What is Encounter School of Ministry?
Worship
The Encounter School of Ministry values freedom and joy in our response to God’s goodness. We express this in our school culture through childlike worship. Classes begin with an extended time of praise as we cultivate our awareness of God’s manifest presence and celebrate together His goodness.
Teach
Drawing from the riches of Catholic Tradition and Scripture, the Encounter School of Ministry focuses on transformation through the renewal of the mind. Our students learn to think with Jesus through teaching sessions, homework, and discussion groups as they grow in their identity as royal sons and daughters of God.
Equip
The Encounter School of Ministry values class culture that is driven by freedom, risk-taking, empowerment, respect, healthy boundaries, humility, feedback, and docility. Our students are challenged to grow in their God-given identity through a high level of student interaction in activations, prayer, and worship. We see empowered lifestyles thrive as we celebrate the goodness of God in every step of student growth
Activate
The gifts of the Spirit are part of our inheritance in Christ that, among other things, are meant to equip us for mission. Activations are powerful spiritual opportunities that help us experience the fullness of our identity and bring heaven to earth.
Where & When?
Location
Mother of God School | Gymnasium
Directions
20501 Goshen Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, United States
Time
Classes Meet Every Tuesday
- Start: 6:00 PM
- End: 9:00 PM
Fully Endorsed
Reviewed & Approved by the archdiocese of Washington.
Meet our Team
Mark Gargulinski
Director of Campus Operations
Originally from Sterling, Massachusetts, Mark is passionate about young people growing in a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. He initiated bringing Damian Stayne to the US, coordinating many of his events. Mark and his wife, Lea, have three children and two grandchildren.
Jessica Montgomery
Deputy Director
Born in Paris, France, Jessica moved to the US to pursue studies in foreign service. She surrendered her life to God at age 20. She earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies and now works as an editor with The Word Among Us. Jessica and her husband, Scott, have four children.
John Roeder
Teacher
John works for The Word Among Us and has been involved in ministry for thirty years, teaching marriage preparation, Life in the Spirit seminars, Alpha, and Catholic Bible studies. John is married to Betsy, and together they have raised five children.
Betsy Roeder
Teacher
Betsy has been in ministry for 30 years, serving in marriage preparation, music ministry, Alpha leadership, Life in the Spirit seminars, and Bible studies. She has also been blessed to connect pastors and parishes to The Word Among Us in her role as parish liaison. Betsy is married to John, and together they have five children, including identical twins.
Kathy Troxell
Business Manager
When she was a young adult, Kathy unexpectedly discovered that Jesus is alive and is still active today. Since this experience, she still wakes up each day excited to discover what’s next on the journey. As a full-time business owner, Kathy’s goal is to serve in love and make time for what’s important. She and her husband, Danny, have five children and two granddaughters.
Theresa Leyva
Teacher
Theresa is a music teacher, choral conductor, and singer who has been involved in music ministry for many years. She sings with Heart of Mercy Worship, a group that provides music for healing Masses and retreats. Theresa is married to Andre, and together they have six grown children and five grandchildren.
Andre Leyva
Teacher
Tom Singer
Teacher
Tom is currently the Coordinator of the Mother of God Community. One of his greatest passions is to proclaim the lordship of Jesus Christ and to help others encounter the inexhaustible love of our heavenly Lord.
Flora 'Flo' Dayberry
Spiritual Intercessor
Originally from Canada, Flo began her apostolate as a catechist and youth minister. She has earned a certificate in pastoral counseling, and has worked with many individuals in anti-abuse advocacy. As a Third Order Benedictine of the Divine Will, Flora also facilitates advanced deliverance ministry.
Bob McCambridge
Business Manager
Bob is the operations manager of Encounter DC. He is also a member of Mother of God Community and St. John Neuman parish.
Ben Gargulinski
Worship Leader
Ben is the worship leader for Encounter DC. He regularly leads worship for Mother of God Community prayer meetings and events.
Recent Testimonies
I did not want to be pushy, or labelled, or make people feel awkward
My greatest transformation was in the courage, boldness and Holy Spirit power I now feel within...
In God’s Perfect Time
I have learned so much through this whole year of the Encounter School of Ministry! It did take...
The Construction of My Kingdom Dream
This quarter was full of practical ways to grow spiritually. I learned that God gave me a dream...
Questions?
News & Events
Follow the DC Campus on Facebook to get the latest news and updates.
Summer Intensive
DC Campus
July 25-28
Summer Intensive Plus
DC Campus
July 29-30, 2022
Watch Damian’s promotional video for this event below.
