John Barres: Long Island’s new bishop
Pope Francis named Bishop John Barres to be the new leader of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, replacing Bishop William Murphy. Barres, who headed the Diocese of Allentown in Pennsylvania since 2009, was installed on Jan. 31, 2017, as the fifth bishop of the diocese since it was created in 1957. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind experience for Barres, visiting parishes, schools and community groups, while also confronting issues facing the Catholic church and the larger community.
100 days
Hitting the ground running
Barres said he is still getting to know the sprawling diocese but has established several priorities. He says he has made a quick transition to Rockville Centre from his previous post as bishop of Allentown, Pa.,
and already feels at home.
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Profile
The road less traveled
Barres took an unusual path to becoming one of the youngest bishops in the United States when he was appointed in 2009.
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Beginning of an era
'New and creative approaches'
Hundreds witnessed Barres’ installation at St. Agnes Cathedral as the bishop called for fresh ideas about ministry and evangelization.
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Then and now
Barres through the years
A look at Barres from his childhood in Larchmont, New York, to his college days at Princeton (he's on the left) to his previous post as leader of the Diocese of Allentown.
courtesy of Bishop John Barres
First sermon
An appeal to youth
The night before becoming the diocese’s new bishop, Barres spoke at his first prayer service on Long Island, asking the youth in attendance to be 'on fire with the word of God.'
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Where he should focus
See readers' messages for the new bishop
What are your hopes for Barres and what he addresses in the diocese? Read others' notes and submit your own.
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Here's the plan
Barres' 5 goals as bishop
Barres outlines what he hopes to achieve as the new bishop, including strengthening Catholic schools and preserving religious freedom.
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Allentown to LI
Embarking on a new journey
See photos of Barres in his posts as bishop in Pennsylvania and on Long Island.
Newsday/Alejandra Villa
Lighting the spark
How it all began
Barres recalls the moment he decided to become a priest, as well as what he's looking forward to as the new leader of the diocese.
Newsday/Alejandra Villa
Tell us about yourself
Get to know the new bishop
From basketball to the Catholic Church, Barres may become known as the 'point guard bishop.'
Newsday/John Paraskevas
Receiving the call
Barres gets the good news
Barres recalls when he found out that he was chosen to lead the diocese, calling it 'a beautiful moment.'
Newsday/John Paraskevas
Welcome to Long Island
Pope Francis names new bishop to replace Murphy
Barres was introduced as Murphy's replacement in a press conference on Dec. 9, 2016.
Newsday/John Paraskevas
Eager to meet him
Parishoners have high hopes
Catholics in Rockville Centre expressed optimism as they prepare for Barres, believing he will energize the diocese.
Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Produced by Joe Diglio, newsday.com staff