[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9921]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING FATHER GEOFFREY BARAAN ON HIS SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2016

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Father 
Geoffrey Baraan in celebration of over a decade of dedicated service as 
Pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church in Union City.
  Before Father Geoffrey became a priest he was a counselor, a role 
that helped him understand the many needs and concerns of the people to 
whom he has ministered.
  He entered St. Joseph College Seminary in Los Altos in 1990 and 
completed his studies at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park. Diocese 
of Oakland Bishop John Cummins ordained him to the priesthood in 1997, 
and he began serving as parochial vicar at St. Augustine Parish in 
Pleasanton. Later he was appointed parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish 
in Pinole and then as parochial administrator at St. Ignatius Parish in 
Antioch in 2001. In 2005, he assumed the role of Pastor at St. Anne.
  During his time as Pastor, Father Geoffrey was a beloved figure who 
inspired countless people. His compassionate communal leadership 
fostered unity in one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse 
parishes in the Diocese. He shepherded a ``living church'' where 
parishioners practiced their faith through service to others.
  Today, due to Father Geoffrey's leadership, St. Anne is one of the 
largest parishes in my congressional district, with over 5,000 
parishioners. In addition, ministry groups have thrived while 
faithfully and effectively serving Union City and the entire Tri-City 
area. They have established a variety of programs to assist the 
homeless and hungry in their community.
  Father Geoffrey was also instrumental in establishing S.M.A.R.T., 
which stands for ``St. Anne Medical Action Response Team.'' He helped 
assemble a medical team of over 80 volunteers, including doctors, 
nurses, medical students, and other health professionals to provide 
first aid and basic care to parishioners during all of the often-
crowded weekend services.
  Father Geoffrey will begin a new ministry starting on July 1, 2016, 
when he becomes Pastor of St. Joseph's Church and School in Pinole. I 
wish to thank Father Geoffrey on his contributions to the 15th 
Congressional District during his time at St. Anne, and I wish him well 
in his new assignment.

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