BDCCW celebrates 100 years: A record 235 ladies attend convention, Mass at St. Bruno in Pinckneyville

Diocese of Belleville Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, enjoys a laugh with Jo Mayer, outgoing president of the Belleville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, at the organization’s 100th annual convention Oct. 21 in Pinckneyville. Mayer has completed her three-year term and will turn over the role to Pat Butler, who will […]

Posted on October 1, 2026

Welcoming military families to Mascoutah: Holy Childhood named ‘Purple Star School’

Jeff Shelton, a technical sergeant in the Air Force, reads to pre-kindergarten students as his wife, Jessica, the class teacher, sits at right Oct. 13 at Holy Childhood Grade School in Mascoutah (David Wilhelm photo). By Linda Norris Messenger Staff Air Force Technical Sergeant Jeff Shelton returned home March 31 […]

Posted on October 1, 2026

Sr. Carol Durkin, DC, returns to her roots

Sr. Carol Durkin, DC (right), shows a pair of shoes to Garice Terrell at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in East St. Louis. Sr. Carol has been volunteering with the Belleville Diocesan Council of St. Vincent de Paul for the past 12 years. She is returning to Emmitsburg […]

Posted on October 1, 2026

SVDP executive director: Walking in the footsteps of those before him

Troy Herring (left) oversees the registration table at the annual Friends of the Poor Walk on Sept. 19 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (Liz Quirin photo). By Linda Norris Messenger Staff “Help relieve poverty, one step at a time …” This is what about 100 people […]

Posted on October 1, 2026

Ordination and Installation: After a year as a diocesan administrator, Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, assumes role of bishop

Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, wearing his mitre and carrying his crozier for the first time, blesses parishioners who attended his ordination and installation as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Belleville on May 1 at the Cathedral (Tim Vizer photo). The sun shined brightly on the face of Bishop […]

‘The right man for the time’ Archbishop Rozanski, other clergy laud Fr. Godfrey’s selection as bishop

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski believes the Diocese of Belleville is well-positioned for the future with the selection of Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, as its 10th bishop. “I’m happy for the priests and the people of Belleville that the Holy Father has chosen Bishop-elect Godfrey Mullen as their bishop,” said Archbishop Rozanski, […]