St. Theresa of Avila and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Churches in Salem, Illinois, will host a public reception this Saturday to welcome Godfrey Mullen as the new bishop of the Diocese of Belleville.

The gathering is scheduled for the afternoon in the Guth Room at the St. Theresa Parish Center, running from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Following the reception, Bishop Mullen will celebrate Mass at 5:00 p.m., after which he will join parishioners for a dinner.

A Return to Roots

The appointment marks a homecoming of sorts for Mullen, who was born in Alton on January 22, 1966, to Michael and Connie Mullen. The family relocated to Salem later that same year, and Mullen grew up within the St. Theresa Parish community.

His early education began in Salem public schools until St. Theresa Catholic School reopened in 1977. He completed sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at the parish school before graduating from Salem Community High School in 1984.

Benedictine Formation

After attending college at a seminary, Mullen entered the St. Meinrad Benedictine Monastery. He professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 1994, beginning a long period of service within the Church.

Over the decades, his ministry has spanned multiple roles, including parish work, administration, seminary teaching, chaplaincy, and retreat and mission activities. These experiences prepared him for his appointment earlier this year to lead the Belleville Diocese.

Leading Southern Illinois

The Diocese of Belleville covers the southernmost region of Southern Illinois and comprises 99 parishes. As the new bishop, Mullen will oversee pastoral care and administrative duties across this extensive territory.

The upcoming reception offers local faithful an opportunity to greet their new shepherd before he begins his regular episcopal duties in the diocese.