Catholic official says Bush visit puts spotlight on church's work

Published: 2006-06-09

OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) -- Scot Adams, executive director of Catholic Charities in Omaha, is a realist. He knows President George W. Bush's June 7 visit to the agency's Juan Diego Center in south Omaha was grounded in the politics of immigration reform. But Adams also knows how to take advantage of an opportunity. And he saw the president's time in Omaha as a chance to focus national attention not only on immigration, but also on the work of Catholic Charities and the role of the church in reaching out to those in need. Assimilation programs, such as those offered by the Catholic agency in Omaha, are an important part of any immigration program, Bush said in a speech on immigration legislation at Metro Community College's south campus in Omaha. He also mentioned language, history and civics classes as ways to help in the assimilation process, and praised the Catholic Charities staff and volunteers for their efforts in working with immigrants. Before delivering the speech, the president learned about microbusiness and citizenship programs at the Juan Diego Center.

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