May the peace of Christ be with you as we head toward another year of blessings and challenges in ministry!  I’m writing to share information about Twin Cities TEC (“To Encounter Christ) retreats and how they have shaped and benefitted our high school youth program at the Church of St. Michael in Prior Lake. 

            Our parish has a long history with Twin Cities TEC, and we have recognized the distinct changes that these retreats have affected in individual youth, and in our high school program as a whole.  In our two-year Confirmation program, most of our youth choose to make TEC their 10^th grade retreat.  Each of these youth (even those hesitant to attend) come away with a clear understanding of their role in our Church and world – many of their lives are truly changed!  

            TEC has a simple and unique way of inviting our young people into the Paschal Mystery with Christ and challenging them to live their faith without compromise.  In this fully Catholic experience, youth are able to eliminate distractions, recognize Christ in sacrament and community, and embrace leadership in the Church.  Our parish is gifted with dozens of high school upperclassmen who serve as table leaders to our younger Confirmation candidates, and I credit TEC for awakening the gift of witness in these leaders. 

            Enclosed you will find helpful resources for promoting TEC at your parish: brochures, posters, team applications for those who have made a TEC, and registration forms for those making their first TEC retreat.  Feel free to contact the TEC office (651-281-0085) for more information, including an invitation for someone to personally speak to your group about TEC. 

            I hope you will prayerfully consider making Twin Cities TEC a part of your ministry program this year; I am certain that you will see the same spiritual and practical results that we have seen in our youth.  You will remain in my prayers this year and I look forward to seeing you around the Archdiocese! 

Peace, 

Pat Millea
Director of High School Faith Formation
Church of St. Michael, Prior Lake, MN