3 minute read
Finding True Purpose: Teens Encounter Christ
It’s a challenging time to be a teenager. With so much uncertainty in the world, our young people are looking for answers, security and a sense of purpose. They’ll look for it in a lot of different places — in friends and relationships, sports, academic achievements, or maybe a job. Unfortunately, sooner or later, they’ll have to face the reality that none of those things bring ultimate fulfillment.
Here in Grand Island, our young people have the opportunity to connect with the One Who can bring peace and meaning in the midst of all the chaos, through TEC — Teens Encounter Christ. A weekend retreat experience, TEC allows youth to get away from the noise and worries of everyday life so that they may grow in their relationship with God alongside other faithful young Catholics.
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“TEC is for teenagers to have an encounter with Jesus Christ,” says Eric Heckman, our diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “You can’t manufacture an encounter, but you can create the setting that allows for it to happen. That’s ultimately what TEC is for. We create a way for them to get away, so we can lead them through a process of opening up to what God wants for them in their lives, and then being able to respond to that, and have an encounter with Jesus Christ.”
The weekend is for sophomores through seniors in high school, and is typically offered twice a year at different parishes throughout the diocese. It includes many elements of a typical retreat experience, such as talks, small-group discussions, time for prayer, and lots of food and fun. Above all, it’s an opportunity for young people to grow in their relationship with God and make new friends.
“Through hearing the reflections people give and their witnesses, kids’ eyes are opened to the fact that there’s more to life,” says Megan Burkes, a member of the TEC Board, who first experienced the retreat as a teenager. “Coming away from the weekend, you see kids just wanting to know Jesus more.”
One of the most valuable parts of the retreat is young people getting to meet other Catholics who care about their relationship with God. In a world where faith is often not prioritized, it is particularly meaningful for youth to know they are not alone.
“It’s important for them to know there are other people out there who are believers, who are a support system, who will stand by their side — they’re not in this by themselves,” Eric says.
“I still talk to some of the friends I made in the very beginning,” Megan adds. “Those are the friends who have always been there for me.”
Eric hopes that TEC will provide young people an opportunity to engage in their faith and go deeper in a personal relationship with Christ. In a world full of “noise,” a weekend away is sometimes helpful in listening for the voice of God.
“Every once in a while, you need to press the ‘pause’ button,” Eric says. “We’re caught up in so much stuff and life is so busy, so when you push the ‘pause’ button, and put aside the daily routine, it opens up a new opportunity for the Lord to work in your life.
“There’s only one goal,” he adds. “It’s that they would experience Christ in a new way that changes their hearts.”
Eric and Megan encourage young people to consider stepping out of their comfort zones and attending a TEC weekend.
“Here’s an opportunity for something new in your life,” Eric says. “Why not give it a try? It’s a great time. I all but guarantee that it will be a positive experience where you’ll walk away with something good. You’ll be happy you did it.”
“I just want everybody to experience it,” Megan says.
