WORDS OF SUPPORT FROM OTHER BISHOPS
There is no doubt that the TEC movement has materially impacted the dioceses in which it flourishes. The following bishops have taken the time to write about the effect that TEC has had upon them and the people they serve. Notable is the testimony of Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta, the former president of the USCCB, who himself made a TEC many years ago as a young seminarian.
Most Rev. Raymond Burke
Our late and most beloved Pope John Paul II worked by every means possible to promote the new evangelization. He saw in today's youth, in particular, a vital resource for the Church in carrying out her mission. By word and example, he called young people to contemplate the beauty of Christ and to entrust their lives to Him.
Teens Encounter Christ is one powerful means of introducing young people to Our Lord. It is modeled on the Paschal Mystery, beginning with a focus on the Cross, passing on to the Resurrection and the sending forth to preach the Gospel. When directed by devout priests and lay faithful, and supported by close ties to the local Church, Teens Encounter Christ has the power to set young people effectively on the path of personal conversion and commitment to Our Lord. I encourage those interested in the Teens Encounter Christ retreat to examine how this program can be integrated into the apostolate of youth ministry.Most Rev. Blase J. Cupich, Bishop of Rapid City, S.D.
"Since the first year of my ordination to the priesthood in 1975, I have been involved with Teens Encounter Christ. This past 31 years have given me an opportunity to see how young people are renewed and grow into adulthood as practicing Catholics due to the wonderful dynamic of Teens Encounter Christ. This wonderful movement deserves everyone's support, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. TEC is very much alive in my own Diocese of Rapid City, and I am glad to be an occasional member of the team. Wishing you every blessing and with kind regards, I remain sincerely yours in Christ."
Most Rev. Elden Francis Curtiss, Archbishop of Omaha
"TEC has had a place in the Archdiocese of Omaha for many years, in fact we celebrate 25 years of association this year. The first young people have become mature adults, active participants in the life of Church and in their local communities across the country. Any number of those who have participated in the TEC experience have returned to support and lead others to a more active and deeper relationship with Christ through the weekend experience."
Most Rev. John Gaydos, Bishop of Jefferson City, Mo.
"The late Pope Paul VI during the years of his service to the Universal Church reminded us of the mission of all Catholics to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all peoples, both young and old. Twenty-five years ago in this local Church the Pope's request was answered with the humble beginnings of the TEC Movement.
Since that time over 2,500 young people plus adult leaders have been a vital part of the TEC experience. This program allowed them to witness and to grow in their faith by deepening their love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharistic and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I am thankful for its presence here and encourage you to consider its positive influence in your area."Most Rev. Gerald A. Gettelfinger, Bishop of Evansville
"My letter is one of endorsement of the Teens Encounter Christ Movement (TEC). In my judgment, based on our diocesan experience, it is not only a worthy movement, but also a most powerful one. The TEC retreat in the Diocese of Evansville has served well over 1,500 youth and adults since it began here in 1991. Under the spiritual guidance of Father Bernie Etienne, (our Diocesan Vocations Director) the movement has yielded many great fruits: a substantial increase in the number of men studying for the Priesthood for the Diocese; strengthened marriages among TEC leaders; a sharp rise in the number of young men and women joining religious orders; committed youth engaged in their parishes and large communities to stand and serve as witness of the Gospel as they strive to lead the young. This youth movement builds good citizens, educated leaders, and committed Christians.
At the core of TEC is a Catholic sacramentality and vision rooted in Paschal Mystery Spirituality. TEC is not a retreat that stands in opposition or contention with other catechetical or parish youth group programs. Indeed, it has been our experience that TEC strengthens and enhances what we are already doing for our youth."Most Rev. Wilton Gregory, Archdiocese of Atlanta
"I am happy, as in the past, to offer my endorsement of the To Encounter Christ Retreat Movement, already very active in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. One of the most important works of our Church is to offer young people every means we can, to help them focus and strengthen their Faith, a sure guide, a firm foundation, as they struggle with the conflicting values of the modern world.
I know of no more valuable tool of the Church to reinforce Catholic belief and values than TEC - it was of great personal help to me during my own college seminary days, and without hesitation, I invite all to support this worthy plan for the spiritual life and apostolic work of young Catholics and interested Christians everywhere."Most Rev. Daniel Jenky, CSC, Diocese of Peoria, Ill.
"For many years, Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) has brought literally thousands of young people closer to our Lord through its retreat program. During that time, I have had the joy of seeing countless young men and women return to help others experience the love of Jesus Christ.
It is this willingness to give of themselves to the community that I believe is the greatest endorsement any endeavor can receive. I assure you that the use of this program in any diocese will only ensure the future of the Church and of the world in the hands of young, faith-filled Catholic believers."Most Rev. John J. McRaith, Bishop McRaith, Bishop of Owensboro, Ky.
"The TEC Movement has been an integral part of the total Youth Ministry program in our diocese for 25 years. The dedicated adults who minister in this program have demonstrated a true commitment to the catechesis and spiritual growth of the young people they serve. By sharing their faith and commitment to the Church, they demonstrate Christianity as a lived experience in today's world.
TEC has helped approximately 3,000 teens and young adults of our diocese better understand their faith and come to a closer relationship with God and their local parishes. After making the weekend, these young people go home and become involved in their local youth groups and often volunteer to serve as parish musicians, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and act as mentors for others.
While TEC is not a "vocations" program, it has led many young men and women to give consideration to the religious life. The Diocese of Owensboro has found the TEC program to be a great blessing to our youth and the adults who act as leaders and mentors. We are thankful for the many blessings it has brought us and believe it to be a very valuable ministry to the youth of our diocese."Most Rev. Edwin F. O'Brien, Archbishop for the USA Military Services
"Since the first year of my ordination to the priesthood in 1975, I have been involved with Teens Encounter Christ. This past 31 years have given me an opportunity to see how young people are renewed and grow into adulthood as practicing Catholics due to the wonderful dynamic of Teens Encounter Christ. This wonderful movement deserves everyone's support, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. TEC is very much alive in my own Diocese of Rapid City, and I am glad to be an occasional member of the team. Wishing you every blessing and with kind regards, I remain sincerely yours in Christ."
