Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Gregory L. Parkes as Next Bishop of St. Petersburg
With great joy we announce that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Most Reverend Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida. Bishop Parkes succeeds the retiring Bishop Robert N. Lynch, who has served as Bishop of St. Petersburg since his installation in 1996.
“I am filled with joy that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Parkes as the new Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. I invite the faithful of our diocese and of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee to join me in offering prayers of thanksgiving and to pray for Bishop Parkes as he transitions to shepherd the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg,” Bishop Lynch said.
Watch the Press Conference Introducing Bishop Parkes below (fast forward to the 5:45 mark for the start)
During this time of transition, we invite everyone to join us in prayers of thanksgiving for Bishop Parkes, our diocese, and for the many years of faithful service by Bishop Lynch. The prayers, intercessions, and other resources for parishes and schools to use are listed below.
Photo of Bishop Parkes (photo 1 | photo 2). Please credit the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Background Information on Bishop Parkes – PDF
Bulletin Cover/Insert (English | Spanish)
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Our New Bishop (Word | PDF | Social Media Graphic)
God our Father and Creator,
From ancient days, you have promised to provide shepherds after your own heart,
to guide your people wisely and prudently. In your abundant goodness,
you have faithfully cared for the pastoral leadership of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
for nearly fifty years.
We thank you for the ministry and example of Bishop Robert Lynch for over two decades and we ask you to grant him many joyful, healthy years of retirement.
With gratitude, we celebrate the appointment of our new bishop, Bishop Gregory Parkes, to lead us as we continue to build the Kingdom of God in this world.
As we joyfully welcome Bishop Parkes into our midst, pour out upon him the gifts of your Holy Spirit to strengthen him for his ministry in our local Church and beyond.
Through his faithful response to your call, may he come to know the vibrant faith, love and support of the clergy, religious and lay people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
United with our bishop in the mission of the Church, we make this prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Una Oración de Agradecimiento Por Nuestro Nuevo Obispo (Word | PDF | Social Media Graphic – coming soon)
Dios Padre y Creador,
Desde el comienzo nos has prometido enviar pastores conforme a tu propio corazón,
para guiar a Tu pueblo de forma sabia y prudente. Con Tu abundante bondad,
haz cuidado fielmente del liderazgo de la Diócesis de St. Petersburg por casi
cincuenta años.
Señor, te agradecemos por el ministerio y ejemplo del Obispo Robert Lynch durante las últimas dos décadas y te pedimos que le concedas en su retiro muchos años de salud y felicidad.
Con gratitud, celebramos hoy el nombramiento de nuestro nuevo obispo,
Obispo Gregory Parkes, para que nos guie mientras continuamos con la construcción
del Reino de Dios en este mundo.
Le ofrecemos con alegría la bienvenida entre nosotros al Obispo Parkes, y te pedimos que derrames sobre él los dones de tu Espíritu Santo para que lo fortalezcas en su ministerio con nuestra iglesia local y más allá de ella.
Que por medio de su respuesta fiel a Tu llamada, conozca la fe vibrante, el amor y el respaldo del clero, los religiosos, y laicos de la Diócesis de St. Petersburg.
Unidos con nuestro obispo en la misión de la Iglesia, hacemos esta oración por medio de Tu Hijo Jesucristo el Buen Pastor, quien vive y reina contigo en el Espíritu Santo, un Dios por los siglos de los siglos, Amen.
For Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, that he will be blessed with the gifts he needs to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese, we pray to the Lord.
For our Bishop Emeritus, Robert N. Lynch, that he will enjoy a restful retirement, following his faithful leadership of our diocese during the past 21 years, we pray to the Lord.
Por nuestro Obispo Gregory L. Parkes, para que sea bendecido con los dones que necesita para llevar a cabo el ministerio de Jesús en nuestra Diócesis, oremos al Señor.
Por nuestro Obispo Emérito, Robert N. Lynch, para que disfrute su retiro después de su liderazgo de nuestra Diócesis por los últimos 21 años, oremos al Señor.