LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Hundreds of people attend church just feet from the casino floor at Riverside Casino in Laughlin, where a Catholic congregation has gathered for three decades.
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church holds Sunday mass in a casino showroom, where the sounds of slot machines mix with hymns and prayers.
“People from the casino can just walk right up here and go to church,” said Father Charlie Urnick, who has led the congregation at Riverside Casino. “Maybe pray to have better luck. I don’t know.”
Unique partnership spans three decades
Father Urnick first visited Laughlin in 1991, before a Catholic church existed in the area. The church began its partnership with Riverside Casino in 1992.
“As far as I know, there are no other Catholic churches or any other churches that have this type of relationship with the casino,” Urnick said. “And we enjoy it very much for these 30 years we’ve been at the Riverside.”
The congregation can swell to more than 500 people during services. Father Urnick said the showroom creates a welcoming atmosphere for both regular parishioners and visitors.
“If someone hasn’t been to church in a long time, this is the place to start because it’s such a nice, warm environment for everybody,” he said.
Priest continues ministry after health challenges
Father Urnick suffered strokes in 2019 and 2024 but has continued his ministry without interruption.
“I haven’t missed a hospital call. I haven’t missed a meeting. I haven’t missed getting to church,” he said. “People volunteered to drive me, even to go out to the rural parishes.”
“We’re the only place that has valley parking for the church,” Urnick said.
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