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Stewards of God’s Gifts: Building the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Belleville
As the Diocese of Belleville continues its mission of faith, stewardship, and evangelization, Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, offers this reflection…
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Parish Picnics 2026
PARISH PICNICS 2026What a wonderful time to gather in fellowship and support local Catholic Parishes and Communities. All are welcome!…
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Flocknote: Stay Connected, Grow in Faith
Did you know the Diocese of Belleville uses Flocknote?Stay connected with the life of the Diocese of Belleville by signing…
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Holy Days of Obligation 2026
In the Catholic Church, Holy Days of Obligation are the days on which the faithful are obliged to participate in…
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Employment Opportunities
Working for the church is a rewarding experience.It provides an opportunity to share your talents in a meaningful way while…
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Join I-Can, the Illinois Catholic Advocacy Network
Join I-CAN, the Illinois Catholic Advocacy Network The Catholic Conference of Illinois is here to serve you and our Church.…
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Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal
The Map and the Mission On My Wall
Dear Friends,
It’s a big room with a fireplace and a fancy mirror above the mantle. But aside from that and a nice desk, my new office in the Chancery was pretty empty. Some kind friends gave me some chairs. But the walls were mostly bare. There was an old crucifix that hung on the wall and nothing more. I bought a clock and hung it. I took it to be framed the Papal Bull, hand-written in calligraphy on vellum and signed by Pope Leo himself, which I showed at my ordination. And it hung on the wall. But above my desk, there was a big blank wall, taunting me by its emptiness.
Amid the taunts, I received a package in the mail one day. It was a small resin sheep, given to me by a priest-friend whom I taught in the seminary. He sent a note: “Remember the ones you serve.” I placed it on my desk. The wall sat empty.
Then one day, inspired by a map of the Diocese of Belleville, electronically produced by Fr. Beatty, I decided that it would be prudent to be reminded of the people I pray for daily and for whom I am the shepherd. It’s no masterpiece of design, but there are five large posters on that otherwise empty wall now, loosely gathered into a map of Southern Illinois, with the name of every parish in the diocese. As I sit at my desk and look up, that’s what I see.
This visual representation of the diocese keeps me focused on the sacred purpose I was given on May 1, 2026: to shepherd this flock, in Christ, toward eternal life. It helps me remember, before considering some direction or other, to ask whether this direction is good for all 99 of our parishes. It reminds me of the Cloud of Witnesses, our patron saints, who so readily pray for our people — they’re the ones who really do the heavy lifting of helping our parishioners become holy. It was personal money well-spent. As I’ve said, these are my people, not a possession, but with whom I travel the road of holiness and grace.
As a new Presbyteral Council will soon be elected, and following on that other groups to advise me on future direction, those five posters will become even more important, reminding me every day of my mission, of the privilege of walking with such beautiful, variegated, talented and blessed people. Let’s walk together, working toward our common sacred purpose, building the Kingdom — not ours, but the Lord’s. Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
In Christ,
Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB
