The Rev. Lisa Saunders Ahuja was ordained to the priesthood in 2007 at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square after graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. The Rev. Lisa served as St. James’ first female rector from 2013-2015. She has also served churches in Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin. Before moving to Washington D.C., she lived in Australia for four years, and served as a chaplain in Anglican schools there. In January of 2020 she returned to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington to serve here at St. Thomas’ Parish as the Priest in Charge and in October of that year, she accepted the call to serve as rector.
The Rev. Sarah Mast was ordained to the priesthood in 2023. She currently serves at Holy Trinity in Houston as curate. Prior to attending the Seminary of the Southwest, she was a psychiatric social worker and therapist. The Rev. Sarah and her family have been active members of St. James’ for many years. She is a recipient of the Vera Gang Scott scholarship.
The Rev. Carissa Baldwin McGinnis was the first woman sent to Seminary of the Southwest by St. James’. She was ordained in 2007. The Rev. Baldwin-McGinnis, serves at Northside Episcopal Church, a bilingual church plant in Northeast Houston. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and began her nonprofit vocation in Washington, D.C., in the field of human rights.
