Final mass for Bishop D'Arcy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Bishop John D'Arcy celebrated a final "Mass of Thanksgiving" in Fort Wayne, Sunday.

D'Arcy is stepping down as the head of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. He has held that position since 1985.

D'Arcy's final mass started at 11:30 Sunday morning, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A reception followed across the street at the Grand Wayne Center.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades will take his place. He has led the Diocese of Harrisburg in Pennsylvania for 5 years. Rhoades will be installed as Bishop January 13, 2010.

D'Arcy admits, passing on his duties as Bishop has him emotional.

"This beautiful experience as being shepherd and caring for the flock and kind of laying your life down for them, which a Bishop is supposed to do, is ending!" D'Arcy told NewsChannel 15. "I will miss it very much. But I thank God for having had it for 25 years.'

After his final sermon as Bishop, D'Arcy thanked the Catholic community for supporting him through the years; years that gave him more challenges than he ever expected.

"More challenge. Sometimes misunderstandings... I don't mind the challenge or misinterpertation, if I did the right thing."

D'Arcy reassured parishioners he would still be by their side, calling the Diocese his bride and his life as Bishop well spent.

"Just as in marriage, you stay with each other forever. So you're constantly loving. It's a service of love, pastoral love," said D'Arcy. "It was everything I hoped for and 10 times more."

D'Arcy will be in the area for a few days, before spending a week off in his hometown of Boston. He will return to Fort Wayne and continue to serve in his own ways.