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TEC enriches and plants seeds

TEC weekends What: Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a weekend experience in Christian living for youth, young adults and adults, funded in part by the Bishop's Appeal. When: 9:30 a.m. Fridays through 5 p.m. Sundays. Where: Feb. 21-23, Youth Center, Kellnersville (college-age only); March 28-30, Kellnersville; July 18-20, Mt. Tabor Center, Menasha; Oct. 24-26, Kellnersville; Dec. 5-7, Mt. Tabor Center. Cost: $50 per person. Information: Tony Pichler, diocesan youth ministry consultant, (920)437-7531 or 1-877-500-3580 (toll-free), ext. 8281, or e-mail: tpichler@gbdioc.org

Did you ever need a break from daily routines? Have you ever just needed to stop trying to control every aspect of your life and give it up into more capable hands?

TEC is one such opportunity our diocese provides for us to do that. TEC is like a gift that keeps on giving long after the weekend is over.

TEC stands for Teens Encounter Christ. It is a three-day retreat that enriches the faithful, and plants a seed in the searching. It is filled with fun activities and it has something to offer every person.

We who are involved in TEC have the belief that everyone who makes the retreat is there for a greater reason than they can understand at that time.

The weekend is filled with talks, small groups, free time, prayer, and many surprise activities. Throughout the weekend you are constantly on the go. At the same time, your soul finds peace and comfort not common in our busy world.

TEC is blest with amazing people who are there for those making the retreat to pray, laugh, and interact with them, and most of all, to love them.

My TEC experience was just that, an experience of love. I have always had a strong faith, but recently the trials of life have been bombarding me.

I entered my TEC this past October with a hardened heart; I was frustrated at the world, myself and even a little with God. But on that weekend I had so many people just love me. They held my hand when I cried, doted on me, and rejoiced in my joys.

I had not realized how much fulfillment comes out of just simply being loved for who you are. In a world of conditions, TEC taught me that we can still love unconditionally.

I have been on many retreats but never bonded to people so much in such a short time. In three days I established many new friendships and strengthened and renewed many old ones.

It was demonstrated to me just how much we are one community, truly one family in Christ. Everyone leaves TEC changed whether it's instant or realized weeks or months later. For many people it's a life changing weekend.

TEC isn't the answer to all our problems, but rather it teaches in a fun and enjoyable way that, Jesus is.

Many people use TEC simply to fulfill a confirmation requirement, but anyone who is at least a junior in high school can go. It is also open to adults interested in, or already involved in ministering to youth.

We at TEC keep all future and past TECites (people making the retreat) in our prayers. As Christians we are called to spread the good news and I can't think of a better way to do that than through TEC.

If you're searching or know someone who is, or you just need some peace, please consider joining our TEC family. TEC is an amazing ministry and it will continue to be even more strengthened with your prayers, so please remember the TEC community in your homes and parishes.

But mostly, please remember to open your hearts to loving others and to being loved. God Bless.

(Radley is a junior at Notre Dame Academy, Green Bay.)