Our Heritage, Our Mission

 

Three Organizations. One Shared Mission. 

The Black and Indian Mission Office (BIMO), brings together three Catholic organizations, each serving a unique mission while working toward the same goal: sharing the Gospel, strengthening Catholic communities, and supporting the faith, culture and ministry of African American, Native American, and Alaska Native communities throughout the United States.
 

  • Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions (established 1874)
    Partners with Native American and Alaska Native Catholic communities by supporting parishes, schools, faith formation, and leadership development that honors Indigenous cultures and strengthens the Church's presence in tribal communities.

  • Commission for the Catholic Missions Among the Colored People and the Indians (established 1884)
    Provides grants through the annual Black and Indian Mission Collection, helping dioceses and ministries carry out evangelization, education, and pastoral outreach where resources are needed most.

  • Catholic Negro-American Mission Board (established 1907, united with BIMO 1980)
    Supports ministries that serve African American Catholic communities by funding evangelization, Catholic education, vocations, and parish programs that help people encounter Christ and grow in their faith.

Historical Notes and Events

Explore the historical timelines of these three Catholic organizations through the Marquette University Library Archives using the links below.

 

Supporting Catholic ministries serving Black and Native American communities across the United States.