ADMINISTRATION

OUR PASTORS

Father Joe Tonos 

Father Joe is a native of Greenville, Mississippi and fiercely proud of his Lebanese heritage. He's a graduate of Delta State University and spent a short time in the business sector before following a calling to the priesthood. After graduating from Mundelein Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Jackson in 1994. In the past, he has served as director of youth ministries and vocations for the diocese and was appointed as the pastor of St. John's in 2004.

Father Andrew Bowen

Fr. Andrew Bowden is from Brandon, Mississippi. After graduating from Brandon High School, he began priestly formation. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana then attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he earned a Masters in Divinity. He was ordained in the spring of 2022. Saint Richard’s parish and school is his first priestly assignment. 

OUR INTERIM PRINCIPAL

Russ Nelson

Russ Nelson is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi and a graduate of Mississippi State University. He began his career at his alma mater, Saint Aloysius Catholic School in Vicksburg, where he coached high school football and taught Theology. Mr. Nelson also taught in Terry and Clarksdale before entering the business sector where he acquired a unique set of skills including financial management.

Mr. Nelson joined Saint Richard Catholic School in 2022. He is currently pursuing a Master of Education in school leadership at Mississippi College. Mr. Nelson is married to Kimberly Nelson and is the proud father of two daughters, Reagan and Marilee, both students at Saint Richard Catholic School. Mr. Nelson is honored to serve the Saint Richard community as Interim Principal.