He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wilmington Oct. 21, 1989, by Bishop Robert Mulvee after studying in seminary at the Theological College of The Catholic University of America. He began his priestly ministry by serving as an associate pastor at different parishes throughout Newark and Wilmington.
Eventually Barres went to Rome for further study before returning to Wilmington, where he then served as Vice Chancellor and then Chancellor of the diocese.
The bishop's theological background includes an STB and STL in Systematic Theology, which he got from The Catholic University of America, and a JCL in Canon Law and an STD in Spiritual Theology from Rome's Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.
In 2000 St. John Paul II gave him the title "Monsignor," and he was named bishop of Allentown by Benedict XVI in 2009 by Cardinal Justin Rigali, who was Archbishop of Philadelphia at the time.
As shepherd of the Allentown diocese, Bishop Barres launched a diocesan-wide society for lawyers, called the St. Thomas More Society, in an order to promote religious liberty. He also established a special program aspirant for young men considering the priesthood.
He was also instrumental in expanding the diocese's Hispanic ministry, given the fact that the Hispanic population is one of the fastest growing in the diocese. He is also known for his strong social media presence, particularly on Twitter and a video blog he launched for the diocese.
Beyond his diocese, Bishop Barres has also served on the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, and since 2013 has held the role of Episcopal Liaison to the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.