As we prepare for our celebrations of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordinations, we have been reflecting on the stories of women in ordained ministry in the Diocese of Niagara. The Rev. Nicola Zhang shares her story.
A Short Story — of a Chinese Canadian Woman Priest
By The Reverend Nicola Zhang
I am sitting in the rector’s office at St. Michael’s Anglican Church on Hamilton Mountain, planning its 70th anniversary celebrations. As I remember my first day here two years ago, I find myself looking back on the unexpected journey through which God led me to the priesthood.
As an atheist for the first half of my life and a Chinese-born woman, I never imagined that I, an immigrant and minority in Canada, would become a Christian, a priest, and a disciple of Christ in the second half of my life.
My faith journey began when I joined a two-year catechumen program to learn more about Western culture. I enjoyed reading Bible stories, asking deep questions, and debating matters of faith. At the time, I thought my happiness came from gaining knowledge. I did not yet realize that God was beginning to reveal His plan for me. At Easter in 2012, I was baptized as a Roman Catholic.
Soon after my baptism, however, I became bored with Sunday worship because I felt I was no longer learning very much. I did not understand then that worship is not simply about gaining knowledge. It is about experiencing God’s wisdom and presence—celebrating, giving thanks, and recognizing that God is among us and within us.
Eventually, I stopped attending church for several years. Nevertheless, God continued working in my life.
In 2019, after I was laid off from work, I began volunteering at an Anglican church where my children’s piano teacher served as a volunteer music director. I helped establish the first Chinese choir for the Chinese Mission of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara.
Things moved quickly. Within two months, I served as a reader, server, and Sunday School teacher. I accepted these roles joyfully, not because I had suddenly become more faithful, but because the church helped me rediscover gifts that I had almost forgotten.
Before immigrating to Canada in 2000, I had been a successful teacher whose abilities were recognized and fully used. As an immigrant, I had lost some of that sense of identity and purpose. Through serving in the church, God helped me rediscover who I was. I began to understand that returning to God also meant rediscovering the gifts He had given me and using them to serve His people.
In the fall of 2019, I began a three-year Master of Divinity program, discerning whether priesthood was God’s call for me. My academic studies and spiritual life flourished. I graduated with honours in 2022, was ordained a deacon that year, and began my life in ordained ministry.
At first, everything seemed perfect. I was loved by parishioners and helped build the Chinese community through youth programs, volunteer ministries, and community events. I was proud to serve as a Chinese woman in ordained ministry.
Then God surprised me. I was sent to another parish in a community with very few Chinese people. I could not understand why God had taken me away from a place where I felt comfortable and successful. I cried, questioned God, and struggled with the change, but I continued believing that God had a larger plan.
He did. In that new parish, I received some of the most important formation of my ministry. By watching the priest-in-charge live out the Gospel, I learned more deeply what it means to love and serve God’s people. As I devoted myself to parish ministry, God strengthened my abilities, deepened my faith, and taught me through both challenge and love.
I now understand that when God wants to give us greater wisdom, He may first lead us beyond what is familiar. He challenges us, shapes us, and empowers us along the journey.
I was ordained a priest in September 2023 and became rector of St. Michael’s in August 2024. Now, two years later, I continue to discover that my journey is not finished.
God is still shaping me, still teaching me, and still leading me into the person and priest He calls me to become.
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Nicola’s path to ordination has been surprise-filled, courageous, and shaped by barriers so different than those encountered by many of us. Yet every priest’s journey —women’s and men’s alike— is rich with stories of God’s persistent call and the unique gifts each person brings. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood, we honour a centuries-old tradition rooted in apostolic times and renewed for a truly missional future. This anniversary renews our joy and commitment as women continue to be welcomed into this sacramental and incarnational order, called to make Christ present in sign and symbol, in care and compassion, and in life and action.
You are invited to participate in this celebration in three ways.
Photo Display: Many parishes, individuals, and priests have photos of women at their ordination, as well as images of women priests in ministry moments. PLEASE scan and send your photos SOON to [email protected].
Panel Discussion: Women Called to the Table: 50 Years of Priestly Ministry Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. at The Church of the Resurrection, 435 Mohawk Road W., Hamilton. Join Bishop Susan Bell for an inspiring evening of conversation, reflection, and hope as we gather to celebrate 50 years of women’s priestly ministry.
Together, we will:
• listen to powerful stories from women priests and the ministries they have shaped;
• reflect on the grace, resilience, and growth woven through our shared journey; and
• look ahead with honesty and hope as we name both the challenges and possibilities of priestly ministry today and in the future.
Diocesan Anniversary Service: Celebrating 50 Years of Women’s Priestly Ministry Sunday, November 29 at 4:00 p.m. at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 253 James St. N., Hamilton.
Come early to enjoy the slideshow and explore the displays honouring women’s journeys into priestly ministry.
Come take part in a service of thanksgiving and celebration for the first 50 years of women ordained as priests in the Diocese of Niagara and the Anglican Church of Canada.
Come share in our hope and renewed commitment as we move beyond this milestone into a future of faithfulness and inclusivity in our missional priesthood.
ALL priests are warmly invited to vest as we celebrate priestly ministry in a missional church.
Deacons and laity are invited to celebrate the ministry of priests in our midst – both men and women.
Let us gather in thanksgiving for all that has been, in joy for all that is, and in hope for all that God is still calling us to become.
The Church in Which We Serve