Bishop David Ricken is praying for you

Bishop David Ricken is encouraging priests and pastoral staff in the Diocese of Pueblo to pray over empty church pews to help increase Sunday Mass attendance.

The practice originated during the bishop's early years as a priest at Holy Rosary Parish in Pueblo. After receiving advice from a fellow pastor to pray over empty seats and thank God for current parishioners while asking God to fill the remaining spaces, Ricken implemented the method at the parish. Ricken noted that within 6 to 8 months, both Masses at Holy Rosary became full.

Ricken, who was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Pueblo in 1980, now suggests that all pastors and priests in the diocese adopt this intentional prayer practice within their own parishes.