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.

The Encounter School of Ministry is open to Christians of all backgrounds—disciples who believe God calls them to demonstrate His supernatural love in their daily lives. Our curriculum and content is rooted in Catholic Tradition and faithful to Catholic teaching.

Meet our Team

Mark Gargulinski

Mark Gargulinski

Director DC Satellite

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.

Fr. Diogo Escudero

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. Fernando Andre Leyva

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

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

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

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.

Flo Dayberry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions?

 

DC Campus Inquiry

DC Campus Inquiry

We would like to hear from you. Please send us a message by filling out the form below and we will get back with you shortly.

News & Events

Follow the DC Campus on Facebook to get the latest news and updates.  

Please join us for this powerful night of transformation! Click the image above to download the flyer for this event.