New shepherd of Savannah to remain involved in Legatus

Since being ordained Savannah’s 15th bishop on Sept. 23, Bishop Stephen D. Parkes has been on the road, getting to know the priests and laity of a flock spread out over 37,000 square miles in 90 counties throughout southern Georgia. “I believe it’s the largest diocese, geographically, east of the Mississippi River,” said Bishop Parkes, 55, whose older brother, Gregory Parkes, is the bishop of St. Petersburg, Florida. Now that he is in Savannah, Bishop Parkes, a former marketing executive, is no longer chaplain for Legatus’ Orlando Chapter. He intends to remain engaged with Legatus however, and has attended a couple of the Savannah Chapter’s meetings. He recently spoke with Legatus magazine. 

What are your impressions of the Savannah diocese?

Savannah is a great city in a historic diocese and very diverse. We have metropolitan areas, but we also have very rural areas. I’m glad I have some working ability with Spanish because there is a large Hispanic population, especially in the rural areas. There is a beautiful faith in those communities. What is it like having a brother who is also a Catholic bishop? It is an honor to be the 11th brotherbishop combination in the history of the Catholic Church in the U.S. It’s something to celebrate, and it’s good to have him there in St. Petersburg. We can speak about things and share what’s on our minds.

When were you first drawn to the priesthood?

When I was younger, about 10 years old, I remember thinking about it. But then it didn’t really come back until I was out of college. When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor. I thought that was what I was called to do. I went to college and started in pre-med, and I did pretty well, but something told me not to pursue it. 

Has your business background helped you as a pastor?

In administering a parish, and now a diocese, I’m grateful for the education I received and the skills I learned, whether it be from my work experience or from college. The Church is not a business, but we have to make sure that we have good business practices. We can learn a lot from people, from our Legates who work in the business world, in terms of instituting best practices.

What are your impressions of Legatus?

I always enjoyed being a chaplain for Legatus. I’ve learned a lot from the speakers. There are very dedicated people involved in Legatus who love their faith and want to grow in faith. I see Legatus as a small Christian faith community. We all belong to parishes, but Legatus allows people to be able learn from one another and work with one another.

What are your goals as a new bishop?

My first priority is to get to know the people of the diocese. What inspires me in my daily life, and what in my ministry I want to share with others, is that every day we’re called to do three things: discover beauty, understand truth, and inspire goodness. I hope my message and my life as a bishop can uphold that.

What inspired you to select as your episcopal motto Gaudete in Domino Semper (“Rejoice in the Lord Always”)?

It’s from Philippians 4. Saint Paul wrote that particular chapter in prison. Even in the midst of his challenges and his suffering, he told the people to rejoice. Even in the midst of challenging times, we can find Christ; and when we find Christ, we can find the joy the human heart needs and is seeking.