New Sanctuary movement aids immigrants to area

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When Holy Family parish in Albany lost its youth minister six years ago, both the parish and the community suffered. The youth minister's family had been deported back to Mexico, and the parish had one fewer leader.

But for one parishioner, that loss was a motivation to help other immigrants who found themselves in legal trouble: Two years later, Fred Boehrer started the New Sanctuary Movement.

Last year, Holy Family parish closed, with the church building becoming Our Lady of the Americas shrine church. But the program Mr. Boehrer created continues, located at St. John/St. Ann's outreach center in Albany.

Mr. Boehrer is also a director of Emmaus House, the Albany Catholic Worker community. The New Sanctuary program is designed to help immigrants and their families find both legal and practical assistance in their new country.

That assistance includes helping them to learn English, providing basic necessities they cannot afford and visiting them in prison. Many immigrants come to the U.S. from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America, only to be taken advantage of by those unfriendly to foreigners - which can include people posing as lawyers and even the court system.

Some immigrants unwittingly find themselves in legal trouble, Mr. Boehrer noted; others need assistance in becoming legal citizens.

"Catholic social teaching demands that we support immigrants," he explained. "They have a right to human dignity and to migrate to improve their lives.

"Let's not forget that the Holy Family were immigrants, as were all of our families at one point. We just have to have the courage to connect with our current immigrants and bring healing and solidarity."

Contact the New Sanctuary movement through Rich Ring, 472-9091, or at St. John/St. Ann's outreach center, 88 4th Ave., Albany. There is no cost.[[In-content Ad]]