TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) is an opportunity for a special time in a young person’s life. At TEC you can experience that you are not alone at the in between time of moving into adult life.
In the three-day weekend of TEC, you can experience being part of a vibrant, loving, and supportive faith community in which the friendship of Jesus Christ becomes a real possibility that makes sense.
TEC is very human. Team members of adults and youth from various walks of life entrust to the participants some of the struggles, joys, and feelings they have experienced in their own lives. TEC provides a space to reflect upon one’s own ideals, hopes, dreams, and problems; to discover a God that you can believe in ... a Christ you can encounter as risen and alive in your midst.
TEC weekends are held at the Franciscan Retreat Center of Quincy University, 18th & Seminary Road, Quincy, IL 62301. The weekend begins Saturday morning at 9:30am and ends Monday evening 6:00-6:30pm. Candidates ages 16-21 cost $50.00 and observers ages 22+ cost $100.00. Anyone of any faith denomination ages 16 and older are welcome to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at TEC?
The main part of the weekend is filled with talks, group discussions, and live music. Talking, sharing, and getting to know those around you are important aspects of the weekend. Another important part of the weekend are the surprises (only good ones). These surprises are intended to make the weekend more fun!
I’m not Catholic, is that going to be a problem?
The TEC weekend is a weekend open to all faiths. On Sunday we will celebrate the Eucharist. If you are not Catholic we welcome you to join us at Mass and if at anytime you have questions there are plenty of individuals around to make you feel at ease. This weekend is about all faith denominations encountering Christ together, it is a weekend of unity no matter what church you attend. It is not a weekend of recruitment to the Catholic Church and at no time will you be asked to join or convert. The weekend is simply about Jesus Christ our Savior, the bond that connects all Christians around the world.
I’m not from Quincy, is that ok?
TEC is available to students from all over the tri-state area, in fact every weekend has a variety of schools represented and it is a great way to meet some people you may not otherwise have the chance to meet.
How many other people will be there?
A typical TEC weekend ranges from about 20 to 40 candidates (people attending for the first time) and a team of about the same number.
When is TEC?
TEC weekends are held Saturday Morning (9:30am) until Monday Night (6:30pm). Six weekends are held each year, usually in January, March, April, June, July, and November.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing depending on the season and any necessary toiletries including soap and shampoo. Sheets and towels are provided, but you may want to bring a blanket or pillow. If you play a musical instrument, you may bring that as well.
What should I not bring?
Obviously, no drugs or alcohol. You will not need radios, iPods, cell phones, magazines, books, watches, and other distractions. A good rule is “if it needs batteries, you don’t need it.” This weekend is about you, not all the other stuff in your life.
How do I get in-touch with my young person when they are on the weekend?
The weekend is a closed weekend. We want the pressures of friends, jobs, school, and everything else to be left at the door. That is why we ask that your young people do not bring cell phones. A contact number will be given to parents and that is how your young person would be contacted in an emergency.
My young person is on a medication, how is this handled?
If your young person has a medication that needs to be taken at a specific time, please have them alert an adult member of the team and they will remind the young person at the appropriate time.
My young person has special physical needs how is this handled?
The facility is handicapped accessible and we will strive to make sure that all people can participate to the best of their ability and comfort level. It would be advised to contact the coordinator of the program and go over any special concerns you may have at [email protected]