WHY TEC?

Both young adults and older teens, as they complete high school, are at a crossroads. As we pass into adulthood, we are confronted with choices that will impact the trajectory of our lives. For over 50 years, TEC has stood at the center of this intersection.

TEC is a balanced and proven method of evangelization that roots young Catholics in their faith and provides stability during this time of change.

EVANGELIZATION

TEC begins with a retreat that offers a powerful, life changing encounter with Christ. Christ’s Paschal Mystery is shared through a dynamic sequence of peer reflections, small group discussions, sacraments, recreation, prayer, and respectful support. Team members share the gospel with retreat participants who in turn go forth and continue to share with others.

DISCIPLESHIP

TEC invites young adults to join in the call to serve both within the TEC community and within the parish. Mentors accompany young people through life and call forth their gifts to serve others. The TEC Conference further serves each TEC community by providing leadership formation, resources, and opportunities to network.

VOCATIONS

It is no accident that in so many dioceses the community of priests is populated with men who experienced TEC at a pivotal stage in their development. The atmosphere on TEC weekends is particularly conducive for young adults to hear the call to ministry. The community that forms after the TEC weekend supports and encourages all vocations: to priesthood, religious life, holy marriage, and the single life.

“It was through TEC that I first experienced Jesus Christ truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist, and always present in my life. This led to a dramatic shift in my life priorities. My relationship with Christ and his Church intensified. Without TEC first opening my heart, my mind, my soul, my entire self to God, I never would have been open enough to hear His voice calling me to be one of His Priests.” -Fr. Aaron Spexarth - Diocese of Wichita, KS

“The seed of my vocation found its roots and blossomed through TEC. By encountering Christ in a personal and intimate experience within TEC, the greatness He called me to grew into the religious vocation He planted in my heart and planned for my life.” -Sr. Clementia Toalson, FSGM - Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George

“TEC unlocked the Paschal Mystery for me. By dying and rising with Christ, I was able to let go of fear and open my life to God. With the support of the TEC Community, I was able to discern that I was to go and be a Jesuit priest.” -Fr. Robert Murphy, SJ

“Through TEC, I have been honored to be present to several young people who have experienced Christ's love and presence in powerful ways. These encounters have opened their hearts and minds to a desire to seek God's abundant life all around them and to discover how best they can serve God in their lives.” -Sr. Sarah Yungwirth, O.S.B. - Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, IN

VOCATIONS

SACRAMENTS

As a Catholic spiritual movement, TEC relies upon carefully planned liturgical prayer. Each TEC weekend includes multiple Eucharistic celebrations and the opportunity for Reconciliation. Prayer on the TEC weekend (and within the community after the weekend) is heavily informed by the liturgical calendar and includes Eucharistic Adoration and frequent, reverent use of Scripture.

SACRAMENTS

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

In the context of a retreat designed for emerging adults, TEC participants are given opportunities throughout the weekend to take ownership of their faith and encounter Christ in a new way. Through small group discussions, personal prayer time, large group activities, reflections, and sacramental prayer, participants explore their relationship with Christ and make their faith their own.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

COMMUNITY

During and after a TEC weekend, participants are welcomed into a community that follows through on the promises of the retreat. Participants are encouraged to engage in the life of their home parishes even as they are mentored and supported by the TEC family. TEC is an intergenerational community of support for these emerging adults, accompanying them to the heart of Christ.