November 20, 2024

Catholic parishes in the North Country are heeding Pope Francis’ exhortation to meet immigrants “with welcome and solidarity.”

As U.S./Canadian border crossings by migrants have increased during the past few years, parish food pantries and thrift shops have stepped up to assist. In addition, specific programs have been established to aid the newcomers.

“They need the same things people in our community have always needed,” said Starr Burke, program coordinator at St. Joseph’s Outreach Center in Plattsburgh. “They’re lacking for food. They’re lacking for clothing. They’re lacking for housing. It’s what we would do as outreach for anyone.”

In addition to those traditional services, specific programs have been established to aid the newcomers. Those include the position of an immigration referral coordinator at St. Joseph’s Outreach Center and English language learner classes.

Burke and others with experience serving immigrants say they can come from just about anywhere. Many are just passing through the area.

“Most individuals coming here, we are not their destination,” Burke said. “A small number do stay in the area. Some of those have come here on U.S. work visas and are employed at local farms or companies.”

Over the years, immigrant numbers have ebbed and flowed with changes in immigration regulations in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

For example, asylum seekers crossing from the U.S. into Quebec province in early 2023 averaged 4,613 per month, according to Canadian government figures. A new agreement in March 2023 between Canada and the United States stemmed much of that flow. Since then, there has been a marked increase in the flow of migrants from Canada to the United States, according to U.S. Border Patrol figures.

St. Joseph’s Outreach Center doesn’t keep track of who is an immigrant and who is not when someone comes into their soup kitchen, food pantry or thrift store, Burke said.

“I am going to help the person that is in front of me to the best of my ability, period,” she said.

However, tabulations are kept for people utilizing services specifically there for immigrants. The immigration referral coordinator at St. Joseph’s Outreach Center referred about 500 individuals to other agencies in the past year. Those individuals are often migrants seeking help with immigration issues. But they also can be U.S. citizens or permanent residents simply inquiring about getting a family member or other relative into the country to join them.

Burke estimates immigrants make up about 2 or 3 percent of those utilizing services at St. Joseph’s Outreach Center. Services like that have seen a marked increase in demand in recent years, but Burke doesn’t attribute that to immigrants.

“Just the economy has led to an increased need for everybody,” she said. “That’s why we partner with community agencies to stretch our resources as far as we can,” Burke said.

Nine of those community partners are listed at the St. Joseph Outreach Center’s website. They range from private charities like Catholic Charities to government agencies like the New York State Office for New Americans.

The needs of immigrants vary widely.

“It’s one thing if someone’s just passing through and is trying to get to family somewhere else in the country,” Burke said. “It’s another if someone has nowhere to go and is homeless.”

Burke and others who serve at parish community outreach centers are aware there is much misinformation and controversy surrounding immigrants. But the Gospel message and the teachings of Christ call them to action.
“I believe it’s the duty of every human being,” Burke said. “We should all be treated with the dignity we’re entitled to.”

Why are we helping?
By Father Christopher J. Looby
Pastor, the Catholic Community of St. Alexander, St. Augustine and St. James

Q: Why has the Catholic church made serving and protecting immigrants and migrants such a priority, not just here, but worldwide?

A: The Catholic Church’s commitment to serving and protecting immigrants and migrants is deeply rooted in the Gospel message and the teachings of Christ, who calls us to “welcome the stranger” in Matthew 25:35.

From the very beginning, the Church has upheld the inherent dignity of every person, seeing each one as created in the image of God. Our responsibility to protect the vulnerable and marginalized, including those who seek refuge or opportunity in new lands, aligns with Christ’s mission to bring compassion and justice to all.

This commitment extends beyond our local outreach; it is a global call to solidarity. Migration often arises from deeply rooted injustices, such as poverty, violence, and lack of opportunity, and it is a priority for the Church to advocate for a world where everyone can live with dignity and security. Here at St. Joseph’s Outreach Center, we reflect that global mission by supporting immigrants in practical ways, whether through language programs, employment support or other critical services. These efforts remind us that we are one human family, called by God to journey alongside one another with compassion and respect.