Fr. John Shi

Fr. John Shi came to Divine Child as an associate pastor in August 2023. He was born into a devout Catholic family in China and was nurtured in a spiritual environment from his early years. However, growing up, even as he served as an altar boy, the thought of priesthood never crossed his mind.

A significant turning point in his life occurred at the age of 18 during a charismatic prayer meeting. This unconventional gathering, which was held in a factory, struck a deep chord within him. He recalls, "The fervent prayers of the faithful, imploring God to motivate the youth to serve the Church, moved me to tears." He found himself, amidst the outpouring of emotions, praying alongside them. During this profoundly spiritual moment, he experienced what he believes was a divine intervention, hearing a voice asking him, “Would you like to be a priest for these people?” Filled with conviction and without a moment’s hesitation, he accepted the call.

Unexpectedly, he later had an encounter with a visiting professor from the Sacred Heart Major Seminary. This chance meeting paved the way for his journey to the U.S. where he embarked on a spiritual and academic journey at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Following eight years of dedicated learning, he was ordained a priest in the year 2019. Thereafter, he was asked to further pursue theological and biblical studies at the Catholic University of America, deepening his understanding of, and commitment to, the vocation he had so willingly accepted.