Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has appointed the Rev. Canon Dr. Catherine Brall as the director of field education for the next two academic years. In this role she will oversee the Seminary’s Field Education program which provides students with the opportunity to learn about the practice of ministry through direct involvement in the life of congregations and in other ministry settings. This administrative appointment begins Oct. 1.
“I am genuinely delighted that Cathy Brall has accepted our invitation. She brings just the mix of pastoral and academic experience and insight that we need at this particular time. Her long commitment to theological education as well as her knowledge of congregations and agencies in the Pittsburgh area will add significant strength to our ability as a seminary to prepare women and men for full engagement in ministry,” said the Rev. Dr. David Esterline, president and professor of cross-cultural theological education.
Beginning Sept. 1, Brall was appointed priest-in-charge at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Canonsburg on a part-time basis. She has served as canon missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh and was responsible for the missional development of several newer parishes and clergy. Prior to working in that capacity, Brall was the provost of Trinity Cathedral for nine years. There she was responsible for the administrative and spiritual oversight, strategic planning, and diocesan coordination and congregational development of the historic downtown cathedral. Previously she served as rector of the Church of the Advent in Brookline, was the congregational developer for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and was a team leader at the Church of the Messiah, a church plant in Pittsburgh.
Brall is not new to Pittsburgh Seminary. Prior to accepting this position she served as an adjunct faculty member for two years and sat on the Board of Directors. She earned her degrees from the University of Illinois (B.S.), Northwestern University (MEM), Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry (M.Div.), and Fuller Theological Seminary (D.Min.).