satellite campus
fairfield county campus
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father." - John 14:12
Full on-site satellite campus.
overview
team
contact
events
schedule
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overview
team
schedule
contact
apply
events
By your baptism, you have been called.
Designed and established from the heart of Encounter Ministries, this school draws from the richness of our Catholic heritage as we seek to teach, equip, and activate disciples to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their spheres of influence. In conformity with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, we offer students a dynamic 2-year training program designed to take you to the next level in your ministry.
- Long Term Discipleship: It is our mission to raise up disciples who are equipped to do "greater works," and it was the Lord's idea to use long-term discipleship for this training.
- Authentically Catholic: We draw our teachings from scripture, tradition, official Church teaching, the lives of the early Church Fathers and the lives of the saints. Our curriculum has been reviewed by bishops and theologians.
location & schedule
Led by a locally trained Campus Director and instructors, this satellite campus is a fully on-site program following the same ESM Curriculum as other campuses.
Classes run mid-September through May.
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 8 Robinson Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810
Class Times: Mondays, 6PM-9PM
Application Deadline: Oct. 1
Typical Class Night Schedule: 6:00 Praise & Worship | 7:00 Session 1 | 7:45 Break | 8:00 Session 2 | 9:00 Dismissal
class sessions
WEEKLY / IN-PERSON
Each week, you will join your classmates on campus, where you will receive powerful training and practice opportunities. Your time at class will include praise and worship, prayer, Q&A, activations, and time with your small group. Classes are led by the local campus director.
Activations
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. Each teaching session includes "activations," or time for "activating" and putting into practice what you have just learned. This may include a time of silent prayer, asking the Lord to reveal something to you, praying with your classmates, and more. Students can expect powerful personal transformation, breakthrough, and even miracles during this time.
praise
While we recognize, honor and encourage our students to attend Mass as the highest form of worship, our class time praise is focused on becoming aware of God's presence and positioning ourselves in a place of receptivity, surrender, and response to what He is doing. ESM values freedom and joy in our response to God’s goodness. We express this in our school culture through childlike worship. All classes begin with an extended time of praise as we cultivate our awareness of God’s manifest presence and celebrate together His goodness.. Each satellite campus develops their own team and style of praise, following the same model and core values as all ESM campuses.
College Credit
maturing in faith
Partnership with Holy Apostles College & Seminary
Your ESM Graduation credits can earn you advanced standing in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at Holy Apostles, so you can complete your degree faster, save money, and start making a bigger impact! Holy Apostles College & Seminary offers an online and flexible approach that is designed for people in ministry who need options that fit their schedules and their calling.
Fr. Sean Kulacz
Sarah Sorgie
Karina Verdejo
Matthew Taylor
Adesha Celestine
Bridget Bethray
Gina Pin
summer intensive
June 22-25, 2026
Try it out! This annual event provides a survey of the content offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry. The summer intensive is perfect for anyone desiring to attend the Encounter School during the year but unable to do so because of distance or schedule. It is also ideal for those discerning their enrollment in the school of ministry but needing greater discernment.
The survey includes: Identity & Transformation • Hearing God’s Voice & the Prophetic Gifts of the Holy Spirit • Power & Healing • Inner Healing & Freedom
bishop-Approved
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano • diocese of bridgeport
This campus has been reviewed and welcomed by the diocese. We are so grateful for the many bishops who offer their support and encouragement.
contact
ESM Fairfield Campus
St. Joseph Catholic Church
8 Robinson Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810
Submit your question here:
request info packet
Fill out this form and you will receive an information packet in your email.
Schedule a Q&A call
Schedule an information call with staff member to find out more about ESM.
submit a question
Submit a question to our staff and receive a reply via email.
faq page
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ready to apply?
Great! Just fill out this application and you’re on your way!