Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Robert Barron

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 8, 2025

Discover the career path of Robert Barron, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Robert Barron is an American Catholic prelate, currently serving as the bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He is widely known for founding the Catholic ministerial organization Word on Fire, through which he disseminates theological and philosophical content via various media platforms. Barron also hosted the Catholicism documentary series on PBS, aimed at educating the public about Catholic beliefs and practices. Prior to his current role, he served as rector of Mundelein Seminary and as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 24, 1986: Ordained to the Priesthood

On May 24, 1986, Robert Barron was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

1986: Associate Pastor

In 1986, Robert Barron became an associate pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Parish in Park Ridge, Illinois.

1992: Professor at University of St. Mary of the Lake

From 1992, Robert Barron was a professor of systematic theology at University of St. Mary of the Lake until 2015.

2000: Word on Fire Catholic Ministries Launched

In 2000, Robert Barron launched Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, a non-profit organization that supports his evangelistic endeavors.

2002: Visiting Professor at Notre Dame

In 2002, Robert Barron was a visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame.

2007: Visiting Professor and Scholar-in-Residence

In 2007, Robert Barron was a visiting professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a scholar-in-residence at the Pontifical North American College.

2008: Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture

In 2008, Robert Barron was named the inaugural Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake.

October 2010: Word on Fire with Father Barron Premieres

In October 2010, Robert Barron premiered a half-hour television show, Word on Fire with Father Barron, on WGN America on Sundays, becoming the first priest since Archbishop Fulton Sheen to have a regular national program on a commercial television network.

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2010: Scholar-in-Residence

In 2010, Robert Barron was a scholar-in-residence at the Pontifical North American College.

2011: Catholicism Documentary Aired

In 2011, Robert Barron's 10-part documentary, Catholicism, filmed in 16 countries, aired on public television in the United States.

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2012: President-Rector

From 2012 to 2015, Robert Barron served as president-rector for the University of St. Mary of the Lake.

2012: Served as rector at Mundelein Seminary

In 2012, Robert Barron began serving as rector at Mundelein Seminary, a position he held until 2015.

September 2013: Release of Catholicism: The New Evangelization

In September 2013, Robert Barron released a sequel to his documentary, titled Catholicism: The New Evangelization.

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July 21, 2015: Appointed Auxiliary Bishop

On July 21, 2015, Pope Francis appointed Robert Barron as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and titular bishop of Macriana in Mauritania.

September 8, 2015: Episcopal Consecration

On September 8, 2015, Robert Barron received his episcopal consecration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels from Archbishop José H. Gomez.

2015: Auxiliary Bishop for Archdiocese of Los Angeles

In 2015, Robert Barron became auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, a position he held until 2022.

2015: Keynote Speaker at World Meeting of Families

In 2015, Robert Barron keynoted the World Meeting of Families.

2015: End of Professorship

In 2015, Robert Barron's time as a professor of systematic theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake ended.

2016: Keynote Speaker at World Youth Day

In 2016, Robert Barron was a keynote speaker at the World Youth Day event.

2016: Catholicism: The Pivotal Players Syndicated

In 2016, Robert Barron's film series, Catholicism: The Pivotal Players, was syndicated for national television in the United States.

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June 2, 2022: Appointed Bishop of Winona-Rochester

On June 2, 2022, Pope Francis appointed Robert Barron as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, in southern Minnesota.

July 29, 2022: Installation as Bishop

On July 29, 2022, Robert Barron's installation as bishop took place at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, Minnesota.

2022: Appointed Bishop of Winona-Rochester

In 2022, Robert Barron became the bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

May 1, 2025: Appointment to Religious Liberty Commission

On May 1, 2025, it was announced that Robert Barron would serve on the Trump Administration's newly created Religious Liberty Commission, tasked with delivering a report on the state of religious liberty in the US.