Vicar to ‘intern’ at Slippery Rock church
All Saint’s Lutheran Church and Student Center in Slippery Rock has announced the installation of Zachary Wessel as the church vicar, according to a church news release.
Vicarage is part of a potential pastor’s seminary program that is completed after students have earned a bachelor’s degree.
The first two years are spent in academic study, then the students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned by taking on a vicar position.
Wessel said the practical experience allows seminary students to gain new perspective on the theology they studied in the classroom and its application with a real congregation.
Wessel, a native of Minnesota, will remain at All Saints for one year before returning to seminary for his final year of study.
He will preach and offer readings during midweek services and on some Sundays each month. Wessel also will reintroduce the reading of vespers on Wednesday nights.
Wessel will accompany his mentor, the Rev. Jacob Deal, pastor at All Saints, to visit home bound or hospitalized church members.
He also will be involved in the campus ministry at Slippery Rock University and other outreach programs while he is vicar.
