Over 50 prospective students and over 30 additional guests attended the Fall Visitation Weekend at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The Oct. 9-11 visitation event is designed for those of college age and older. It provides an effective means of learning more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation which leads to service as a pastor, missionary or chaplain in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

"We were thrilled to welcome more than 85 guests to our campus," commented Rev. Michael Redeker, director of ministerial recruitment at Concordia Seminary. "The guests included young college students and prospective second-career students and their wives. It also was encouraging to see several women in attendance who are contemplating enrollment in the Seminary's new deaconess program. The high enrollment this fall and the attendance at this first visitation weekend of the year are evidence that God is continuing to answer the prayers of His people to raise up workers."

Visitors worshiped with the Seminary community in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, visited classes and toured the campus. Participants also heard presentations on various aspects of Seminary preparation such as academic offerings, financial assistance, housing, resident field education, vicarage and the admission process. A special women's information session was held on Oct. 11. This session has proven to be very popular and beneficial for wives, fiancées and girlfriends who attended past Fall Visitation Weekends.

One participant commented, "Opportunities to interact with prospective students and current students, as well as the staff and faculty, were insightful and helpful." Another participant remarked, "I am thankful for the chance to experience a part of Seminary life, especially interacting with Seminary students and professors."

Additional structured visitation opportunities at Concordia Seminary include the Shepherds of God's Flock Retreat (January 6-8, 2004) and the Institute on the Ministry (March 11-13, 2004). Prospective students and guests also may visit at any time which is convenient for them, and the Admissions Office at Concordia Seminary will arrange a private visitation schedule which meets their needs. Meals and lodging are provided free of charge on the Seminary campus for prospective students and their guests during the structured visitation opportunities or individual visit.

For more information, contact the Admissions Office at Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105;1-800-822-9545; [email protected]. Information and a registration form also are available from the Seminary's Web site at www.csl.edu/Admvis.htm.