TEC is a three-day retreat weekend based on the Paschal Mystery: the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
TEC originated as "Teens Encountering Christ" in 1965 as a
retreat experience for high school students. There are active TEC centers
throughout the United States and foreign countries.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC began in 1978 and is one of several TEC
centers in Minnesota. CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC changed its name to
"Together Encountering Christ" to better reflect the presence of
both teen and adult participants on the weekends.
The retreats are held on the grounds of Holy Family Parish, Belle Prairie,
Minnesota, just north of Little Falls on Highway 371.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC hosts approximately twelve weekends
a year, running Saturday morning through Monday evening, with a few weekends
scheduled Friday morning through Sunday evening.
Participants experience the message of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ
through participation in music, discussions, talks, prayer, Scripture,
liturgy, and celebration.
Each of the days of the retreat has a central theme:
"Die Day" is the first day - a day centered on the death
of Jesus Christ. On "Die Day", participants reflect on many
different aspects of their lives, focusing on better relationships with God,
self, and others.
"Rise Day" is the second day - a joyous celebration of the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. On "Rise Day", participants celebrate
the presence of God's love in their lives.
"Go Day" is the third day - a day which explores the
continuous call to spread the Good News. On "Go Day", participants
recognize and prepare to carry forth the message of Jesus Christ.
A CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC weekend works to build spiritual growth
through participation in group activities. Although some time is given for
prayer and reflection, the emphasis throughout the weekend is on group
participation.
Retreats are open to youth and adults. Youth must be 17 years old or have
completed their sophomore year of high school. Most weekends are comprised of
two-thirds youths and one-third adults.
They are predominantly staffed and attended by people within the Catholic
Diocese of St. Cloud. People from other areas of Minnesota, other states, and
even foreign nations have attended.
Though a Catholic retreat, non-Catholics are welcome and do participate.
The three day retreat costs $65, which includes lodging and meals. A
non-refundable, $30 deposit is sent in with the application, the balance is
due upon arrival at the center.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC is a separate non-profit corporation in the
State of Minnesota. It commits itself to the procedures and policies of the
Diocese of St. Cloud and also maintains membership in the National TEC
program.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC is governed by an elected board,
with day to day operations handled by the program coordinator.
"The experience of CM TEC brings alive the heart of our Christian faith:
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the sending forth of the Holy
Spirit. It is one way for young people and adults to deepen their relationship
with Christ. Likewise, CM TEC challenges them to be an example of Christ's
love in their homes, among their friends and within their parish
communities."
-- Bishop Jerome Hanus, OSB"TEC's presence has been a blessing beyond measure to our parish
community and to me personally."
-- Fr. Harold J. Kost, Pastor, Holy Family Parish
"This has been the second best weekend of my life, next to the weekend
I got engaged."
-- young adult
"The most enjoyable weekend I have had."
-- young adult
"Here people ask themselves. I learned to love and trust them in only
three days."
-- young adult
"Make it a whole week long!"
-- 63 year old adult
"I'm sad because I have to leave, but happy because it was such a
wonderful experience."
"It's okay to cry. People love me."
Working a Central Minnesota TEC - Individuals who have
completed the three-day retreat may apply to staff future weekends.
Reunions - The CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC program
offers opportunities for people who have completed a TEC to gather
periodically for follow-up activities, to offer support, and celebrate Mass.
Additional programs - CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC holds
retreats for people who are unable to participate in a regular TEC weekend.
A TEC adapted for individuals who are mildly to moderately mentally
handicapped is held at the Belle Prairie facility.
FIAT is a follow up program for people who have made a TEC weekend.
FIAT
retreats are held approximately four times a year at the TEC center in Belle
Prairie. The retreats run Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
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What is TEC?
