What is TEC?
Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a youth retreat sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. The experience is based on the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, and Christ lives in us and sends us forth with GOOD NEWS of God's Love for us.
Free from the pressures of home, school or work, TEC offers an opportunity to: learn and grow in Jesus Christ, spiritually, emotionally and intellectually; make new friendships in an atmosphere of love and acceptance; experience being part of a loving and supportive faith community. The weekend includes talks on Faith, Prayer, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Love. There is time for reflection on serious questions of life. It is a weekend of worship, wonderful contemporary Christian music, prayer, great food, fun and fellowship. On TEC, the message of Christ reaches not only the intellect, but also the heart. Surprises along the way - the only secrets of the weekend are special surprises bringing excitement and joy to the weekend, planned by the team and others who love them. The surprises help demonstrate God's grace in a way each one will always remember.
Who is TEC for?
TEC is intended for youth in their junior or senior year of high school. Each weekend begins Saturday morning and goes until Monday evening. Candidates are required to attend all three days. Although it is based on Catholic doctrine and liturgy, any youth is welcome to participate as much as he or she feels comfortable. The cost for the weekend is currently $65.00, although inability to pay for the weekend should not be a reason for not attending (scholarships are available if needed through most parishes).
What TEC is NOT:
It is not a weekend of one sermon after another.
It is not just for Catholics.
It is not a substitute for a teen's local parish or church.
It is not an exclusive religious group.
It is not a "retreat" in the traditional use of the word.
The TEC Team:
TEC is conducted by a team, including married and single men and women, high school and college students, priests, deacons, Sisters and Brothers from around West Virginia. The team has met several times to plan the weekend and to form the bonds of Church Community. They have developed a spirit which invites each young person on TEC to live, think, listen, and pray together. Friendships are born, new avenues of charity are explored, and a new consciousness of other persons is developed, as well as realizing a deeper appreciation of Christ's Love.
The Background of TEC:
TEC is the common name for Teens Encounter Christ. It originated in Lansing, Michigan in 1965. The program soon spread to many dioceses in the U.S., including Wheeling-Charleston. Today, TEC is a widely spread multi-national Movement monitored by the TEC Conference in the United States. The Conference has shared the TEC methodology with various other Christian communities, such as the Lutherans and Anglicans, some of which are affiliated with the TEC Conference. It is estimated that several hundred thousand youth and young adults have been engaged in the TEC Movement.
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