Bishop David Ricken prays over empty church pews

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

Ricken began this practice during his first years as a priest at Holy Rosary Parish in Pueblo. After receiving advice from a fellow pastor to lay hands on pews and pray for the empty spaces to be filled, Ricken implemented the ritual with the help of parishioners. He reported that both Masses at the parish became full within six to eight months.

The bishop, who was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Pueblo in 1980, stated that he wants more Catholics to reclaim the Lord's day and attend church on Sundays.