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Find us on social media Facebook, Twitter, and, Instagram Cros& The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Savannah Vol. 100 No. 14 Thursday, July 9, 2020 Put Faith in Your Opinions southerncross-sav.org Bishop-elect Stephen D, Parkes addressed staffers and assembled media Wednesday, July 8 during his introductory press conference at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Parkes comes to Savannah by way of the Diocese of Orlando. Photograph by Michael J. Johnson. Father Stephen D. Parkes appointed 15th Bishop of Savannah BY DONNELL SUGGS dsuggs@diosav.org SAVANNAH, Ga.- A tall, and what seemed to be happy man walked into Boland Hall, located on the first floor of the Catholic Pastoral Center, slightly ducking along the way, early Wednesday morning. He was there for what was his initial public appearance as Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Savannah. The scheduled press conference, in keep ing with COVID-19 safety precautions, was only open to members of the local media and Catholic Pastoral Center staff. 30 chairs were strategically placed throughout the meeting space for appropri ate social-distancing. The event was streamed live on the diocese Facebook page, the diocese Hispanic Ministry Facebook page and on the Diocese of Orlando’s Facebook page. Father Stephen D. Parkes, the former Pastor of Annunciation Catholic Church, Longwood, Florida has been named the 15th Bishop of Savannah. Parkes is scheduled to be ordained at Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, Wednesday, September 23. TBD. Bishop-elect Parkes made mention that he had only learned of the honor a few days ago, coming home from a 31-mile bike ride moments before receiving the phone call that changed his life. Parkes seemed comfortable standing behind the dais, greeting the gathered masses and those who were watching online via social media streams. “It’s overwhelming,” said Parkes upon being asked what it feels like to now be the Bishop-elect of the 90-county diocese. “I just found out about this a few days ago so you can only imagine what’s been on my mind the past few days, especially picturing being here with you. I really brought it to God, brought it to wonderful moments of prayer, scary moments too. I ultimately realize that God is always in charge, so I really feel even though it is overwhelming I am humble. “I would like to take the opportunity to acknowl edge others who are present today,” said Parkes On See BISHOP page 8