Father Anthony Cecil Jr. was initially skeptical when invited to attend the Encounter School of Ministry's annual conference in 2021. However, his experience at the event led him to become a student and later serve on its pastoral team, bringing the ministry to Louisville.

The Encounter School of Ministry, established in 2017, has expanded rapidly with 41 campuses worldwide and an online school available in seven languages. This year, St. Raphael the Archangel Church began hosting a new satellite campus in Louisville.

"Encounter radically changed my life and my own relationship with God and my priesthood," said Father Cecil, who is also the pastor of St. Raphael.

Laura Shoulders, campus director for Louisville and Lexington, explained that the school follows a two-year curriculum designed to teach Christians how to minister within their communities. The program includes classes once a week during the academic year and begins each session with praise and worship.

The curriculum is based on Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and teachings from early church fathers. It covers topics such as "Identity and Transformation," "Hearing God and Prophetic Gifts," "Power and Healing," and "Inner Healing and Freedom."

Father Cecil noted that while some course content may be new to many Catholics, it aligns with Catholic teachings. The school provides a safe environment for students to practice skills like praying for physical healing before applying them outside the classroom.

"The responsibility of evangelization rests with the laity," Father Cecil stated, emphasizing that Encounter helps individuals learn how to share their faith effectively.

St. Raphael Church recently hosted a summer intensive offering an overview of the school's first-year curriculum. Regular classes will be held from mid-September through May on Monday nights.

For more information or registration details, visit encounterschool.org/louisville.