Community Bids Fond, Heartfelt Farewell to FR. GODFREY MULLEN, O.S.B.

We have been blessed to have Fr. Godfrey Mullen with us here at the Cathedral for nine years. That’s a long time of building relationships and serving our community, so naturally, he will be very much missed. In turn, Fr. Godfrey shares this sentiment with all of us. He will also miss the beautiful liturgies with our talented choir.

Fr. Godfrey’s next stop is the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville, IL, which will bring him closer to his parents. He is glad he will be more available to help with their care and he looks forward to returning to his home diocese.

During his time here at St. Benedict, Fr. Godfrey is proud of the Cathedral restoration. However, he believes the emphasis on hospitality has been especially important.

“I think we’ve made great strides in hospitality here, which was sorely needed,” he says. “And, once those doors opened, many parishioners have stepped forward into roles of leadership and service that make the place so much better.”

Our Cathedral’s focus on stewardship has also made a significant impact on our faith community, as more people are giving of their time, talent, and treasure. The Sunday collection has increased drastically, as well. Parishioners are making greater commitments to prayer, of which Fr. Godfrey is particularly proud.

“More than 10,000 prayer commitments have been made in the past five years,” Fr. Godfrey says. “That’s such a blessing to the parish but also our world.”

While there is more to do, as Fr. Godfrey notes, he’s very proud of the significant strides that have been made. He is also proud to have helped foster clarity around the workings of the Pastoral Council, School Council, Finance Council, and Buildings and Grounds Committee. And while Fr. Godfrey is looking forward to the new assignment, he will miss everyone here at St. Benedict's.

Several staff members offered some fond parting words for Fr. Godfrey.

Sister Pat McGuire believes Fr. Godfrey lives out the words on the Cathedral ceiling, “Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ and may He bring us all together to everlasting life.” She has appreciated his focus on stewardship, and she knows the Cathedral is better because of this good work.

“Fr. Godfrey believes strongly in stewardship as a way of life — that is, using one’s gifts for the good of all,” Sr. Pat says. “That is certainly what he has done and what he has encouraged in all of us.”

Sr. Pat has appreciated Fr. Godfrey’s leadership and the many ways he lives out his vocation. He has run out the door at all hours to be with someone in the hospital or nursing home. He’s done many retreats, talks, and conferences as a way to spread the Good News.

“Fr. Godfrey, as you leave, I would like to thank you for the many ways you have shared your gifts and talents,” she says. “Your impact here has been huge, and you will be missed. You have laid a great foundation, and now it is up to us, members of St. Benedict Cathedral and our new pastors, Fr. Alex and Fr. Eugene, to build on that foundation.”

School Principal Kari Ford will miss Fr. Godfrey’s visits to the school, especially on Wednesday mornings when he would pray with a classroom.

“Fr. Godfrey has done a lot for our staff, students, and myself,” Mrs. Ford says. “He is always willing to help out and support us.”

With grateful hearts, our St. Benedict faith community bids a fond farewell to Fr. Godfrey, and we offer up our prayers as he proceeds on the next step of his vocational journey!