The Rev. Josh Paget

Meet the Rev. Josh Paget, who brings creative energy and a passion for community-building to St. Alban’s. His primary ministry is serving as Chaplain with Canterbury, the Episcopal presence and outreach at UCLA, where he supports students in faith, fellowship, and service. In addition, Josh assists at St. Alban’s with newcomer welcome, liturgical planning and training, and family ministries.

Josh loves helping people connect their creative passions to their spiritual journeys. For him, the most rewarding moments are when faith and imagination meet—whether through worship, student life, or community service. He believes that church thrives when people bring their full selves, including their talents, questions, and hopes, into the life of the community.

Beyond parish life, Josh is active in the wider Episcopal Church, serving on the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change and as the clergy alternate for Deanery 8 on the Diocesan Council. His ministry is shaped by a deep commitment to sustainability, justice, and resilience.

Josh holds an M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary, where he focused on liturgy, pastoral care, multicultural ministries, and housing justice. At graduation, he received the preaching award and completed a certificate in new mission practices, a program on innovative approaches to congregational development.

Before becoming a priest, Josh wore many hats: stand-up comedian, film festival producer, elected city official, and theater manager. In 2013, he founded the New Urbanism Film Festival, which highlighted stories of urban planning and community development. The festival continues today as the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit, where Josh serves as Festival Director.

Raised in Olympia, Washington, Josh grew up Baptist and Evangelical before joining the Episcopal Church in 2009 and being baptized in 2013. He holds a B.A. in English-Creative Writing from Seattle Pacific University.

When he’s not working, Josh enjoys time with his wife, Rev. Keri Paget, a United Methodist deacon who trains hospital chaplains, and their daughter, Elly. Together, they love reading, biking, cooking, and simply being together at home.

From comedy stages to campus chaplaincy, Josh’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, faith, and community—and he’s excited to share that spirit with St. Alban’s and the UCLA community.

Get Connected

Josh is eager to connect with students, families, and newcomers at St. Alban’s and UCLA. If you’d like to learn more about Canterbury at UCLA, newcomer welcome, liturgical training, or family ministries, please reach out:

• 📧 Email: josh@stalbanswestwood.org

• 📞 Church Office: (310) 208-6516

• 📅 Schedule a Conversation: calendly.com/joshpaget