Encounter School working to equip Catholic adults for an Apostolic Age
By David Graver
Seventeen years ago, I started teaching high school religion in the Diocese of Wichita. Almost immediately, it was clear that the greatest influence on our youth’s faith pertained far less to the classroom than to the home. Parents are the primary educators of their children, but what if those parents also feel unequipped?
That question has stirred in me for years.
Our diocese is known nationwide for its stewardship model. But if stewardship is going to thrive for another generation, we must fill the growing gap in adult catechesis. The Church has always known this:
• “Catechesis for adults . . . must be considered the chief form of catechesis.” (General Directory for Catechesis, 59);
• “The principal goal is to enable Christians to live and witness to their faith in everyday life.” (Catechesi Tradendae, 43).
Those are just quotes until we see this in real life.
A few weeks ago, my wife and I were out to dinner when a woman approached our table. Her face lit up. “David,” she said, eyes wide, “it was life-changing – and I am not exaggerating.”
Two of our Encounter School students had prayed over her for inner healing. That night, she met Jesus in a deeper way than ever before.
Such moments are a perfect example of why the Encounter School of Ministry exists.
The school launched its Wichita campus three years ago with a threefold mission: to teach, equip, and activate everyday Christians to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Adults from ages 18 to 84 have joined – proving it’s never too early or too late to grow in faith.
And the fruit? It’s astounding.
Another story involves Laura, one of our recent graduates. She had long felt called to pray with the homeless near Wichita’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, but she didn’t know how – or if she even could. Encounter gave her the tools, confidence, and community to step out.
Now every week, Laura and a team of volunteers pray with dozens of people in desperate need of hope. What began as a quiet prompting has grown into a full-blown ministry called NAP (Need A Prayer). This is what we call a “kingdom dream fulfilled,” when the desire God places in someone’s heart becomes a reality that blesses others.
Stories like this are multiplying. Students are walking in deeper intimacy with Jesus. Families are being healed. And yes, we see physical healings, too – just like the early Church in the book of Acts.
Having said that, we face the challenge of needing more students to keep the Wichita campus open next year.
If we don’t reach critical mass, this life-changing ministry will not continue here, which suggests the time is right to go for it. The right people saying yes will allow us to unleash even more disciples who are ready to teach, pray, serve, and heal in Jesus’ name.
So I’m asking: Will you be one of them?
If you have ever felt that tug for more depth, more boldness, more fire in your faith, this is your invitation. Together, we can close gaps in adult formation and unleash a Church that is fully alive. Join us as we return to an Apostolic Age.
Applications for the 2025 school year are open now. Learn more at www.encounterschool.org or contact us at [email protected]. Classes are Monday evenings during the school year.
