The Rev. Peter Coelho
Peter began serving as the rector of Church of the Ascension in September 2024. He serves the community by directing the staff and clergy, working alongside the vestry, and leading in worship as they seek to follow Jesus faithfully and authentically.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Peter grew up in the Pentecostal tradition and desired to serve the local church from an early age. After studying Communications at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Peter and his wife, Shannon, lived in Hiroshima, Japan, for two years. When the Coelhos returned to Vancouver, Peter completed a Master of Divinity at Regent College and they welcomed their daughter, Lucy.
Their son, Emmett, was born in Austin, Texas, where Peter first served as the associate rector at Christ Church and then as the founding rector of Church of the Cross. The Coelhos spent 13 years in Texas before receiving the call to serve at Church of the Ascension.
Peter and his family love watching movies, reading stories together, playing baseball, and already enjoying exploring Pittsburgh’s many beautiful parks!
The Rev. Peter Coelho, Rector