St Joan of Arc

One of my favorite places in the city. A great alternative to some of the disappointing extremes in the Church. Neither far-​out liberal nor ultra-​traditional, liturgically or «politically». If there’s a «third way» in the Catholic Church, St. Joan of Arc is probably it.
One of the best things about this parish is Father Guy Roberts. When I’m traveling elsewhere or visit other parishes in Indianapolis, I often really struggle with the low-​quality homilies. Father Guy is a great exception — and a rare example of a humble, literate, truly cultured human being. He knows a ton about history, Catholic and comparative religion, and literature. He’s also a convert. (I feel like «seekers» are often the ones most worth listening to, because they know WHY they’re Catholic, having made that decision as an adult.) Father Guy’s sermons are always incredibly intelligent, beautifully delivered, and insightful. I’ve never once heard him say anything hateful or mean-​spirited, though he’s not a pushover on hot-​topic issues if they come up. One of the most interesting and challenging speakers I’ve heard. Better than most of the professors I had in grad school. The Catholic Church has a great intellectual and cultural tradition, and Father Guy helps keep this alive. Indianapolis is not a terribly «intellectual» town, so for me, his sermons have been a haven in the city.
St. Joan of Arc was built in the 1920s and exudes historic charm. The Meridian-​Kessler neighborhood is a weird mix of hoity-​toity just a few blocks from what used to be the inner city (not a dangerous area, but not the boring suburban safe-​zone of Carmel or Fishers, thankfully…) If architecture and ambiance matter to you, this is a great alternative to the characterless McWorld out in suburbia and to the beautiful immigrant churches that (sadly) are surrounded by bad neighborhoods today.
The place is also rarely empty… sometimes hard to find a seat. I love the 5:30 mass in the winter. They keep the lights low here and the place just glows with interior warmth, especially when it’s dark outside. St. Joan of Arc parish is renowned for having the best music in Indianapolis. The music veers toward the traditional, which (with Father Guy’s sermons) is why I’m still coming here… I think most Catholics actually kind of hate the new music they’re given today and would prefer thoughtful silence. Fortunately, silence is something I feel is still appreciated at St. Joan of Arc.
It’s always good to find the right «lung» of the Church for you. But if you’re new to Indy, or seeking, St. Joan of Arc is well worth a visit.
(Speaking of «lungs» and «music»… fewer screaming babies at the 5:30 evening mass on Sundays… Though the woman who usually sings at 10:30 AM surely has the most beautiful voice in the city.)

I’m a new Catholic, but this has been my home Parish for 3 years now. Not only is the building beautiful, but the people inside it as well. They are very active in the community. Fr. Guy is a very humble man as well as relatable. His homilies make you want to listen and to integrate God’s word into our lives and hearts.

This review is for the community garden across the street. They have plots you can rent for $ 20 for the large ones, but there’s a waiting list. Art installations and sandboxes for kids, as well as a shed full of outdoor toys, glider swing, & tables/​chairs. Very relaxing. We like to stroll down there with a picnic lunch or I’ll grab the kids pretzels down the road for a snack and go eat there and commune with nature. Catty-​corner from the College Ave. library, so you can hit that up too.

Very old, beautiful, peaceful church. I started coming here with my daughter a couple of months ago. We like to come on Sunday afternoons.
Yes, it is summer, it is hot, and has no AC. But the mass is inspirational and depending upon the direction my life takes over the next couple of weeks, I’ll probably join the parish. It feels right.

Beautiful church, don’t ever go in the summer. There is no AC and it is literally like 1 degree cooler than you can imagine hell to be.

Best Catholic Church for young adults. There is a many ministries that you can be involved in. My wife and I are engaged couple sponsors, we are on our third couple. I started Financial Peace University here and will be leading our 4^th class! Father Guy is great! He is a wonderful leader for this parish. Melinda is the adult ministry coordinator and she is an absolute pleasure to work with. I highly recommend St. Joan of Arc!

Beautiful church, pleasant parish, and a fantastic pastor. We have moved away and miss Father Guy so much. His homilies are some of the best I’ve ever heard and truly were something to look forward to each week. We lived in Fishers and commuted 20 – 25 minutes to mass and loved it.
My wife and I were married here last year and it was a dream. If you want to get married here — PLAN AHEAD! You’ll need at least 6 months advance notice. If you want to join the parish (and I highly recommend you do) there will be a waiting period before you can set your wedding date.
Midnight mass on Christmas is a picture of classical Catholic midnight mass. The choir sings for the half hour before mass and it all comes together with a beautiful service.
The French Market in September is the parish’s big fundraising event and it’s fun for the whole neighborhood.

St. Joan of Arc is a gorgeous church with a warm community and great events. I know someone has already done an entry about its annual French market, where it opens its grounds to Francophiles who can sample crepes, escargot, provencal chicken and more.
I know business leaders in the community who have been allowed to use the church’s facilities – the kitchen, etc. – for mutually beneficial ventures and events. In other words, the staff is cooperative.
And the bell tower that rises beside it, recognizable from streets over, is iconic.