April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
REV. ANTHONY BARRATT
Latham pastor becomes an American citizen
Rev. Anthony Barratt, of London, England, has been serving at parishes in the Albany Diocese for a decade. He's had permanent residency in the United States for five years and was incardinated into the Diocese in 2011.
He said American citizenship - in his case, dual citizenship - was a sensible next step.
"This is where the Lord wants me to be," he told The Evangelist after the ceremony, where he was asked to give a speech on behalf of the other citizenship candidates. "It's not absolutely necessary, but it's a good thing. It's almost like a seal on things."
Father Barratt was cheerful and witty as he addressed the crowd about the journey that is becoming a citizen.
"For some of us, coming to America means learning a new language," he said. "If I may be mischievous for a moment," it has applied to him, too: He still vacillates between the British and American pronunciations of "schedule."
Carrying a torch
Father Barratt said that, at his first parish assignment, Annunciation in Ilion, requesting a flashlight to inspect the basement could be confusing: "I kept asking for a torch."
He's also still trying to comprehend American football - "I think it's a fairly hopeless case" - and "troubling customs" like when people ask, "How are you doing?" but don't actually expect an in-depth answer. But he has embraced U.S. holidays, especially Thanksgiving, and the Constitutional rights Americans take for granted.
The pastor said the path to citizenship was likely personal and unique for each person.
"For me, the journey began really by providence," he said, expressing gratitude to the Diocese, his brother priests, parishioners and staff he's encountered along the way. "Please welcome us as this particular journey to citizenship is nearly complete and a new journey begins as citizens."
Bless us, every one
The ceremony continued with a citizenship oath, singing of the national anthem and "God Bless America," recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and presentation of citizenship certificates. The judge presiding over the ceremony said it's his "absolute favorite thing to do as a judge."
Parishioners and staff from St. Ambrose came to show support for their pastor. They seemed to be the largest group present to cheer on a candidate.
"I think it's just exciting that the parish gets to celebrate with Father," said Sue Humziker, the financial secretary.
Joan Welch, parish secretary, added that it was fun to "see what it's like to become a citizen" and "interesting to see these people from all these different countries. Father Anthony is like family. He's a real good guy."
St. Ambrose was having a barbecue picnic celebration the day after the ceremony. Father Barratt said it was wonderful to share the day with the parish and with his sister, who happened to be visiting from England "just by chance."
Two continents
Father Barratt is keeping his British citizenship - and the accent, he jokes - and has only thought of returning to his native country when he reaches retirement. He said applying for citizenship earlier this year was a much less complicated process than going from a religious worker visa to a green card.
The priest boasted that he passed the English portion of the citizenship exam, as well as the verbal exam on U.S. history, geography and the Constitution.
He said he can now vote and can travel more easily.
"It's exciting," he told The Evangelist. "It's another part of that journey [and] gives a stability and permanence."
Father Barratt was ordained a priest of the U.K.'s Southwark Archdiocese in 1985. He holds a doctorate in theology and was a professor and vice-rector at St. John's Seminary in England before coming to the U.S. He teaches at the Albany campus of St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry and has written many columns for The Evangelist (see "opinions" section).[[In-content Ad]]
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