DANBURY — The Encounter School of Ministry has scheduled free “Come and See” Open House evenings in September for anyone interested in learning more about its programs.
They will be held at St. Joseph Church in Danbury on Monday evenings from 6–9 pm and give prospective students an opportunity to experience a live class, participate in praise and worship, meet the Encounter community, and prayerfully discern whether God is calling them to deeper formation.
“Our mission is to help people discover that the Holy Spirit isn’t just part of the history of the Church — He is actively transforming lives today,” said Sarah Sorgie, associate campus director. “Encounter gives people practical tools to grow in their faith, recognize the gifts God has given them and confidently live as missionary disciples in everyday life.”
The free “Come and See” evenings are scheduled for September 14, 21, and 28, from 6–9 pm. Each evening begins with praise and worship, followed by teaching, fellowship, and an opportunity to learn more about the school’s mission and formation.
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year is now open, and an application is available on the school’s website. Classes meet Monday evenings from 6–9 pm at St. Joseph Church, 8 Robinson Ave., Danbury
For more information or to RSVP for a “Come and See” evening, visit encounterschool.org/fairfieldcounty or email [email protected].
Now entering its fourth year, the Encounter School of Ministry — Fairfield County Campus continues to equip lay Catholics to live confidently in their baptismal calling through spiritual formation, practical discipleship, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Under the leadership of Campus Director Father Sean Kulacz and Sorgie, the school forms students to bring the love and power of Christ into their families, parishes, workplaces, and communities.
Begun in 2023, the Fairfield County Campus offers faithful Catholic formation rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Catechism and the lives of the saints. The two-year certificate program equips students in the identity in Christ, hearing God’s voice, healing ministry, inner transformation, evangelization and spiritual gifts.
Students and alumni regularly serve at parish missions, healing services, retreats, and diocesan events, offering prayer ministry throughout Fairfield County. Healing services have been held at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Mary in Ridgefield, St. Francis of Assisi in Weston, and St. Peter and St. Joseph in Danbury.
“We’re seeing people encounter Jesus in a deeper way and discover that the Holy Spirit is still powerfully at work in the Church today,” said Father Sean Kulacz, campus director. “When people become rooted in their identity as sons and daughters of God and learn to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they don’t just grow personally—they become a source of renewal for their families, their parishes, and their communities.”
The Fairfield County Campus is part of the international Encounter School of Ministry network, which includes more than 40 satellite campuses, online programs and growing international locations. This past May, more than 1,900 students graduated worldwide, including 345 priests. Through its partnership with Holy Apostles College and Seminary, students may also earn academic credit while completing the program.
