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
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.
National Black Catholic Congress
Founded in 1987, the National Black Catholic Congress organizes a national gathering every five years, renewing our mission with a Pastoral Plan. Join with other Black Catholics and those who minister to Black Catholics in the United States for a celebration of our faith and culture.
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.