We are blessed with dedicated staff, leading with the help of our lay vestry (or parish council) and many other volunteers. Learn more about who, what, and where we are.
The Rev. Brian Petersen, Rector
The Vestry of St. Charles Episcopal Church in St. Charles is pleased to announce the calling of The Rev. Brian Petersen to be their new rector. Rev. Brian was born in Topeka, Kansas and grew up in the San Diego area. He is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, and Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and is also a veteran of the US Marine Corps. Ordained in 2022, he has served as the Priest-in-Charge at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Carlsbad, CA, Curate and Priest Associate at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway, CA, Church Planter and Priest-in-Charge of St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church in Oceanside, CA, and most recently as Interim Priest-in-Charge at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Encinitas, CA.
St Charles is excited to welcome Fr. Brian and his family to the Chicago area. He began his work August 1, 2026.
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 was 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). 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.
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
Sue Riffer, Warden
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 Sue Riffer, Sr. Warden and , Robin Weaver, Jr. Warden.