St. Paul's Newman Center - NDSU at 1141 North University Drive, Fargo, ND 58102 US - Discover the Reality of Jesus Christ

Where Is TEC?

The retreats are held on the grounds of Holy Family Parish, Belle Prairie, Minnesota, just north of Little Falls on Highway 371.  CLICK HERE for the website.
 
There is also a TEC in Crookston, MN - CLICK HERE - this website will also have the weekends that they have retreats and the online application form.

When Is TEC?

CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC hosts approximately twelve weekends a year, running Saturday morning through Monday evening, with a few weekends scheduled Friday morning through Sunday evening.

What Happens at TEC?

Participants experience the message of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ through participation in music, discussions, talks, prayer, Scripture, liturgy, and celebration.

Each of the days of the retreat has a central theme:

"Die Day" is the first day - a day centered on the death of Jesus Christ. On "Die Day", participants reflect on many different aspects of their lives, focusing on better relationships with God, self, and others.

"Rise Day" is the second day - a joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On "Rise Day", participants celebrate the presence of God's love in their lives.

"Go Day" is the third day - a day which explores the continuous call to spread the Good News. On "Go Day", participants recognize and prepare to carry forth the message of Jesus Christ.

A CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC weekend works to build spiritual growth through participation in group activities. Although some time is given for prayer and reflection, the emphasis throughout the weekend is on group participation.

Participation

Retreats are open to youth and adults. Youth must be 17 years old or have completed their sophomore year of high school.  Most weekends are comprised of two-thirds youths and one-third adults.

They are predominantly staffed and attended by people within the Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud.  People from other areas of Minnesota, other states, and even foreign nations have attended.

Though a Catholic retreat, non-Catholics are welcome and do participate.

Cost

The three day retreat costs $75, which includes lodging and meals. A non-refundable, $30 deposit is sent in with the application, the balance is due upon arrival at the center.

Affiliation

CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC is a separate non-profit corporation in the State of Minnesota. It commits itself to the procedures and policies of the Diocese of St. Cloud and also maintains membership in the National TEC program.

Administration

CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC is governed by an elected board, with day to day operations handled by the program coordinator.

Comments about TEC.

"The experience of CM TEC brings alive the heart of our Christian faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the sending forth of the Holy Spirit. It is one way for young people and adults to deepen their relationship with Christ. Likewise, CM TEC challenges them to be an example of Christ's love in their homes, among their friends and within their parish communities."
-- Bishop Jerome Hanus, OSB

"TEC's presence has been a blessing beyond measure to our parish community and to me personally."
-- Fr. Harold J. Kost, Pastor, Holy Family Parish

"This has been the second best weekend of my life, next to the weekend I got engaged."
-- young adult

"The most enjoyable weekend I have had."
-- young adult

"Here people ask themselves. I learned to love and trust them in only three days."
-- young adult

"Make it a whole week long!"
-- 63 year old adult

"I'm sad because I have to leave, but happy because it was such a wonderful experience." 

"It's okay to cry. People love me."

Other Information

Working a Central Minnesota TEC - Individuals who have completed the three-day retreat may apply to staff future weekends.

Reunions - The CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC program offers opportunities for people who have completed a TEC to gather periodically for follow-up activities, to offer support, and celebrate Mass.

Additional programs - CENTRAL MINNESOTA TEC holds retreats for people who are unable to participate in a regular TEC weekend.

A TEC adapted for individuals who are mildly to moderately mentally handicapped is held at the Belle Prairie facility.

FIAT is a follow up program for people who have made a TEC weekend.  FIAT retreats are held approximately four times a year at the TEC center in Belle Prairie. The retreats run Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.