Father Stephen Barber started at San Quentin as a volunteer in 1996 along with other Jesuit priests from Berkeley where he attended the School of Theology and received his masters of divinity degree. He entered the Jesuit Order in 1989, and was ordained a priest in 1998.
Upon being hired as a chaplain for San Quentin, then Warden Jeanie Woodford told him, “You are the priest and chaplain for the entire San Quentin.” Then appointed to San Quentin by Arch Bishop Levada, he was told the same thing by the bishop.
When asked what was the most difficult issue that he’s had to deal with, Father Barber pointed to seeing his parishioners in blue who had passed on. He pointed to the death of Ricky Earl, a three-strike Lifer. Ricky had grown to embrace the Catholic faith, and many saw in him a caring and sincere individual. Father Barber visited Ricky in the hospice program at CMF shortly before his death.
In serving the San Quentin community, Father Barber says he seeks to be of help wherever he can. He recognizes the diverse ethnic and age group here that represents California as a whole. One of the great joys he receives in this job is seeing people enhance their own dignity and humanity, and grow in their walk with God.
Looking into the future, Father Barber wants to be around to see the Death Row population housed in the new building being constructed. He continues to work on his Spanish so that he may better serve the large Hispanic population. He hopes he may be an example to all that those who have become a part of the priesthood.