This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for the annual Vicarage Supervisor’s Conference. Not only was this a great opportunity to grow in my role as a vicarage supervisor, but it also allowed me to connect with friends, colleagues, current seminarians, and our past vicar.
On my walk to the conference, I snapped an early-morning photo of the Chapel of St. Timothy and Titus, where we held daily chapel services and evening prayer. This is also where vicars receive their placements in the spring. The next “Call Day” in late April will be an especially joyful day for Holy Cross. In addition to hopefully receiving the assignment of our third vicar, we also anticipate the vicarage placement of our second-year seminarian, Kyle Lierman, and also the first pastoral call of our first vicar, Aaron Carlson.
After chapel, Kyle Lierman and I enjoyed coffee with students and professors. It was a balmy 98 degrees. Kyle is having a great start to his second year. Classes are going well, and he has a great group of brothers in Christ studying with him. At the end of this month, interviews will begin with the vicarage placement director. Kyle will almost certainly not be placed at Holy Cross, as it’s not the custom to send seminary students to their home congregations for vicarage. However, I heard there’s a vicarage in Alaska. I’m sure there are some students who would love Alaska, but Kyle mentioned a preference for vicarage spots like Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa. Please keep Kyle in your prayers. Who knows, maybe another Nebraska vicarage will open up?
I enjoyed dinner with our former Vicar Aaron, Clara, and Elijah. Aaron has a heavy course load; lots of reading and papers. However, the interview process for his first call will begin soon. Please pray for Aaron and his family as they prepare for their first call and for the birth of their second child in December. Having been through the call process, there’s plenty of potential for anxiety during the final year of seminary. I’ve heard there are lots of vacancies in northern Minnesota 🥶.
Overall, this was a great trip, full of learning and reconnecting with friends in ministry. I give thanks to God for the generosity of Holy Cross members, which has allowed us to both send men to seminary and mentor vicars. None of this would be possible without your support. Thanks be to God, and may the workers in the harvest increase!
I enjoyed dinner with our former Vicar Aaron, Clara, and Elijah. Aaron has a heavy course load; lots of reading and papers. However, the interview process for his first call will begin soon. Please pray for Aaron and his family as they prepare for their first call and for the birth of their second child in December. Having been through the call process, there’s plenty of potential for anxiety during the final year of seminary. I’ve heard there are lots of vacancies in northern Minnesota 🥶.
