New Bishop for Diocese of Pensacola-tallahassee Diocese

Fox 10
March 20, 2012

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/florida/new-bishop-for-pensacola-tallahassee-diocese

Father Gregory Parks speaks at a press conference.

Pope Benedict XVI has named 48-year-old Father Gregory L. Parkes as the Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

Bishop-elect Parkes has served the Orlando diocese as Vicar General and Chancellor for Canonical Affairs and as the pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Celebration, Florida.

In addition to serving as vicar general and chancellor for canonical affairs for the Orlando diocese, Bishop-elect Parkes has also served at the diocesan level on the College of Consultors, the Finance Committee, the Priest Placement Board, the Presbyteral Council, and the Incardination Committee. He serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, has been serving the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee as apostolic administrator since the retirement of Bishop John H. Ricard in March 2011 due to health reasons.

"Bishop-elect Parkes served me well in a variety of capacities when I was the Bishop of Orlando. The Holy Father has made an excellent choice in Bishop-elect Parkes, he is a good priest and a holy man. I am confident that he will serve the people of Pensacola-Tallahassee well whom I have grown very fond of during my year as their Apostolic Administrator. As Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Miami, I look forward to Bishop-elect Parkes' future ministry here in Florida as a successor to the Apostles," said Wenski.

A formal announcement will be made in Pensacola, Tuesday at 10 a.m. Joe Salvatore will be there and will have a full report this evening on FOX10 News at 5 p.m.