Reverend Christopher M. Barnes

The Reverend Christopher M. Barnes, 52, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at St. Titus rectory in Titusville, Pennsylvania.

Father Barnes was born on August 16, 1971, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, the son of Charles Warren and Martha Susan (Morris) Barnes. He graduated from Oil City Area High School in 1989. After attending the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville for two years, he transferred to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford from which he obtained his BA in biology in 1995.

After working several years, he attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science from 1998-1999 and obtained an associate degree in specialized technology in funeral service arts and sciences, and an embalming diploma. Father Barnes subsequently worked as an apprentice at Reinsel Funeral Home in Oil City and then as a funeral director at the Koch-Chatley Gaeto Memorial Chapel in Bradford.

In 2004, Father Barnes entered St. Mark Seminary and in 2006 was assigned to St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania where he completed his seminary formation. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 2010, in St. Peter Cathedral, Erie, by The Most Reverend Donald W. Trautman.

Father Barnes began his priestly ministry as Parochial Vicar of St. Michael Parish, Greenville. He remained there until 2014 at which time he was appointed Pastor of St. Ann Parish, Marienville, and St. Mary Parish, Crown. In 2020 he was made Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Greenville and St. Margaret Parish, Jamestown, and in 2022 he was assigned to be Pastor of St. Titus Parish, Titusville, where he was serving at the time of his death.

Father Barnes also served in other capacities in the Diocese of Erie, including as Minister of Mercy during the Holy Year of Mercy 2016, and as Dean of the Oil City Deanery and member of the Presbyteral Council from 2019-2020.

Father Barnes enjoyed the hobby of gardening, but he especially enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.

Father Barnes was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Brooke S. Pugliese and her husband, Cory, of Rouseville, two uncles, Robert J. Morris of Oil City and William R. Morris (Pam) of Dempseytown, as well as by his cousins Erin and Harry Liederbach, Ryan and Matt Antrilli and Justin Campbell.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 4, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Reinsel Funeral Home, 116 Bissell Ave., Oil City, PA 16301.

Additional visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 5, from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at St. Titus Church, 513 W. Main St., Titusville, PA 16534; followed immediately by the funeral Mass at 11:00 am in St. Titus Church with the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie, presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Venango County Humane Society, located at 286 South Main St., Seneca, PA 16346 or online at: DONATIONS – Venango County Humane Society.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

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