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

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

BIMO News | May 02, 2026

Discover our new Documentary Films

Experience two powerful new documentaries celebrating the faith, culture, and resilience of Native American and African American Catholics.

Indian Mission | April 30, 2026

Our Lady of Lourdes Students Shine at National History Day Regional Contest

Each March, students from all over the world discover history through National History Day.

Black Catholic Mission | April 30, 2026

Showcasing ExCEL

Sisters Academy of Baltimore operates on a trimester system and culminates each day with its extended-day programming, known internally as ExCEL (Exploring, Creating, and Expanding Learning).

Indian Mission | April 17, 2026

Honoring a Lifetime of Accompanying the Apache in Mescalero

For the last four decades, Sr. Robert-Ann Hecker, OSF, has brought comfort, hope, and renewed faith.

Black Catholic Mission | April 14, 2026

IHM Lenten Mission 2026

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church was blessed to host Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers for their parish Lenten Mission from Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 3, 2026.

Indian Mission | March 31, 2026

Confirmation retreat

The topics included "Why Am I Here?," "The Depth of God’s Love and Reconciliation," "Healing and Repentance" a talk given by Fr. Edmund, and "Lakota Catholic and Proud" a talk given by Jenny Black Bear.

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