Mission Statement
The Mission of the Office of Black Ministry is to listen to and promote the aspirations of Black Catholics; to encourage self-reliance, cultural identity, economic self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth; and to work towards the eradication of racism and discrimination, and any and all forms of injustice that may exist within the Church and society.
The Black Catholic Community has been an integral part of the Archdiocese of New York for over 200 years. We include Priests, Deacons, Religious Brothers and Sisters and lay men and women – married and single. We also include one of the only three congregations of predominately black religious sisters in the country, the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. Some of us are native New Yorkers, while others have come here from the various parts of the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, the Continent of Africa and the rest of the world. We speak various languages including English, French, Creole, Spanish, Akan, Ga, Ewe, Nzema, Igbo, Garifuna, and Tigrinya – to name only a few. We stand for life and justice and against violence, racism and all forms of injustice.
2023 Black History Month Mass
Coming Soon
Archdiocese of New York’s Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund Awards Dinner
On Monday, November 6, 2023, the Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Program will host its annual Awards Dinner. The Pierre Toussaint Medallion will be presented to Vincent D. Rougeau, President of College of the Holy Cross.
The Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund provides support, mentorship, mentorship, and ministerial formation to college student-leaders, of diverse cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, who are actively involved in their parishes. The goal of the program is to help our scholars develop into mature leaders in their respective professions, while also assuming greater leadership roles in their parish communities.
Event: Archdiocese of New York’s Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund Awards Dinner
Date: Monday, November 6, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Venue: Guastavino’s – 409 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022
RSVP | Learn More: To learn more or to secure your table(s) or ticket(s), please visit 2023ptsfawardsdinner.com or contact Melecia Ming at [email protected] or 646.794.3271.
A portion of every gift will go towards the Pierre Toussaint Scholars Food Pantry Fund, established in 2020 and administered by a committee of scholars, for the purpose of supporting parish food pantries, as they attempt to address the rising issue of food insecurity in our various communities of the Archdiocese.
Busy Persons Retreat
A “Busy Person’s Retreat” is a time of focused prayer and companion journeying. This retreat will help you learn how to make time for prayer and meditation even in the midst of a regular busy schedule. Learn more here.
Black Faith Matters: Harlem
Stay tuned for more information about this exciting project! https://www.blackfaithmatters.com/
The 2023 Venerable Pierre Toussaint Scholarship application process is now closed! We thank you for your interest and your support.
We value peace, education, and in a very special way, our young and our elderly.