Leadership
The people who make this place work
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We are blessed with dedicated staff and volunteers.
We are led by our clergy, staff, and lay vestry (or parish council). Learn more about who, what, and where we are.
Rev. Fran Holliday (retired, April 2025)
I am very excited to be joining you as your interim rector. I am coming to you having just completed my interim work with St. Mark’s in Evanston IL. I am eager to meet all of you and to learn more about your parish as we begin our work together.
I was ordained in the Diocese of Chicago twenty years ago. I have served a number of churches in this diocese including serving as the rector of St. Mary’s in Crystal Lake, prior to going to St. Mark’s. I am passionate about church communities and being in relationship with people in the church. The Eucharist is central to my life and is for me a “relational meal” which grounds my work. I believe we are called to be in relationship with each other, always listening and learning about one another and opening our communities of faith to be places of welcome and connection for others. I am passionate about liturgy, outreach and building connections in and outside of the church.
Steve Lowe, Deacon
“A deacon is an ordained leader in the Church, serving as a prophetic, insistent voice that calls the attention of the Church to the needs of the world.”
Since his ordination as a vocational deacon, Steve has focused on outreach ministry, serving ‘the least of the least” in the Fox Valley area. He was ordained in February 2005 after completing the Diocese of Chicago 3-year Deacon’s School formation program. The motivating drive for his ministry is: to answer God’s call to do his part in the world. This also includes helping others find and participate in ministry to the homeless which revolve around Hesed House (Aurora), Lazarus House (St Charles) and the Trinity Soup Kitchen (Aurora).
Steve has served as a deacon at St Mark’s, Geneva since his ordination. After prayer and discernment, Steve has answered the call to serve at St Charles Episcopal Church.
Steve and his family came to Geneva in 1992 after retiring from the United States Army to take a position in Information Technology at Aurora University. Upon his retirement from AU in 2013, Steve has keep himself busy by working as an Usher for the Kane County Cougars, serving as an Election Judge and playing the game of bridge. He and his wife, Lela, have two grown sons who have blessed them with four grandchildren. Deacon Steve can be reached at DeaconSteve@stcharlesepiscopal.org
Mark Downey, Director of Music
Mark joined the staff at SCEC in January 2015. He brings many years of experience as a choral director, voice teacher, and organist. Among his many marks of distinction are advanced music degrees from the Royal School of Music, Croyden, England, and Roosevelt University, Chicago. He is also an active member of Musica Ecclesia, an inter-disciplinary program in Florence, Italy, and has conducted the Northwestern Chorus Master Classes with the Chorus of America. In addition, he often adjudicates vocal competitions at various levels.
Shellie Morgan, Office Administrator
Shellie is the heart and soul that keeps us organized. She is the first voice you hear when you call, coordinates building activities, creates weekly publications, and helps us prepare for special events. Shellie can be reached at parishadmin@stcharlesepiscopal.org
Vestry
Keeping the wheels turning isn't usually glamorous, but the administrative tasks keep us in touch with what it takes to maintain our community, and often provides unexpected bonuses in friendship and a sense of accomplishment. The staff is responsible for many of the administration chores. The vestry takes the responsibility for matters dealing with St. Charles' property, finances, and policies not specifically designated to others. Each vestry member is also assigned as liaison to a specific ministry. Our vestry is lead by Katie Thomson, Sr. Warden and Sue Riffer, Jr. Warden.
Katie Thomson, Warden