Staff
The Reverend Julie Carson
Rector
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Pastor Julie comes to Holy Spirit with over 20 years of experience; first as the Associate Rector at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Wellesley, MA and most recently as the full time Rector at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Framingham, MA. She came to Holy Spirit as the interim priest in 2022 and was called as settled rector in 2023. She is a graduate of Keene State College (B.A.) and Andover Newton Theological School (M.Div).
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Pastor Julie lives in Framingham with her husband Phil and twins, Natalie and Thomason. They have two dogs, 3 cats and 6 chickens, and on her days off she volunteers with a cat rescue organization. Pastor Julie loves to cook and bake, and is a recipe tester for a national cooking magazine. She loves travel, movies, books, and time with friends is deeply important to her. She comes from a large Italian extended family and grew up outside Boston. She and her dog Glory are a therapy dog team. Glory comes to church frequently, on Sundays and during the week, and they enjoy visits to area libraries and health care facilities together.
Lynn Ljunggren
Music Director
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Music Director and Organist, Lynn Ljunggren, was baptized and raised in the Roman Catholic Church.
In 1984, after graduating from Shrewsbury High School, she was hired as organist for St. Andrew’s Church in North Grafton, MA. In 2006 Lynn became the music director as well as continuing as organist. Lynn is also a full time Senior Administrator at Raytheon, and a piano accompanist with children choruses in two of the Shrewsbury elementary schools.
An Army brat, Lynn was born in California and moved to Shrewsbury, MA at the age of 3. She lived in Germany for three years in the mid-1970s and then returned to Shrewsbury where she currently lives with her husband of 25 years, Robert, and their two daughters, Ashley and Samantha. She loves spending time with her family and especially traveling around New England to watch both daughters play college hockey.
After 34 years as organist/music director, and with the newly-merged congregation of the St. Andrew’s and St. John’s parishes, Lynn was called to continue her music ministry with Holy Spirit. “I always knew that I loved music. Now I understand that music and being part of the choir is a way to express my faith. I love that the music can tell a story and we can share the message through what we sing.”
Amanda Leighton
Parish Secretary​
Amanda is from Millbury (by way of Texas). She lives with Andrew, her husband of 23 years and her two sons. Amanda has lived in Massachusetts since 1993. While she misses the warmth and slow pace of Texas, she has come to enjoy the seasons in New England (even if they sometimes happen all in one day). Amanda’s family is extended by a cat, Francis (aka Frankie) and dog, Eva.
Amanda was raised as a Protestant in the Southern Baptist denomination. However, she has not practiced or participated in the church for many years. In the last several years Amanda’s faith has grown into more of a spiritual living than an affiliated, organized practice.
Amanda has worked for the Town of Millbury since 2007. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Assumption College (now Assumption University). Amanda has a strong communications background as she has spent over 20 years helping to provide information and service to residents and customers.
Some of Amanda’s hobbies include reading, being creative, watching movies with her boys, traveling with her husband, and spending time with friends. Her passion beyond her family and friends is writing. Someday you may see a book or two of hers on a shelf near you!
Vestry
The Vestry is an elected group of parishioners that are responsible for the general oversight of the church budget and maintenance of the church property. The Vestry work closely and represent the views and opinions of the church membership. The Vestry and Executive Committee meet monthly. Copies of these meeting minutes can be found on the bulletin board in the Church hall.
Executive Committee
Sandy Piscitelli, Sr. Warden
Maryalice Worden, Sr. Warden
Bob Perkins, Treasurer
Lisa Stejskal, Clerk
Members of the Vestry
Raymond Connolly
Holly Dolan
Deb Fiore
Michelle Gagan
Alice Ploysungwan
Phil St. John