Encounter School of Ministry-Edmonton Campus is now one of 54 satellite campuses worldwide. In conformity with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, Encounter School of Ministry offers a dynamic two-year, part-time, training program designed to teach, equip, and activate disciples of Jesus to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their spheres of influence.
The curriculum is organized into eight quarters, focusing on Identity, Spiritual gifts, Healing, Prayer and Leadership. It’s the renewal of the mind, teaching, and development of an intimate relationship with the Lord, combined with practical hands on experiences that builds confident witnesses to the Gospel – a pastoral priority in the Archdiocese of Edmonton
“I guess I had never really learned how to develop a personal relationship with Christ… until I came to Encounter. I had my prayer life but… it’s like I was always reaching and I was never hearing God’s voice, or I didn’t know when I was hearing God’s voice. So now it’s clear.” -Sarah
In order to graduate students are required to complete a team Ministry project. Past projects have included Healing services in both seniors’ homes, and parishes; family workshops on Learning to Hear God’s Voice, and a Transformation Night on Identity for Young adults.
Through these experiences students grow in confidence in God and themselves:
I’ve grown in confidence and realized the importance of boldness in faith—stepping out, taking risks, and trusting God to work through us.” – Lucas, Our Lady of Mercy Healing service team
“I went from someone who wasn’t sure of my faith and didn’t want to talk about it, to someone who doesn’t want to talk about anything else.” – Agnes
In addition to these projects, second year students step even further outside of their comfort zone and participate in an incredible year-end evangelization outing.
Graduates become missionary disciples who can proclaim the gospel and demonstrate God’s power to save, heal and deliver, bringing people to faith in Jesus.
Gerard worked with his pastor at St. Vital parish to train other parishioners in evangelization. They go out weekly in Beaumont to pray for people at the door and invite them into relationship with Christ and His church. Other graduates are involved in Street Ministry in the Inner city, Inner Healing and Freedom Ministry, and retreat leadership. Many simply bring the gospel to their sphere of influence. One of our students, a truck driver, was called “Preacher man” by fellow employees due to his zeal for the gospel while another pair of students doing renovation work began praying for people in need on their worksites.
Encounter School of Ministry is grateful to have received a letter of support from Archbishop Stephen Hero encouraging the continuation of our work forming confident witnesses, one of the pastoral priorities of the Archdiocese.
“This ministry aligns very well with one of the Archdiocese’s discerned pastoral priorities: forming a community of witnesses who confidently proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ within their families, vocations, professions and communities,” Archbishop Hero wrote in the letter.
Encounter School of Ministry was first welcomed into the Archdiocese of Edmonton by Archbishop Richard Smith and launched in fall 2023.
Two opportunities to learn more about Encounter School of Ministry:
Healing Service at Holy Trinity Saturday Sept 19th for the 6:30 pm. All are welcome!
Father Paul Moret, pastoral advisor to the Edmonton Campus and pastor of Holy Trinity parish, assists with Encounter Healing services by teaching on the Biblical basis of healing. He often shares how our faith grows in the invisible through seeing God’s powerful visible works in physical healing.
We are offering an opportunity to “Come and See”. Trial classes are open Sept 21, and 28 6-9 p.m. at Holy Trinity church in Spruce Grove. No registration required. For more information visit our website
— William and Carla Smiley, Encounter School of Ministry Directors
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