Dear Mission Family,
Thank you for visiting the Black and Indian Mission Office website! Your curiosity in learning more about what we do and our mission is certainly the grace of the Holy Spirit, who guides each of us to a life of prayer and service, especially during this Christmas season.
Please allow the photos and stories to speak to your heart with great affection and esteem for our brothers and sisters. There are multiple needs on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native missions, within urban ministry and Black Catholic communities.
For over 130 years, the Black and Indian Mission Office has lifted up individuals searching for peace, meaning of life , joy and a sense of self-worth in discovering who they are as sons and daughters of God. Through the ministry of evangelization, we have responded in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops of the United States to: raise up leadership, support catechetical programs, train permanent deacons, secure the presence of priests, religious women and men and empower the laity to make significant contributions. There is amazing Christian service in mission schools, home visitation, parish religious education programs and offering a brighter future to those who need a little assistance and encouragement, to name a few ways we fulfill the ministry of presence. We continue the courageous spirit of St. Katharine Drexel, whose heart and desire was constantly directed toward the poor, the outcasts, the abandoned and those unjustly treated. Mother Katharine’s vision and close union with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament gave her a constant and renewed energy to daily take up the cross in loving service to all.
During this season of Advent, of anticipation and waiting for the birth of our Savior, I invite you to ponder deep within your soul potential ways you can partner and collaborate with the Black and Indian Mission Office. First and always, with your daily remembrance of us in your prayers… Listen now to the words of St. Katharine Drexel: “Christmas is a time to renew our desire and resolution to become ‘a little child’ again. Of this the great secret is union with the will of God. We abandon ourselves to God as little children to their Father, taking everything from His hands, content to leave all to His divine providence.”
Again, thanks for visiting today! Please enjoy the website and share our ministry with your family and friends.
Merry Christmas,
Father Paysse
