I first met Fr. Thomas Barnes in 1987 when we were both assigned as associate priests at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood. We were only together for one year before he was reassigned to Holy Cross in Latonia. For the first few years, he was the associate pastor, and then became pastor, serving there until he retired.
    
Fr. Barnes was a real inspiration to me. He had been a monk at Gethsemane for a few years as a young man, with Thomas Merton as his novice master and his spiritual director. I found him to be absolutely fascinating to talk to, with deep insights and understanding. 
    
Fr. Tom Barnes died on Oct. 28. His funeral will be Saturday, Nov. 15, at 11 am, at Holy Cross Church. There will be an hour of visitation before the funeral, beginning at 10 am.