SOUTH BEND — Local Catholics now know who their next spiritual leader will be. Bishop Kevin Rhoades, 51, will take over when Bishop John D'Arcy, 77, retires in January.

The new bishop will officially be installed January 13 in Fort Wayne.
Rhoades has served in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the past five years and he's been a priest for 26 years.

During a visit to announce his appointment Saturday, Rhoades indicated he enjoys being with those he serves.

"My greatest joys as bishop these past five years have been being with the people. Teaching the faith, celebrating the sacraments," he said. "And I’m looking forward to visiting all the churches, schools and communities of my new diocese.”

He was able to do that for the first time Saturday night at the Notre Dame Basilica, just hours after the announcement of his new appointment became official.

Rhoades said while he's lived most of his life in Pennsylvania, the challenges for every community are similar.

"I think there's certain challenges we all face, especially financial ones with our schools."

He said he sees similarities between his current diocese and Fort Wayne-South Bend.

“I can feel that the faith is strong here as it is back in Harrisburg,” Rhoades said.

D'Arcy says Rhoades has a track record of recruiting new priests, something desperately needed here.

"When he became bishop (in Pennsylvania), there were 11 men studying for the priesthood for the diocese. Now there are 27," D'Arcy said.

Rhoades also has served in parishes with large Hispanic populations and members of that community are excited about that.

"I'm sure it's going to bring a lot of new challenges, but also a lot of blessings for us," said Lourdes Silva of the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

Other parishioners are also excited about what lies ahead.

"He seems like a very warm and congenial man. It looks like he has a great love for the church," said Elizabeth Kirk, who attends St. Matthew.

Rhoades acknowledged the recent friction between D'Arcy and the University of Notre Dame over bestowing an honorary degree on President Obama, but he says he's looking forward to a close relationship with the university community.

"I feel there's a responsibility of the bishop to promote Catholic education and Catholic universities in their diocese. And to promote the strengthening of Catholic identity," Rhoades said.

Notre Dame President John Jenkins, who didn't always see eye to eye with D'Arcy said, "We are confident that the ministry of Bishop Rhoades will be a blessing for Notre Dame and the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, as was the ministry of Bishop John D'Arcy."

"We look forward both to his apostolate and to our friendship for many years to come," Jenkins wrote.

Saint Mary's College President Carol Ann Mooney remembered Bishop D'Arcy's service.

"Every year he stayed after our Baccalaureate Mass and posed for pictures until the last family left. This is very typical of both his personal warmth and his pastoral nature," she said.

"I wish him all the best as he moves into the next phase of his vocation. I look forward to meeting Bishop Rhoades and introducing him to the Saint Mary's Community."

D'Arcy plans to remain in the diocese after his retirement. He said he wants to learn Spanish, how to use the internet, pray and read more and spend more time with his family.

Links to statements about the replacement

Link to D’Arcy Statement

Link to Bishop Kevin Rhoades' Statement