Hi! My name is Jim Shoucair and I am the Rector of this parish. In case you’re wondering, the term “Rector” is just fancy “Episcopalspeak” for Senior Pastor, Minister or Priest. I hope you like what you see on this website. Becoming involved in a church can be a daunting thing, especially if it’s been a while since you attended… or if you’ve never darkened the doorstep of one before and you are wondering what strange things go on inside!

Now, on to one of my favorite subjects: Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in London, England, I have lived in the United States about 30 years. In the early 1980s, I was fortunate enough to marry a Pittsburgher who introduced me to the Western Pennsylvania area, where we settled and raised a family. I have not always been a priest. For sixteen years I was a practicing lawyer. Consequently, I bring to the ministry a personal knowledge of the struggles faced by Christians in the secular workplace. You can think of me as a truly repentant lawyer!

I hold the firm conviction that the human soul yearns for God. We search the world in vain to find fulfillment and happiness, but it is only through knowledge and love of Jesus Christ that we find abundant life. In keeping with the ethos of the Episcopal Church, I am committed to the idea that this parish should constitute a safe, non-judgmental place in which to explore your faith. That doesn’t mean you won’t be challenged by what you learn. It means that you will have the freedom to move at your own pace. If you would like to contact me directly, I would love to hear from you.