Adults from across the diocese gather for Confirmation
By Michael Cooney | For On Mission
GREEN BAY, WI — “No one is here by accident. No one is a mistake.”
Speaking to the adults and their families gathered at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bishop David Ricken reminded those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation that God had called each of them by name and purpose.
“God has something particularly in mind for each one of you,” he told them.
The words resonated across a cathedral filled beyond capacity with family members, sponsors, pastors and friends gathered for two diocesan celebrations — a Saturday evening liturgy on May 23 and a second service on Sunday afternoon, May 24. The large number of adults confirmed this year required two Masses, with both filling the cathedral.
For the adults preparing to receive Confirmation, the weekend represented much more than the completion of a process. For many, it marked the continuation, or in some cases the rediscovery, of a faith journey years in the making.
Some candidates were entering the Catholic Church after years in another faith tradition. Others had been baptized Catholic as children but, for a variety of reasons, never completed the sacrament. Their stories varied widely — young adults, retirees, married couples, parents, and individuals returning after years away — but many shared a common mixture of anticipation, gratitude and hope.
The large gathering also reflects a broader trend taking place both locally and nationally. Gerard Hall, director of divine worship for the Diocese of Green Bay, noted that the number of adult confirmations during the current pastoral year, from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, has more than doubled compared with the previous year.
Arvilla Rusnak, coordinator of divine worship for the Diocese of Green Bay, said the diocese is seeing what dioceses across the country are experiencing: “Our diocese is following the national trend, with much younger, more intentional people accepting the invitation.”
In his homily, Bishop Ricken spoke directly to the candidates, referring to letters they had written during their preparation for Confirmation.
“Your letters are very impressive, very honest, and very transparent,” he said.
He also acknowledged that for some, the road back to faith had not always been easy.
“Some of you mentioned that you may have been hurt or wounded by something in your family or something in the Church,” he said. “You have not let that stop you.”
The bishop offered a warm welcome to those gathered, saying, “I want to welcome you in the name of the Church, in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit.”
He reminded the candidates that Confirmation was not simply the completion of a program or process, but the beginning of a deeper life of faith.
“The Holy Spirit gives purpose to your life,” he said.
Throughout the cathedral, emotion often appeared in quiet moments rather than dramatic ones — a sponsor resting a hand on a shoulder, parents wiping away tears, candidates returning to their pews with expressions that seemed equal parts relief, joy and reverence.
As the congregation slowly filtered out beneath the cathedral’s stained glass and towering arches, families lingered for photographs and embraces, holding onto the significance of a moment years in the making, a more intentional journey of faith.
See more photos from the May 23, 2026, adult Confirmation Mass here: onmiss.io/adultconfirmationmay23
See more photos from the May 24, 2026, adult Confirmation Mass here: onmiss.io/adultconfirmationmay24