The Reverend Karen McBride, Incumbent 

I experienced God’s call to ordained ministry later in my life, after a decade of a growing lay ministry in a wide variety of roles, including as parish council member, lead parent for Christ Church Cathedral Girls’ Choir, fundraiser for our diocese’s community ministries, reader and intercessor, and apprentice flower arranger. So, trusting in that call, I resigned from my professional position, went back to university full time, and now serve as a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, ordained to the priesthood in November 2024. 

At the heart of my vocation is a desire to enrich parishioners’ life in faith, both as individuals and as an active community supporting God’s work in the world God loves. Inspiring worship services, relevant and engaging preaching, creative opportunities for learning and spiritual growth, and attentive pastoral care are hallmarks of my vision for my parish ministry.

I hold a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul University, a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Carleton University, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History with French from the University of Western Ontario (now Western University). 

Before entering ordained ministry, I served in senior leadership roles in the education and international cooperation sectors, including as President and CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education and Vice-President, International Affairs, at Universities Canada. In these roles, I led large and diverse teams, built partnerships across cultures and countries, and guided organizations through periods of change, uncertainty, and growth — experience I now bring to parish leadership with a collaborative, compassionate, and hope-filled approach.

I am grateful to be the loving mother of an adult child, Wren, who is completing a Master’s degree in history at McGill University. I share daily life with my beloved goldendoodle, Lily (a familiar visitor at our parish), and enjoy long walks with Lily, time with friends at the lake, travel, and cooking special dinners with Wren.