Bishop Kevin Rhoades Will Replace Bishop John D'Arcy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) --- It's official. Well-known and well-loved Bishop John D'Arcy has announced he's retiring and will be replace by Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on January 13, 2010.

A ceremony will be held that day at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne.

"I'm excited. I know Bishop D'Arcy, it's a little bit of sadness for him but he's done such wonderful things. But I'm excited to get to know the new bishop" said, Sister Elise Kriss, President of the University of Saint Francis.

The announcement was made at a news conference Saturday morning at 10:15 a.m. in the Archbishop Noll Catholic Church Center, in Downtown Fort Wayne.

However, the transition between Bishop Rhoades and Bishop D'Arcy began about three weeks ago but both had to keep it a secret.

The switch in leadership will culminate in mid-January at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Bishop D'Arcy said one of the major reasons he wanted Bishop Rhoades to replace him was his fluency in Spanish.

D'Arcy feels Rhoades will be a major asset to Fort Wayne's growing hispanic community.

But the Bishop who has served Fort Wayne for 24 years said although he's retiring he's not going anywhere.

"I'm going to live in Fort Wayne. I'll help with confirmations, I'll help the Bishop in any way he wants", said Bishop John D'Arcy, Fort Wayne South Bend Diocese.

New Bishop Kevin Rhoades feels blessed to have the help of D'Arcy. "I feel it's a real blessing to come here and serve with Bishop D'Arcy still being her, so I'm grateful for that," said Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Harrisburg, PA Diocese.

D'Arcy also expressed that Fort Wayne holds a special place in his heart. "I've loved every minute of being Bishop of this diocese, every minute, it's been a joy," said Bishop D'Arcy.

The 52-year-old incoming Bishop believes he can be an advocate for the community while working to increase the number of priests in Fort Wayne.

Bishop Rhoades has served as the Harrisburg bishop for five years.

Bishop D’Arcy has been a priest for nearly 53 years and has served in the Fort Wayne - South Bend Diocese since May 1st of 1985.

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