What is Encounter School of Ministry?
The Encounter School of Ministry is a powerful, inspirational course that can transform your life (watch the video to the left). Many experience greater intimacy with Our Lord, greater security in their identity as a child of God, and feel more equipped to love and serve those around them in the power of the Holy Spirit. We would love to have you join us in our next school!
The Encounter School consists of 2 years of teaching and training. Year 1 and Year 2 classes are both available in 2022-2023 at the DC Campus. Classes will be recorded and uploaded online to the Student Dashboard so that all students will be able to watch the presentations if they were unable to attend the class in person. Upon finishing Year 2, all students will receive a certificate of completion. You must complete Year 1 before enrolling in Year 2.
- If you have not completed the Year 1 class, please click on the “Enroll in Year 1” button to apply.
- If you have completed the Year 1 class, please click on the “Enroll in Year 2” button to enroll in the Year 2 class.
Where & When?
Starting September 13, 2022
Classes Meet Every Tuesday
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location
Mother of God School | Gymnasium
Directions
20501 Goshen Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, United States
Fully Endorsed
Reviewed & Approved by the archdiocese of Washington.
Meet our Team
Mark Gargulinski
Director DC Satellite
Fr. Diogo Escudero
Teacher
Fr. Diogo has been touched profoundly by the Holy Spirit and has joined the Encounter DC leadership team to help bring awareness to the tremendous grace given to us through the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Andre Leyva
Teacher
Dr. Fernando Andre Leyva is a Psychologist who loves Jesus Christ and who wants others to experience a life-changing encounter with Him.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beatrice Barry
Marketing Director
Beatrice is from Northern Virginia and a year two student of Encounter Ministries DC who has experienced life transformative classes. She is honored to be a Mom of two girls, and sister to 8 siblings. Having a passion for interior healing that comes from an authentic intimacy with God, she enjoys introducing others to experience a life-giving encounter with our Lord. She is excited to play a role in helping to bring greater awareness to the Encounter School to the DC area.
Deacon Jason Lewis
Teacher
Deacon Jason Lewis is a member of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. He is the co-author of After Suicide: There’s Hope for Them and for You. Deacon Jason has made numerous TV, video, and radio appearances, including EWTN’s 13-part series, The Cenacle of Divine Mercy II, and EWTN Live. He has lead various retreats and pilgrimages for priests, religious, and lay faithful. His heart-filled talks cover a wide range of Catholic topics, including specialties in the Message of The Divine Mercy, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and many issues facing the human person in the modern world.
Deacon Jason has completed his S.T.L. coursework at Catholic University of America and has conducted his thesis research on Divine Mercy and its intrinsic relationship to the Paschal Mystery of Christ. He has a Master’s degree in theology from Catholic University and completed his master’s work in philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Tom Singer
Teacher
Tom was the Coordinator of the Mother of God Community for 8 years. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Don James
Technical Director
Don served on the Mother of God Community Council for 8 years and has helped lead multiple Life in the Spirit courses at several parishes in the local area. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Encounter School of Ministry DC Campus and looks forward to seeing God’s blessing on all participants.
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
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Please join us for this powerful night of transformation! Click the image above to download the flyer for this event.
