Riverbend TEC celebrates 25th Anniversary

by Father Dennis Labat

On April 28, 2002, Riverbend TEC (Together Encountering Christ) will celebrate its 25th anniversary at Loyola High School in Mankato, MN. Everyone who has participated in a Riverbend TEC retreat weekend is welcome to attend. We will gather in the afternoon to celebrate Mass at 3:00 p.m. and a meal at 5:00 p.m. followed by a program and social time.

Riverbend TEC is a retreat experience for those who are 16 years old and older. Although most participants are youth, college age young adults and adults into their 80s have made a TEC weekend. TEC is a three day weekend providing time for ourselves and an invitation to grow in our relationship with Christ. A recent e-mail I received gives a good description of many comments I have received from youth and adults over the years: "What an uplifting experience!; Praise God in heaven!; I pray that many others will have the opportunity to experience TEC; Before TEC I felt like a 75 watt light bulb, after TEC I feel like a 250 watt light bulb!"

Since the first weekend in April 1977, almost 4300 youth and adults have made a Riverbend TEC. After making a TEC weekend participants often want to work as a team member on future TEC weekends. Many talk their friends and family members into making a TEC weekend because they had such a great experience.

Riverbend TEC is part of youth ministry provided by the Diocese of New Ulm and has the full support of our bishop. The cost of the TEC weekend is $50 which covers all expenses for the weekend. If you are interested in making a Riverbend TEC you can get an application at your parish or by contacting Riverbend TEC, 1400 6th St N, New Ulm, MN 56073, (507) 359-2966.

Father Dennis Labat has served as the Coordinator for Riverbend TEC for over 20 years. For more information contact him at (507) 723-4141; e-mail d1abat@springfield-sanborn.net. You can also get more information and download application forms from the Riverbend TEC website at riverbendtec.org.