decided to move forward, prepared to support her ongoing medical needs. In 2025, their journey was complete and the adoption was finalized.

Today, their daughter is thriving, surrounded by love, care, and the promise of a bright future.

This Mother’s Day, Catholic Charities Indianapolis gives thanks for all mothers and mother figures, who give selflessly, love courageously, and reflect God’s compassion through everyday acts of care.

We honor biological mothers, adoptive and foster mothers, grandmothers, mentors, caregivers, and all women who nurture others with patience, strength, and grace. We also hold in prayer those for whom this day brings grief, longing, or difficult memories, asking God to surround them with comfort and peace.

May all mothers feel seen, valued, and blessed today. Thank you for the love you give and the hope you inspire.

On Thursday, May 7, we join our neighbors across the nation in observing the National Day of Prayer, a time to pause, reflect, and lift our hearts to God.

At Catholic Charities Indianapolis, prayer is at the heart of our mission. We invite you to join us on this day by praying the Catholic Charities Common Prayer, asking God to guide our work, strengthen those we serve, and renew all of us as instruments of His love and mercy.

"Lord Jesus, open our eyes that we may see you in all our sisters and brothers. Open our minds that we may understand their hopes and dreams, their sorrows and pain, their longing for you. Open our hearts to give generously of ourselves. Grant us wisdom to respond effectively to the needs of your people with grace and compassion. Give us the courage to speak your words of life, peace, love, mercy and human solidarity. Bless the people whom we serve, and strengthen the staff and volunteers who reach out to them every day in your spirit of charity. Amen."

Thank you for being part of the mission and ministry of Catholic Charities Indianapolis.

May is Mental Health Month. Catholic Charities Indianapolis recognizes the importance of mental health and emotional well being. Every person is created in God’s image and deserves compassion, dignity, and care— mind, body, and spirit.

Mental health challenges affect individuals and families in every community, and no one should have to face these struggles alone. Catholic Charities provides hope, healing and support through counseling, supportive services, and a ministry of presence, for those who need it most.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available—and seeking support is a courageous step. This month, let us continue to break down stigma, lift one another up in prayer, and build a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

Click the link below to read our most recent stories of inspiration featured in this month’s enewsletter.
https://conta.cc/3Qo8zra

Catholic Charities Indianapolis Refugee Program welcomed Tamari and her family when they arrived in the U.S. The Refugee Program exists to help individuals and families coming to the U.S. beginning the hopeful but challenging process of building a new life on unfamiliar soil.

Soon after working with the Refugee Program, doctors discovered a congenital defect in Tamari’s heart that required open-heart surgery. Our team walked alongside the family, helping them navigate medical systems and coordinating support with hospital partners. Today, Tamari is recovering well, and her family is deeply grateful, reminding us how compassion and community can change lives.