Who can attend?

TEC is for teens between the ages of 16 and 20.

Can only Catholics attend a TEC weekend?

All Christians are welcome to TEC. However, participants should be aware that the approach in TEC follows a Catholic understanding of our faith.

Where is TEC?

TECs are currently being held at the new Central Catholic High School.

Is there a cost?

Yes, $50.00. The weekend is run by volunteers. The cost is to offset the supply and food costs of running the weekend. However, no one is refused that would like to attend a weekend for a lack of funds. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!

What's a candidate?
A candidate is a high school/college student who is attending a TEC weekend for the first time. They are there to experience the whole weekend firsthand in order to get to know more about what God has done for everyone through God's son, Jesus Christ.

What's a team member?
A team member is a high school/college student who has attended a TEC weekend before, and has come back to help put on the weekend by working on a team. There are also a small number of adults who work on these teams, but the weekend is run primarily by high school students.

What do you do at a TEC weekend?
A lot. But many things that happen are surprises that shouldn't be revealed until you go through a TEC weekend.

Candidates are placed with other high school students and adults. Throughout the weekend, they listen to various testimonials given primarily by other high school students. Those talks are then discussed in small groups, and through that small group process, along with many surprises, some great friendships and bonds are made.

The overall theme for the weekend progresses through the last days of Christ's life. Saturday focuses on Ash Wednesday in the Easter story, Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Monday is centered around Pentecost and the sending of the Holy Spirit out into the world. Candidates are encouraged to take what they've learned at a TEC weekend and share it with the world.

What should I bring to a TEC weekend?
Clothes For Three Days , Pillow, Sleeping Bag & Mat, Conservative Pajamas
Towel & Washcloth, Personal Belongings, Toiletries

What should I leave home at a TEC weekend?
Radio, CD/Tape Player, Watch, Camera, Money, Cell Phone, Car, Food
Tobacco Products

Can candidates drive themselves to a TEC weekend?
We do not encourage candidates to drive themselves to a TEC weekend. It is preferable for them to be dropped off at the church by a parent/guardian or a friend. There is often limited parking space available at the host churches, and vehicles are not needed at any time during the weekend.

Why are there so many secrets?
This is an easy question. The answer is that THERE AREN'T ANY SECRETS . There are, however, many surprises that happen throughout the TEC weekend that make it that much more special for candidates going through a retreat. If candidates knew about these surprises ahead of time, some of the impact would be lost.

Any parents/guardians who have specific questions about a TEC weekend can contact a member of the TEC Board and we will be happy to answer any/all questions that you may have.

Do candidates need sponsors to go to TEC?
No, they do not. This is one of the differences between TEC and Cursillo.