Fr. Charles Mullen

Fr. Charles Mullen, CPPS December 22, 1936 – June 3, 2026

Fr. Charles Mullen, CPPS, who devoted more than six decades of religious life to the service of God’ people passed away on June 3, 2026. He was 89 years old.

Born on December 22, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Fr. Mullen was baptized at St. Joan of Arc Church in Indianapolis on January 3, 1937. He was confirmed at Holy Trinity Church in Dallas, Texas, on December 15, 1946. Drawn to a vocation with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, he entered Brunnerdale Seminary in Canton, Ohio, on September 6, 1950. He was incorporated into the Congregation on February 8, 1958, made his definitive incorporation on February 8, 1961, and was ordained a priest on May 31, 1964, by Bishop Paul Leibold at St. Charles Seminary in Carthagena, Ohio, following his diaconate ordination on September 1, 1963.

His first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Anthony’ Church in Detroit, Michigan. He then served as an instructor at Carroll High School in Dayton, Ohio, before spending nearly five years as assistant pastor at St. Henry Church in St. Henry, Ohio.

In 1971, Fr. Mullen began a seven-year ministry as chaplain at St. Joseph Convent in Columbia, Pennsylvania. He later joined the Precious Blood Renewal Team in Cincinnati, helping countless individuals deepen their faith and experience spiritual renewal. From 1980 to 1983, he served as chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, ministering to patients, families, and healthcare workers during moments of vulnerability and grace.

Fr. Mullen returned to Cincinnati in 1983, serving at Holy Name Church and as chaplain at Christ Hospital. Following a sabbatical in Rome in 1995, he ministered at St. Charles Center in Carthagena before being appointed pastor of St. Gaspar Parish in Rome City, Indiana, where he served faithfully from 1996 to 2004.

His final active ministry assignment was with the Fort Recovery cluster of parishes in Mercer County, Ohio, where he served as senior associate from 2004 until 2010. Upon retirement, he returned to St. Charles Center in Carthagena, where he remained a valued member of the community, offering prayerful support, wisdom, and encouragement to fellow missionaries and visitors alike.

Fr. Mullen was a gentle soul, always cold in his later years when he bundled up in a sweater even in mid-summer, but warm of heart. With his kindly, rather courtly manner and the twinkle in his eye, he could have walked right out of a Dickens village: a clock maker, perhaps, or a cobbler, but a different vocation gripped him. He chose the priesthood—or perhaps it chose him—and he was steadfast to that calling throughout his long life.

He was a close observer of human nature and a faithful follower of the Gospel who encouraged others to be the same. God gifted him, too, with a beautiful singing voice. Unassuming and humble, he could raise his eyes to heaven and sing in a way that uplifted all who heard him. Through his priesthood, his friendship, and his quiet witness of faith, Fr. Mullen touched countless lives and reflected the reconciling love of Christ that is at the heart of our Precious Blood spirituality.

Fr. Mullen is predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Lucille, and his siblings Bro. Andrew Mullen, C.PP.S., Fr. Bernard Mullen, C.PP.S., Sr. Agnes Christine, C.PP.S., Robert Mullen, and Joan Panzenbeck. He is survived by his brother Missionaries, extended family members, and many friends and parishioners, who will cherish his memory.

Visitation will take place at Saint Charles Center on Monday, June 15th from 9am to 2pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 15th at 2pm in the Assumption Chapel at Saint Charles Center with V. Rev. Jeffrey Kirch, C.PP.S., presiding. Interment will follow in the community cemetery.

“ in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.” (Psalm 116:15)