For those interested in expanding their ministry skills and deepening their faith, the Encounter School of Ministry is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year and will offer a “Come and See” three-session opportunity Sept. 10, 17 and 24.
With a satellite campus located at St. Mary Church, Middletown – one of nearly 40 throughout the U.S. and world – the Encounter School of Ministry is rooted in the rich traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. At the invitation of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and under the pastoral guidance of St. Mary pastor, Father Jeffrey Kegley, with help of satellite director and teacher, Jim Tortorici, the school provides a comprehensive two-year training and formation program. The classes are designed to take participants to the next level in their ministry, equipping them to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their own spheres of influence.
Classes at the St. Mary campus commence Sept. 10 and will continue on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. Now in its fourth year, the satellite program boasts 80 graduates and 35 current students returning for their second year.
Established from Encounter Ministries, a Catholic organization dedicated to empowering the Church to bring the love and power of Jesus Christ to the world, the Encounter School invites prospective students to “come and see” what the school has to offer through three initial sessions. They are encouraged to continue the discernment process and decide if they are being called to this experience. The initial sessions also allow applicants to experience the transformative nature of the program firsthand before committing to the full two-year course.
Applications are available at https://encounterschool.org/newjersey/ or via email, newjersey@encounterschool.org. Early submission is encouraged as spots are limited. St. Mary Church is located at 538 Church Street, Middletown.