Riverbend TEC to mark its 191st weekend retreat experience in June!

by Fr. Dennis Labat

Riverbend TEC (Together Encountering Christ) continues to provide a great retreat experience for youth and adults. The focus of the three-day retreat is the paschal mystery. It begins by looking at our own lives and seeing the need we have to recognize our sins and ask God’s forgiveness. It continues on the second day stressing the love that God shows us in our personal lives and in and through the church and the sacraments. It concludes looking at our discipleship and call to live and share our faith.

On June 26-28, 2004, Riverbend TEC will hold its 191st TEC weekend at St. Mary’s Church in Bird Island. We schedule seven retreat weekends each year.

TEC is a Catholic retreat experience which was established in 1965 by Fr. Matt Fedewa. Riverbend TEC held its first weekend in April 1977. Riverbend TEC is affiliated with the TEC Conference. Through the TEC Conference, we have received much support in updating the content of our TEC weekend and making sure that good principles of youth ministry are used. The support and resources of the TEC Conference have been invaluable to us in maintaining a strong Catholic retreat experience with a strong focus on the sacraments.

This spring there is another non-denomination retreat program starting near Willmar called "West Central Minnesota TEC." It is important that people in our parishes be aware that this TEC program is a non-denominational program which uses the name "TEC" but is a totally different, non-sacramental retreat. This program is not affiliated with the TEC Conference and has no connection with Riverbend TEC or the Diocese of New Ulm.

Riverbend TEC will be sending an information packet to every parish in the diocese this month. For more information about Riverbend TEC check out our website at www.riverbendtec.org or contact Fr. Dennis Labat who continues to serve as the Coordinator.

Riverbend TEC,112 W. Van Dusen St., Springfield, MN 56087; (507) 723-414;1dlabat@springfield-sanborn.net

RB 191 June 26-28, 2004 at Bird Island

RB 192 July 31-Aug. 2, 2004 at Winsted

RB 193 Oct. 22-24, 2004 at Bird Island (Fri-Sun)

RB 194 Nov. 27-29, 2004 at New Ulm

RB 195 Jan. 15-17, 2005 at Bird Island

RB 196 Feb. 19-21, 2005 at Winsted

RB 197 April 16-18, 2005 at Bird Island

RB 198 June 25-27, 2005 at Winsted

RB 199 Aug. 6-8, 2005 at Winsted