CHRIST IS COUNTING ON YOU!
Jesus is expressing the significance of death to His followers in this illustration with the wheat. He knew a time was coming when He would die and be glorified by the Resurrection. We participate in this Paschal Mystery with every Mass we attend!
A rich harvest becomes possible when the grain dies, germinates, and produces fruit; allowing the grain to die requires faith in the sower. This same process takes place in human life. Self-sacrificing love and believing in life eternal are essential to life. We separate ourselves from God when our souls die to sin, so we need a harvest plan!
There is hope! Teens Encounter Christ is a Catholic Movement of Spirituality for older teens and young adults that began in 1965. It serves the Church in more than 50 dioceses throughout North, Central and South America, and Europe. The TEC Movement is established under the direct authority of the local bishop. The weekend retreat is based on the beautiful image of the Paschal Mystery: rising with Christ, dying to self, and going forth to spread the good news.
Father Matthew Fedewa and Sister Mary Concetta, RSM (Dorothy Geneke), from Lansing, Mich., are the original founders of the TEC Movement. Father Fedewa was inspired by the renewed vision of the Church after Vatican II, and as a high school teacher, he wanted to share the enthusiasm with his students who seemed disenchanted with the Church. An adult faith community approached him for his help in creating a faith encounter for young people like the Catholic Movement Cursillio.
The first TEC weekend was held in Lansing on Oct. 9-11, 1965, and by 1975 the need for unity and clarity in their work became apparent with the growing number of dioceses beginning a TEC Movement. In 1981, a TEC Conference was organized to sustain spiritual quality, and the publication of a manual began to unfold. Through a series of workshops and retreats over a 12-year period the group developed an official manual. In 1998, the late Pope John Paul II was presented with the Official TEC Manual for his blessing. In this same year, the TEC Leadership Council placed the entire TEC Movement under the patronage of St. Therese of Lisieux.
In 1991, Rick Etienne, then Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Evansville, had witnessed the impact of this ministry in area dioceses, and through his efforts, the Diocese of Evansville celebrated its 25th TEC anniversary in 2016. The current Spiritual Direction of the Chaplain, Father Jason Gries, and a core team are preparing for TEC # 101, which will be July 21-23 at St. Mary Parish in Ireland. https://switec.org
The values and religious challenges of our culture are changing rapidly. We must provide an opportunity for young people to know the truth by sharing the teachings of Christ. This intergenerational group in the TEC Movement provides spiritual support for the future of our Church. It is important for young people to discern where God is calling them during this critical point in their life. Vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and strong marriages are developed from the efforts of the TEC Movement. Unless we take care of our souls by seeking the grace and fellowship of God, we may remain alone. When we participate in the mystery of God’s love together; we bear great fruit! Amen!
Zoe Cannon lives in Morgantown, Ind., and is a member of Sts. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, Ind.
