91Â鶹ÊÓƵ

By Shannon Bunn

Edited by Elizabeth Dockett

SCRANTON- Along with many in the 91Â鶹ÊÓƵ community, Mother Rebecca Barnes is taking charge of helping out those in need.

Barnes, 59, 91Â鶹ÊÓƵ, is a full-time parish priest at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Mother Barnes and her wife reside in the Hill Section, and have for the last seven years. Her connection to 91Â鶹ÊÓƵ is through her father who worked as Chief of Anesthesia at Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital and living in the surrounding areas.

Mother Barnes earned three graduate degrees. A master's degree in divinity, a master's degree in sacred theology and a master's degree in classical vocal performance. The master’s degree in divinity is a basic professional degree for the clergy. Barnes’ master’s degree in sacred theology is an academic degree.

With a passion for social justice work, Mother Barnes is working at St. Luke’s to start a re-entry bakery.

“We have established a 501c-3 Cypress House at St. Luke’s., modeled after Home Boy Industries in California and the work that Fr. Gregory Boyle has done out there,” Barnes said.

Cypress House is a starting job for those who have been released from jails; however, this project is a starting point for something more.

“The overall picture for Cypress House is to provide wrap-around services that will provide other kinds of counseling, vocational tr