Welcome to Waterloo Lutheran Seminary

Why Choose WLS
At Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, our students discover the best of all worlds -- the close-knit social community of a small college, the rich diversity of a dynamic city, and all the amenities of a world-class university. Our ecumenical, multifaith and inclusive practice creates a diverse and vibrant community. Waterloo Lutheran Seminary offers a unique graduate experience that is personal within the Faculty of Graduate Studies of Wilfrid Laurier University, which confers our degrees. WLU is one of Canada's top ranked universities and provides resources that allow our students the opportunity to pursue research and scholarly interests in a personalized environment that fosters a high standard of academic excellence. Our graduates find rewarding careers where they serve with the heart, such as counsellors, pastors, ministers, chaplains and social workers. Most importantly, WLS is a community . Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become all that God has called you to be. We hope you can join us in this great adventure.

• Public Lectures
• Worship Events
• Luther Hostel
• Events
• Lecture Podcasts

My Story

Thomas St. James teaches spiritual care and counselling. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is a supervisor in spiritual care and therapy and family therapy. He is an approved supervisor in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He supervises students in spiritual care and family therapy in the Spiritual Care Department, St. Joseph's Health Care, Hamilton. He is a Supervisor in both Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and Pastoral Counselling Education (PCE) in the Canadian Association of Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE). He supervises spiritual care students in the summer at Grey-Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound. Dr. O'Connor has published three books and over 50 articles in peer reviewed journals. He has received research awards from both the Society for Pastoral Counselling Research (SPCR) and CAPPE. His research interests include theological reflection in pastoral care and counselling, spiritual reflection by non-chaplaincy professionals in health care, spirituality and health, clinical pastoral supervision and narrative family therapy. Dr. O'Connor is also involved in college formation in his appointment by the Ontario Cabinet to the Transitional Council of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Professionals.

Dr. Thomas St. James O'Connor

BA, BTh, MTh, ThD

Seminary Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-4:15 PM, Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

A drop-box is available for after hours use.

Download our full brochure to learn more
WLS Brochure.pdf

Or request a copy by mail from the Student Advisor & Admissions Coordinator at 519-884.0710 ext. 3498 or swheeler@wlu.ca

Waterloo Lutheran Seminary is a graduate school operated by the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, is a Federated College of Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada and is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies.

Waterloo Lutheran Seminary provides for the scholarly study of the Christian faith in an interdenominational setting.