From 1985 to 1987, he was both parish administrator of Holy Rosary Parish and vice-chancellor of the diocese. In 1987, Ricken went to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1989.
Between 1985 and 1987, Ricken held positions as parish administrator at Holy Rosary Parish and vice-chancellor for the diocese. In 1987, he transferred to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1989.