Reverend Usnr

Reverend Monsignor Francis X. Barrett, USNR, 91, of Holy Family Villa For Priest, Bethlehem, passed away Friday April 7, 2017 at 2:25 pm in his residence. Born in Philadelphia, Monsignor Barrett was the son of the late John F. and Mary E. (Conlin) Barrett. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Monsignor Barrett is survived by his nephews Arthur J. Barrett, Jr., husband of Melody Barrett and Francis X. Barrett, husband of Kathleen Barrett and his nieces Michele Barrett; Dorthea (Barrett) Grosso; Mary (Barrett) Sargent, wife of Daniel Sargent along with 13 great nieces and nephews and 9 great great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister in law Marcella L. (Hartley) Barrett and his dear friend Kurt Jebitsch, husband of Hilary Jebitsch. Monsignor Barrett was preceded in death by his brother Arthur J. Barrett and his nephew John Francis Barrett, husband of Theresa Barrett.

Monsignor Barrett attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School, Germantown, and Saint Joseph's College High School, Philadelphia. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. He also attended Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry.

He was ordained to the Priesthood on 19 May 1955 by the Most Reverend John F. O'Hara, C.S.C., at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

Monsignor Barrett's first priestly assignment was Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia; Parochial Vicar, Saint Patrick Church, Kennett Square; Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Church, West Chester. His first assignment in the Diocese of Allentown was Parochial Vicar, Holy Infancy Church, Bethlehem; followed by Professor, Allentown Central Catholic High School with residence at Saint Paul Rectory, Allentown. He also served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools with residence at Saint Paul Rectory, Allentown, Saint Joseph Church, Reading, Saint Mary Church, Kutztown, and Sacred Heart Convent, Mount Alvernia, Reading; and Superintendent of Education, Diocese of Allentown with residence at Sacred Heart Rectory, Allentown. Monsignor Barrett received his first Pastoral Assignment at Saint Canicus Church, Mahanoy City. He was then named Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Allentown; then Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Church, Reading, where he remained until his retirement. Monsignor Barrett was named Pastor Emeritus, Holy Guardian Angels Church, on 30 June 1998.

During the course of his Priestly Ministry, Monsignor Barrett served as Diocesan Director, Newman Clubs; Member, Diocesan Liturgical Commission; Member, Council of Priests - Diocesan Consultor; Executive Secretary, Board of Education; Ex-Officio Member, Council of Priests; Council of Catholic Nurses, East Schuylkill County Regional Director; Chaplain, Catholic Daughters of the Americas; Member, Diocesan Development and Endowment Committee; Pro-Life Regional Coordinator, North Schuylkill Deanery; Member, Committee for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life; Member, Budget Board, Allentown Central Catholic High School; Vicar for Education; Member, Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee; Director, Catholic Physicians Guild; Member, Budget/Audit Review Board, Central Catholic High School, Reading.

Monsignor Barrett was named an Honorary Prelate by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on 26 April 1971.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 11:00 am. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in Bornemann Mausoleum at Gethsemane Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends in Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church Monday 6:00-8:00 pm with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:30 pm and on Tuesday from 9:00-10:45 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Holy Family Villa 1325 Prospect Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018 in memory of Reverend Monsignor Francis X. Barrett. Bean Funeral Home, North 16th & Rockland Streets, Hampden Heights is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com