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The community of Catholic immigrants from the Philippines has grown to such an extent in the Albany Diocese that there are two networks holding meetings and events for members. 

Many Filipinos come to the Albany area to work as nurses at Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital. They usually speak Spanish in addition to Tagalog, an indigenous language.

Rev. Eric de la Pena, OFM Conv., sees the growing number of immigrants firsthand when he celebrates Masses for the Hispanic community at Holy Family Church in Albany. For him, these lay spiritual groups are vital for Filipinos and other immigrants to connect with family.

"They are support groups for families," he said.

Cultural home
Father de la Pena is connected with one of the Filipino networks, which is based at St. Francis de Sales parish in Loudonville. Though the network's focus may be on immigrants from the Philippines, the priest stressed the importance of diversity.

"There are non-Filipino members that come," he pointed out. "There is a cultural theme you feel here. It's like carrying over what you had from your culture and seeing it here."

The group at St. Francis de Sales has a weekly prayer meeting. "Of course the emphasis is on the family," Father de la Pena said.

Much the same can be said of Couples for Christ, another network that began in the Philippines and has groups throughout the United States. 

In Albany, John and Michelle Potenciano serve as pastoral formation officers for Couples for Christ.

"Mainly this is for evangelization," said Mr. Potenciano; "not only for the individual, but for the Church as a whole."

The Potencianos served in the Couples for Christ network in the Philippines before moving to Albany in 2006 and continuing their mission, which also stresses family involvement.

"People see the name and think it is for couples," said Mrs. Potenciano, "but it's really more of having a family here. It's like a small community."

In fact, Couples for Christ actually joins together five separate family ministry groups: Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ, Handmaids of the Lord, Servants of the Lord, and Kids for Christ. Mr. and Mrs. Potenciano met each other through the Singles for Christ program. 

The programs also provide immigrants a comfort factor, as Father de la Pena pointed out.

"You can find a way where you can be welcomed in your culture," he said. "How you prayed and how you celebrated life in your own country - it's a welcome thing. It does provide ease in the transition until people become integrated."

Off the boat
Mr. and Mrs. Potenciano said the group allows the newly-arrived to form relationships quickly with the other members.

"You come from the same boat," said Mrs. Potenciano. "There's a bond."

"We're here for everyone," added her husband.

Both groups, however, provide the comfort and compassion of God to all their members.

"Since I am Filipino myself, I have seen that it helps," said Friar de la Pena. "They provide a home. It's like a consoling effect. There's great support in knowing that there are people that can help you if you need advice."

"We are all laypersons and we all understand what we're all going through," said Mrs. Potenciano.

Mr. Potenciano nodded, adding: "We are all instruments of the Lord. It's our calling."[[In-content Ad]]

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