The College for Officer Training (CFOT) is also beating the drums of celebration on the third weekend of June. As with the other events, our portion of this exciting weekend is open to everyone. In fact, there is a compelling theological reason we need people to join us in our celebration.

While the weekend is designed to uphold one and a quarter centuries of the Army in Canada, Celebration OneTwoFive will also mark an historic event-the commissioning of the first group of cadets completely trained at the new facility.

Two years ago the CFOT moved to Winnipeg. In fact, it was a return to a former home, since there used to be a training college here as part of the Canada West Territory in the 1930s. Coming back to this city, to a building still under renovation, with a smaller staff running as fast as they could to prepare for the first session of cadets, has meant long hours and hard work.

There have been challenges. Creating anything from the ground up requires exceptional dedication. The outstanding work of faculty and staff, the flexibility of the first session of cadets and tangible support from across the territory, means we now have a compelling reason to celebrate.

Officer training is different from the past in that there is more flexibility and the program is tailored to the experiences and academic competencies of the cadet. Though the program and its delivery continue to evolve, Celebration OneTwoFive will be an opportunity to update the image of what it is we do. And one of the best ways to do that will be by meeting the 23 cadets of the Heralds of Good News session.

That’s where we need your support. During the weekend, these cadets will be ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers. Ordination may be understood as a personal act, yet one’s obedience to God’s call is also confirmed by the Army. The individual is given authority to exercise their spiritual leadership by the call of God and the confirmation of the people. Commissioning and appointing is a public act between cadets and the people. The word “commissioning” indicates someone is being sent on a mission and the ceremony provides a wonderful opportunity to support those being sent forth. We commission these cadets to serve the body of Christ, and we hope to see that body at this exciting event.

Join us in celebrating a new college, a new group of officers eager and able to serve God and The Salvation Army, and an enthusiastic group of mid-term cadets-God’s Fellow Workers-who will receive their summer appointments.

- Major Sandra Rice, Principal, CFOT