[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1173-E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF FATHER MARTIN MORONEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in recognition of Father Martin 
Moroney. He has served as a pastor in Northern California and the 
Sacramento area since he came to this country in 1967. As his friends 
and family celebrate his retirement, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
thanking him for his dedication and leadership.
  Born in County Clare in western Ireland, Father Moroney grew up in a 
small town on his family's farm. He loved the countryside of Ireland, 
but later felt very much at home in Northern California and the 
Sacramento area's cities and open spaces.
  Father Moroney spent his 12 twelve years in the United States as an 
assistant pastor in several parishes, beginning with St. Mel's in Fair 
Oaks and St. Anthony's in Mt. Shasta. In 1970 he moved to St. Theresa's 
in South Lake Tahoe, and 6 years later he began to serve at Sacred 
Heart in Sacramento. In 1978 he transferred to All Hallows on 14th 
Avenue.
  As Father Moroney gained experience in these welcoming parishes, he 
began to take on larger responsibilities. He became pastor of St. 
John's in Quincy; there he led his own parish as well as nearby 
Greenville's mission church. For 12 years, he happily served as 
spiritual leader for these two Plumas County communities.
  In 1993, Father Moroney was asked to move to Rancho Cordova, where he 
has remained as pastor up until his retirement. The St. John Vianney 
parish in Rancho Cordova was very welcoming and quickly grew to love 
and respect him as their pastor. Father Moroney has dedicated his work 
and service to guide the church's followers for 18 years. During that 
time he has reached out to the Hispanic community and launched a 
program of Spanish-language masses. Furthermore, he recently oversaw 
the addition of monthly Indonesian-language masses to celebrate the 
Indonesian community in the area.
  When Father Moroney first came to St. John Vianney's, the church had 
a $200,000 debt. As he retires, Father Moroney is happy to report that 
the debt has been completely paid off. He is also ecstatic that the 
church's school fund has grown so much that the interest earned is 
helping support the school.

[[Page E1174]]

  Father Moroney's retirement marks the end of almost half a century's 
dedication to helping others. He has made important contributions to 
every parish that he worked in, and helped countless individuals find 
their way. His leadership will be sorely missed from the Sacramento 
area and beyond, though his conviction and dedication will be 
remembered for a long time by the people he encountered across the 
state.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor Father Moroney, who has been an 
exceptional community leader. He has devoted his life to serving and to 
assisting those around him. I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
wishing Father Moroney the best as he retires.

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