The Most Reverend David L. Ricken was ordained in the Diocese of Pueblo, CO, in September 1980. Five years later, he became administrator of Holy Rosary Parish and diocesan vice chancellor. In 1987, Bishop Ricken received his Licentiate degree (J.C.L.) in Cannon Law from Pontifical Gregorian University and was appointed vocation director/vicar for ministry formation. Three years later, he was named diocesan chancellor. In 1996 Biship Ricken was nominated an official of the Congregation for Clergy ibn Rome.

On January 6, 2000, he was ordained to the episcopacy for the Diocese of Cheyenne at the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome by his His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. During his tenure, Bishop Ricken was a founding member of Wyoming Catholic College. On July 9, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Ricken the twelfth bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, and was officially installed on Aug. 28, 2008.

During his tenure as Bishop in Green Bay, he was instrumental in declaring the Authenticity of the Apparitions of 1859 at the “”Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help”” in Champion, WI, to Adele Brise. The decree was issued on Dec. 8, 2010. Bishop Ricken was the first and only diocesan bishop in the U.S. to officially approve a Marian apparition.”