Priest in New Jersey marks Fourth of July as new U.S. citizen

SPARTA, N.J. (CNS) -- As fireworks exploded and backyard barbeques marked the 230th anniversary of the birth of our nation on Independence Day, Father Albert Nix had special reason to celebrate.

The pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, in the Paterson Diocese, became a U.S. citizen at a recent ceremony in Newark.

"I am very proud to have become an American and I look forward to being able to vote on the issues that affect this nation and local politics," said Father Nix, whose Fourth of July celebration included watching fireworks July 3 from the boardwalk of Sparta's Lake Mohawk.

In celebration of his new citizenship, Father Nix planned to share his love for America and his love of music by singing the national anthem before 4,000 baseball fans at Skylands Park in Augusta July 21 as part of Blessed Kateri's night at the ballpark, the home of the minor league Sussex Skyhawks.

Barbara Stote, a parishioner at Blessed Kateri, came up with the idea to have Father Nix sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" after seeing an ad looking for singers. With Father Nix's new citizenship and musical talents, she thought he would be a perfect fit.

"Right away, he was enthusiastic about singing the national anthem," said Stote, who like many parishioners is treated every Sunday to Father Nix's singing talents. Now, those at the game will be able to experience the same, she said.

A native of Ireland, Father Nix was ordained to the priesthood in 1973 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Carlow, Ireland. He served at several parishes in Ireland until 1977 when he became a missionary in Nigeria until 1981.

Father Nix fulfilled a longtime dream of serving in the United States when he relocated to the Diocese of Paterson in 1993 and was incardinated as a priest of the diocese in 1998, following his release from the Diocese of Limerick, Ireland. He was appointed pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in 2003.

One thing Father Nix loves about the United States is the people. "The American people are so open," he told The Beacon, Paterson's diocesan newspaper. "They're always willing to try all things and be creative. They are also very affirming." The priest also loves the U.S. weather as well as dining out and watching American sports.

Father Nix also believes becoming a citizen will help his ministry as a priest. "Being a priest allows me to bring the kingdom of God on earth and now becoming a citizen helps me to be officially involved in a more meaningful way in social issues," he said.

Stote said, "When he told me he was becoming a citizen after 13 years here, he was beaming. It was a long road and he was very proud and happy."

As an immigrant, Father Nix can relate to many of the new immigrants who come to his parish and have their own American dream. At Blessed Kateri, the parish offers a migrant ministry for Hispanics and a Mass in Spanish.

"I feel very happy to have all the rights, the privileges and all the freedoms of this country," the priest said. "It's just wonderful to be part of what America is all about."

A special Fourth of July

Sparta pastor becomes U.S. citizen; to sing National Anthem at ballgame

SPARTA - As fireworks explode and backyard barbeques are celebrated marking the 230th anniversary of the birth of our nation this July 4, the day will have special meaning for Father Albert Nix, pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish here who became a U.S. citizen last month in Newark. "I am very proud to have become an American citizen and I look forward to being able to vote on the issues that affect this nation and local politics," said Father Nix, who will celebrate his July 4th watching the fireworks on the boardwalk at Lake Mohawk here.

In celebration of his new citizenship, Father Nix will be sharing his love for America and his love of music by singing the National Anthem before 4,000 baseball fans at Skylands Park in Augusta on Friday, July 21, as part of Blessed Kateri's night at the ballpark, the home of the Sussex Skyhawks. Barbara Stote, a parishioner of Blessed Kateri, came up with the idea to have Father Nix sing the National Anthem after seeing an ad looking for singers. With Father Nix's new citizenship and musical talents, she thought he would be a perfect fit.

"Right away, he was enthusiastic about singing the National Anthem," said Stote, who like many parishioners is treated every Sunday to Father Nix's singing talents. Now, those at the game will be able to experience the same, she said. A native of Ireland, Father Nix was ordained to the priesthood in 1973 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Carlow, Ireland. He served several parishes in Ireland until 1977 when he entered the missionary field and served in that capacity in Nigeria until 1981. Always wanting to savor priestly ministry in the United States, Father Nix fulfilled his American dream in 1993 and relocated to Diocese of Paterson, where he became parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Stirling. He was incardinated as a priest of the Paterson Diocese in 1998, following his release from the Diocese of Limerick, Ireland. He was appointed as pastor to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in 2003.

One thing Father Nix loves about the United States is the people. Father Nix said, "I like in America how the American people are so open. They're always willing to try all things and be creative. They are also very affirming." Father Nix thinks the weather in the United States is beautiful. He loves eating out and watching American sports. Father Nix also believes becoming a citizen will help his ministry as a priest. "It's just great to become a citizen as a priest. Being a priest allows me to bring the kingdom of God on earth and now becoming a citizen helps me to be officially involved in a more meaningful way in social issues."

"When he told me he was becoming a citizen after 13 years here, he was beaming. It was a long road and he was very proud and happy," said Stote, "Father Albert has a wide range of experience in his background. He grew up on a farm in Ireland, he has done missionary work in Africa experiencing how people have nothing there and then coming here. His real life experience really hits home to us living here. We are very lucky to be in this country." Being a former immigrant himself also allows Father Nix to relate to many of the new immigrants who come to his parish and have their own American dream. His own experience allows him to understand where they are coming from and his immigrant parishioners can look to him as an example that the dream can come true for them. At Blessed Kateri, the parish offers a migrant ministry for its Hispanic immigrants and a Mass in its native language.

And like this country, Father Nix believes in the ideas of his parishioners in making Blessed Kateri a better parish. "Father Albert is so enthuasiastic and open to any ideas of the parishioners. He has a very 'Let's do it' attitude and we always have his full support," said Stote.

"I feel very happy to have all the rights, the privileges and all the freedoms of this country. It's just wonderful to be part of what America is all about," said Father Nix.
The parish is inviting all to the Skyhawks game on July 21 at 7:05 p.m. to see Father Nix celebrate his citizenship. Father Tom Fallone, parochial vicar of Blessed Kateri, will also be on hand to throw out the first pitch. The game will also be followed by a fireworks display. Tickets information can be found at http://www.sussexskyhawks.com

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