Reverend Sara H. Irwin

Rev Sara H Irwin was called as the 17th Rector of St Andrew's in July 2024 and celebrated her first service on Sept 8th. She is joining us from St John Carnegie (ELCA) where she was the pastor for the last 6 years; prior to that she was rector at Christ Church, Waltham (TEC) for 11 years. 

Rev Sara’s ministry as a priest flows from forging strong relationships in the congregation and wider community, and the passionate welcome and love of God for every person, regardless of circumstance or identity. Sara is especially excited about St Andrew’s desire to connect more deeply to all God’s children and to foster parish growth and diversity and connection to its neighbors.

An active & creative writer, she has published multiple times. Her 2012 sabbatical poetry was published in the chapbook Ashes: What Remains (BackPages Books, Waltham, MA); the title essay in My Red Couch & Other Stories on Seeking a Feminist Faith (2005, Bischoff & Gaffron), “The Priest I want to be” in There’s a Woman in the Pulpit (2015, Spong). She actively blogs for GrowChristians, on the intersection of faith and family life (an archive of her writings can be found here).

In the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, she serves on the Commission on Ministry (2020-Present), Sheldon Calvary Camp Board (2018-Present), and, previously, as President of the Clergy Association Board (member, 2017-2023). She has been actively involved in the ELCA Lutheran Synod of Southwestern PA and as President of the Carnegie Area Ministerial Association. 

Originally from Erie, PA; she completed her undergraduate degree at New College (BA, Religion & Gender Studies) and seminary at General Theological Seminary (MDiv, cum laude). She is currently enrolled in the DMin program (public theology & creative writing) at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.