overview
instructors
praise
events
schedule
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overview
instructors
schedule
praise
sessions
events
Overview
Our main campus is held on Monday evenings at the Parish Life Center (PLC) of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton, Michigan. Here resides the founders and instructors of the Encounter School of Ministry, Fr. Mathias Thelen and Patrick Reis. We are blessed to receive instruction and guidance from Dr. Mary Healy of Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Detroit), and are grateful to our friends in ministry, Peter Herbeck of Renewal Ministries, Fr. Boniface Hicks O.S.B., as well as many guest instructors throughout the year.
St Patrick Catholic Church Parish Life Center (PLC)
710 Rickett Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Year 1 Students meet in PLC; Year 2 students meet in the church.
2026-2027 calendar
Orientation: August 31st
No Class: September 7th
Come & See: Sep. 14, 21, 28 (No obligation. Sign-Up)
First Class: September 14th
Last Class before Christmas: December 21st
First Class back from Christmas: January 11th
No Class: March 15th (Missions Week)
No Class: March 29th (Easter Week)
Year 2 Power Evangelization Outing: Saturday, May 15th
Last Class of Year 1: May 17th
Graduation: May 24th
class times
mondays
5:00 PM – Worship & Testimonies
6:10 PM – Small Groups
6:45 PM – Sessions & Activations
9:00 PM – Closing Prayer
5:00 pm
praise
All classes, begin with an extended time of praise as we cultivate our awareness of God’s manifest presence and celebrate together His goodness. Our Main Campus worship is led by the Encounter Worship team, along with volunteers from our musically-gifted students and alumni throughout the year. This is also a time for students to share testimonies of their experiences throughout the week and share prophetic encouragement for their classmates.
While we recognize, honor and encourage our students to attend Mass as the highest form of worship, our class time worship 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.
6:10 PM
SMALL GROUPS
After worship and before the start of class sessions, students will meet in their assigned small groups. Each group is led by a Small Group Leader who is a trained alumni selected for their gifting in leadership and exemplary living out of our core values. This is a time for students to discuss their homework experience, share testimonies from the week, review key discussion points, ask questions, and pray with one another.
6:45 pm
sessions
With every Monday night class, there are two teaching sessions led by our Main Campus instructors, including co-founders Fr. Mathias Thelen and Patrick Reis, as well as staff members, Sarah Kaczmarek, Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, Rachel Grech, and Jay Jong. We also have several guest instructors throughout the year, including Dr. Mary Healy, Peter Herbeck, Fr. Boniface Hicks and more.
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.
events
Throughout the year, we encourage our Main Campus students to attend a variety events held at St. Patrick Parish. Year 1 students who have completed training in prayer ministry are invited and encouraged to participate on event prayer teams. > View the full calendar
STUDENT EVENTS:
Prophetic Room
This special evening event serves as the “practicum” for the end of Quarter 2. Students are encouraged to invite family and friends to come and experience prophetic ministry, offered by the students.
power evangelization
Our students have a special opportunity to hit the streets in Detroit and surrounding areas, in groups of two or three, to share the Gospel and pray with those they encounter. Students gather together after to share glory stories of what God did on their adventure.
Healing Room
This special evening event serves as the “practicum” for the end of Quarter 3: “Power and Healing.” Students are encouraged to invite family and friends to come and experience healing ministry, offered by the students.
Inner Healing Room
This special evening event serves as the “practicum” for the end of Quarter 4. Students are encouraged to invite family and friends to come and experience inner healing sessions, offered by the students.
local public events
transformation nights
These free events with new transformative speakers announced each year take place during most first Friday’s throughout the school year. Students who have completed Quarter 3 are invited to be on prayer teams.
Summer Intensive
This annual event offers a survey of the first 4 quarters of the Encounter School of ministry over a 4-day intensive conference experience.
healing services
We offer several free public Healing Services at the parish throughout the year. Students who have completed Quarter 3 are invited to be on prayer teams.
For event info, visit: encounterministries.us/healingservice
special Events:
Encounter conference
The annual Encounter Conference is the flagship event for Encounter Ministries. Students can expect an atmosphere of praise and encouragement with a lineup of powerful speakers. They will also meet their fellow students and alumni from around the world.
Regional Conferences
Students who have completed prayer ministry training are invited to serve on prayer teams for our Regional Conferences, held at new national and international locations each year.
No obligation.
Just come and check it out!
Experience the first three classes with us. This special opportunity is for those feeling called to the Encounter School of Ministry but are needing greater discernment. Praise and worship begins at 5PM. Class begins at 6PM. We look forward to having you with us!
Sept. 14, 21, 28
Main Campus
“come & see” – sign-up
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