The Wardens and Vestry of St. Francis Episcopal Church,

Holden, MA are pleased to announce that the Rev. Patrick R. Perkins has accepted the call to become our next rector.

Patrick has served as Assistant to the Rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in West Hartford, CT since August 2009. Prior to joining St. John's, Patrick served as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy for seven years, followed by thirteen years of experience in various positions of leadership in manufacturing and business operations. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, with a B.S. in Oceanography; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Rensselaer at Hartford), with an M.S. in Management; and the Virginia Theological Seminary, with a Master's degree in Divinity, cum laude. Patrick and his wife, Carol, have been married for more than 25 years and have a son and a daughter, Ryan and Meagan, and two loveable dogs (well, most days), a chocolate lab and a yellow labradoodle.

Patrick's first services at St. Francis will be September 6 and 7.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I receive the blessing of being called to serve as your next Rector. Throughout my time of discernment with you, I have continued to witness wonderful grace-filled moments of God's love, as made manifest in your thoughtful care and faithful attention to each other and those beyond the walls of St. Francis Church...truly God's grace is abundant! Carol and I are filled with joy as we prepare to join the community of St. Francis in September and will continue to hold you in our prayers as we ask you to pray for us during this exciting time of transition.

May God's blessing be with you!

Faithfully yours,

Patrick