High school seniors were honored in a Christian ceremony Tuesday night at the Paramount Theatre.

The 2009 Community Baccalaureate Service was a time for prayer, song and inspirational messages for the robed graduates and their families.

Pastor Dan Kahl of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church opened the service, and Pastor Mike Ewert of Bethlehem Free Methodist Church and Pastor Andy Lindahl of Westminster Presbyterian read the opening prayer and benediction.

A string quartet, Baccalaureate Choir and duo Hanna Middlebrook and Ben Bachmeier performed.

Local act The Vespers Band — including Bryten Reuter, Isaac Van Proosdy, Nate Miller and seniors Matt Sims and Jacob Ewert — brought the crowd to their feet. Lead vocalist Reuter, of Rose Creek, said their band was started last September.

Seniors Mary Anne Duren, Mary Bissen and Courtney Fleming presented the readings, and baccalaureate speaker Pastor Randy Reed, of LifePointe Church in Coralville, Iowa, provided words of inspirational guidance for the graduates.

Offering proceeds from the service will benefit next year’s baccalaureate.

Pacelli High School seniors graduate tonight at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. AHS will have its commencement Friday night at Riverside Arena.