"I wish every Catholic knew that their contributions to Black and Indian Mission make a world of difference to those in underserved and remote locations. For anyone who wonders how their donations are utilized, it is imperative they know how grateful and necessary their help is to our programs and people."

—Janelle Salaz, Grants Facilitator, Diocese of Gallup

The Diocese of Gallup spans 55,000 square miles across New Mexico and Arizona, and serves Native American communities including Navajo Nation, Hopi, Laguna, Acoma, and Zuni Pueblos, and two Apache Nations. It is the poorest diocese in the United States. Many of its small parishes and missions would struggle to support a priest without assistance from the Black and Indian Mission Collection.

At St. Joseph Mission in Laguna, New Mexico, gifts to the collection help support two priests and make programs such as Vacation Bible School (VBS) possible. VBS leaders bring a statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American Saint, from a shrine near Laguna to the parish hall for the week, giving students the opportunity to learn from her example of holiness. The students return the statue to the shrine at the end of the week.

Because of this support, churches in and around the Laguna and Acoma Pueblos can offer more Masses, provide greater access to the sacraments, and expand programs for children and families.