In 1983, one of the original priests of the Diocese, Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott, was named the third Bishop of Baton Rouge. Under his leadership, the local Church devoted itself to a widespread effort at evangelization and spiritual renewal. He called especially for the laity of the Diocese to take new initiatives to renew their faith and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. He also initiated a comprehensive program urging financial, ministerial, and spiritual stewardship, for which the Diocese of Baton Rouge again became a model for other dioceses in North America. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was put in place as a model for evangelization and catechesis. Ecumenical efforts were significant, resulting in notable efforts at interdenominational sharing of prayer and some limited ministry. Diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer in 1991, Bishop Ott continued to give eloquent witness to Gospel values by his manner of ministry, life, and dying over the next eighteen months. He became a source and focus of unity and grace to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.