The focus of the FIRST DAY is to take a look at ourselves.
We are good. We are created in God's image. We also know that there are things about ourselves which need changing. We recognize that God offers to help us make those changes. God offers us forgiveness for our sins. Each person making the A-TEC is given a copy of the bible to keep as their own.
IDEALS & GOALS
Every person has certain goals and an ideal which guide the decisions they make each day. This talk helps everyone stop and think about what values are helping to form our goals. We normally have 1 IDEAL and we set long- and short-range goals to meet that ideal.
GOD EXPERIENCE
This talk is given by an adult who takes a look back over the experiences of life and shares how he or she sees that God was present in the various events of life. Sometimes he or she was aware of God's presence and sometimes not.
PASCHAL MYSTERY
This talk introduces the theme of the whole weekend that Jesus suffered, died, and rose to new life which he wants to share with us. Real life also includes suffering and change so that we can grow and become the person God calls us to be.
METANOIA
This is a Greek word which means change of heart. Jesus calls us to take a look at ourselves and see what we need to turn away from, what sins we need to turn from and seek forgiveness for. Jesus shows us the way and offers us the love and compassion we need to do this. This talk also stresses the importance of reconcilliation.
PENANCE SERVICE
The first evening includes a special penance service in which those who want to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation are able to do so or they can just talk or pray with a priest if they want to.