St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre celebrated Christmas Mass services on Sunday.

There was a standing-room only crowd inside the church for its early services.

Parishioners told News 12 that the day was all about love, family and hope for the future.

The service was bittersweet for parishioners, since it was the last time retiring Bishop William Murphy will celebrate Christmas Mass as the bishop.

"It's been an extraordinary gift of grace," says Bishop Murphy. "It hasn't always been easy. There have been some tough times, but I could not be more grateful to God. These are wonderful people, it's a wonderful diocese and I love Long Island.

The new bishop will be installed the end of next month.