 In 1983, Irish was ordained to the diaconate, followed in 1984 by her ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C. As a priest, she served congregations in the dioceses of Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Michigan.She was appointed archdeacon in the Diocese of Michigan in 1986, and later served on the staff of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, and the Washington National Cathedral.Throughout her service, Irish led a program called Project Jubilee.