Twin Seminary Banquets Honour Future Vicars

CANADA – Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada (LWMLC) sponsored two special banquets to honour students of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s seminaries as they prepare to receive their upcoming vicarage placements.

On May 16, the annual Vicar Banquet for Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) was held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park, Alberta. The event celebrated Ben Rast, who will soon begin his year-long vicarage following his placement during Sacred Convocation. Ben, his wife Melissa, and their children were warmly honoured with a supper and speeches. Attendees were encouraged to keep the Rast family in their prayers as they embark on this new chapter of service.

Meanwhile, the annual Vicars’ Dinner for Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) was held at Grace Lutheran Church in St. Catharines, Ontario. Sponsored by the LWMLC, the evening featured a festive meal of knockwurst and sauerkraut and was attended by students, pastors, and guests. Special guest Marilyn Witte, LWMLC President, gave an engaging presentation on the League’s work.

CLTS is preparing to send out two vicars in the coming year: Joseph Behl and Michael Thomas. They were joined by Pastors Saulo Bledoff and Noel Richards, both of whom are completing different academic paths within Lutheran Church–Canada. Rev. Bledoff, who is currently serving St. John’s (Snyder) Lutheran Church in Stevensville, will graduate with a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree. Rev. Richards, who was a Lutheran pastor in India, is pursuing colloquy to serve in an LCC congregation following his studies.

“Vicarage is a very important step in a seminary student’s formation toward pastoral ministry—an opportunity to spend a whole year working in a congregation to put their theological education into practice,” shared CLTS in a release. “The annual vicars’ dinner offers a glimpse into what awaits them. It’s one of those occasions when the students realize just how much love and support the church offers as they prepare for their high calling.”

These banquets are an annual tradition and serve as meaningful moments of celebration, reflection, and support. For seminarians, the vicarage year is a significant milestone, offering the opportunity to apply their theological education in a congregational setting.

The students and faculty of both seminaries are grateful to LWMLC for their generous support and for providing such memorable send-offs to the next generation of church leaders.

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