Concordia Seminary Celebrates Historic Sacred Convocation with First-Ever Conferral of Degrees

The annual Sacred Convocation at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) reached an unprecedented level of excitement this year as candidates not only received their calls to ministry but also became the inaugural recipients of degrees awarded directly by Concordia.

A Day of Firsts

On Saturday May 24, 2025, over 100 people gathered at Grace Lutheran Church in St. Catharines, Ontario, for a two-part event. The day began with a historic degree-conferring ceremony. Previously, CLTS graduates received their degrees from Brock University. However, with the seminary’s recent attainment of degree-granting status, this year marked the first time that Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degrees bore the official seminary seal.

Rev. Saulo Bledoff and Eduardo Farias (in absentia) were the first to receive the MTS degree. They were joined by Jane Jacob, who also received an MTS degree, having completed her studies in 2021. Subsequently, MDiv degrees were awarded to Aaron Parkhurst, Vijay Samuel, and Daniel Cunningham (in absentia). Pastor Cunningham, who completed his studies last year, was able to receive his degree at this momentous event due to the recent transition.

Call to Serve

Following the graduation ceremony, the service proceeded with a Vespers Service. Pastor Vishal Paul (MDiv 2020) delivered a sermon in which he encouraged everyone to pray for their pastors and all leaders.

Two candidates were then certified and received calls to holy ministry. Candidate Vijay Samuel was called to serve Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Mississauga, Ontario, and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Georgetown, Ontario, where he will work alongside Pastor Paul. Candidate Aaron Parkhurst received a call to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cavalier, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. Thomas, and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Langdon, all located in North Dakota.

Vicarage Placement

The congregation also learned of the vicarage placement for Joseph Behl. Vicarage is a one-year internship where students gain practical ministry experience and mentorship from a parish pastor. Joseph will serve at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Ontario, under the supervision of Pastor Joel Kuhl.

Special Recognition

The recipient of the Friend of the Seminary award is nominated by the faculty or Board of Directors (Regents) for making a significant contribution to the well-being of the seminary.  This year Rev. Robert Krestick was recognized for his long-time service to the seminary as a member and chair of the Board of Directors.

In addition, a CLTS graduate from 1998, Rev. Kurt Lantz, was honored with the Delta Chi medal.  This award is presented to an individual, either clergy or lay, whose life exemplifies service to Christ in his/her everyday living and vocation.  As pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Catharines, Rev. Lantz was recognized as a model “Servant of Christ” for his exemplary pastoral care to his congregation, Brock University students, and the seminary community.

Continuing the Legacy

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary continues to bless the church, drawing individuals from across the globe and faithfully preparing pastors and laypeople for service in Lutheran Church–Canada and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Photos of the day can be viewed here.

The whole service may be viewed on our Youtube channel.