Clergy & Staff




 The Rev. Dr. Richard M. Simpson, Rector
Rich Simpson was called to serve as rector of St. Francis Church in February 1998. Prior to that he served as Associate Rector of Christ and Holy Trinity Church in Westport, Connecticut, and before that as Protestant Campus Minister at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut. Rich was born and raised in Hawley, Pennsylvania, in the United Methodist Church. He holds degrees from Georgetown University (AB), Drew Theological School (MDiv), Princeton Theological Seminary (ThM) and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia (D.Min.). Rich also serves as a lecturer at Assumption College, where he teaches undergraduates, and as a volunteer chaplain to the Holden Police Department. He and his wife, Hathy, live in Holden with their two sons, Graham and James.


Elizabeth Korandanis, Interim Youth Ministry Coordinator

Liz grew up at St. Francis where she was baptized in 1982. After living in Las Vegas for the past 5 years, Liz and her husband, James, have moved back to Holden. Liz is thrilled to be worshipping again with her St. Francis family! Liz has taught Sunday school, Rite 13, and attended Work Camp. She holds bachelor degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education and a masters degree in Special Education. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the Hudson Public School System.


Karen Heath, Parish Administrator
A Holden native, Karen, and her husband, Jeff live in the family "homestead" where she grew up. They have two grown daughters. Although baptized at St. Francis, she and her family were long-time members of the former St. John’s, Worcester. While there she served on vestry as Clerk and Senior Warden, taught church school, was a member of the altar guild, choir, and Handbell choir. Karen joined our staff in September of 2003.  She and her family are now members of the St. Francis community.


Susan Bastardo, Church School Coordinator
Susan and her husband Michael have lived in Holden and attended St. Francis Church since 1990. They have two grown children. Susan taught Church School at St. Francis for five years before taking the position as Church School Coordinator in 1995.  She has a Master's degree in Communication Disorders and is a speech/language pathologist in the Shrewsbury Public Schools.


Charles Nwachukwu, Minister of Music

A native of Nigeria, Charles is a graduate of Abia State University, Nigeria (Biochemistry 1990), Atlantic Union College (Piano Performance & Composition, 1998), CUNY (Biomedical studies 1999-2002). He currently lives in Worcester with his wife and 3 children. He is an accomplished pianist who also composes his own music. Charles joined the staff in August 2003.


James (Jim) F. Dowd, Sexton
Jim was born and raised in Worcester, moving to Holden in August of 2003. Jim was educated in the public school system, and attended Worcester State College on the GI Bill. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam Era, Jim began a 32 year career at N. E. Telephone, now known as Verizon. Jim and his wife Theresa have been married 45 years. They raised 2 children, and now have 3 grandchildren. Terry and Jim are communicants at St. Peters R.C. Church in Worcester.