Our Mission

The Black and Indian Mission Office is comprised of three distinct but inter-related organizations, each with its own purpose and history, but all seeking to fulfill the one Mission to the Missions! Founded by the Catholic bishops of the United States, each organization cooperates with local diocesan communities to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs on the ground. Read more and join us in our Mission to the Missions!

Bureau of Catholic
Indian Missions

established 1874

Commission for the
Catholic Missions Among
the Colored People
and the Indians

established 1884

Catholic Negro-American
Mission Board

established 1907, united with BIMO 1980

Support the Black and Indian
Mission Collection

The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American Diocesan Communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs on the ground.

News and Events

Father Sands

BIMO News | September 06, 2019

A Message of Hope

Father Maurice Sands recently spoke with Columbia about his personal background and about the broader experience of Native Americans within the Catholic Church.

Indian Mission | August 27, 2019

Reservation Parishes Join Mental Wellness Ministry Pilot Program

The Diocese of Rapid City is piloting a Mental Wellness Ministry in several parishes during this grant period, including some located on the Pine Ridge and Standing Rock reservations.

Black Catholic Mission | August 24, 2019

Griifin Center Summer Bible Study

The accompanying photos show youngsters who participated in a Bible study that was conducted at three Griffin Center sites involving children from six different public housing complexes in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Indian Mission | August 24, 2019

Black Elk Canonization Case Sent to Vatican

Documents seeking to make Nicholas Black Elk a saint were signed, sealed and delivered to the Vatican recently. Black Elk was a Lakota medicine man and Catholic catechist.

Black Catholic Mission | August 16, 2019

Brother Booker Ashe Lay Ministry Program Holds Orientation

Information and Orientation sessions for the Brother Booker Ashe Lay Ministry Program are held in the summer for the Fall Semester and in the winter for the Spring Semester.

BIMO News | August 16, 2019

All Saints Catholic Church Supports Lay Ministry

All Saints is nearing the end of the 2018-2019 Black and Indian Grant cycle. Fewer funds were available and expended this quarter for leadership, faith formation and evangelization.

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