About Father Geoff

curriculum vitae

Father Geoff Farrow received a Bachelor of Philosophy from Saint John's College in 1981. He then received a four-year postgraduate Master of Divinity degree from St. John's Seminary and was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in June 1985. Father Geoff is fluent in English and Spanish and has served in both languages.

His pastoral experience includes:

  • Parochial Vicar at Catholic Churches of Merced, Merced, California, 1985-1987

  • Parochial Vicar at St. Francis Catholic Church, Bakersfield, California, 1987-1989

  • Parochial Vicar at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Visalia, California, 1989-1990

  • Pastor at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Arvin, California, 1990-1993

  • Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, with officer training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and Air Force Chaplaincy training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, and assignment at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, California. He was awarded the National Defense Medal during his service. Father Geoff received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Air Force to focus on expanded administrative responsibilities in his new assignment in Visalia. 1989-1993

  • Pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church, Visalia, California, 1993-2007

  • Pastor at St. Paul's Catholic Newman Center, California State University Fresno, 2007-2008

  • A Journey of Two Hearts, 2009-Present.

In a pulpit statement on Sunday, October 5th, 2008, Fr. Geoff explained that he had to vote No on Prop 8, as it not only stripped same-gender couples of the Civil Right to Marriage but also attacked their human dignity. This resulted in Fr. Farrow being suspended from active ministry as a Catholic priest. His ministry continues as a Minister of the Universal Life Church.

On November 17, 2008, the City of West Hollywood, California, commended Father Geoff "for his fight for equal rights."

On June 22, 2009, The California State Assembly passed a Resolution, Number 1438, honoring Father Geoff for his work in Civil Rights.

Father Geoff has extensive experience performing traditional and contemporary Catholic weddings, interfaith weddings, and civil union ceremonies. His Air Force Chaplaincy training and expertise enable him to officiate non-religious wedding ceremonies, and he is experienced and comfortable co-officiating with clergy of different faith traditions. Father Geoff was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. However, to extend services to all couples of all faiths and at all venues, he will sign your marriage license as a Minister of the Universal Life Church. For more information on Father Geoff, please Google: Father Geoffrey Farrow.

Please Note: Weddings officiated by Fr. Geoff, a former Catholic priest, will not be recorded as sacramental marriages in the Roman Catholic Church.

  • Resolution by the California Legislature

    On 22 June 2009, the California State Legislature honored Fr. Geoff for his stand against Proposition 8, which deprived Same-Sex Couples of their Civil Right to marry.

  • Commendation by the City of West Hollywood for Civil Rights Work

    On 17 November 2008, the City of West Hollywood, California, honored Fr. Geoff for his Pulpit Statement against Proposition 8, which deprived Same-Sex couples of their Civil Right to marriage.

  • National Defense Medal

    Fr. Geoff was awarded the National Defense Medal for his service in the Air Force Reserve as a Chaplain at Edwards Air Force Base.

My Mom & Dad

While reviewing my curriculum vitae, I fondly remembered the countless occasions when my parents visited and assisted me with my various assignments. Their wisdom, warmth, wit, and the example of love they set have profoundly influenced my understanding of marriage. Their selfless love inspires me. My mom passed away on 03 September 2024 after 68 years of marriage to my Dad.

In the fourth grade, I asked my mother, "Why am I the only kid in the fourth grade with no grandparents?" My Mom set down the knife she was using to cut carrots in the kitchen and sat at the table with me. She explained, "Honey, you do have grandparents, but your father and I left everyone and everything and came to this country so you and your brother could grow up in Freedom."

When the staff at St. Paul's Newman Center, California State University Fresno, requested that I provide a statement of moral guidance on the divisive issue of Prop 8, I thought back to that conversation with my Mom. They abandoned everything and immigrated to the United States in 1962 with a toddler and an infant and only $20.00 so my brother and I could grow up in Freedom and live in the light. My parents lived their lives with integrity and compassion, and the values they lived and modeled are my North Star.

Thank you, Mom & Dad!