A-TEC is not a retreat, at least not as retreats were formerly structured

The format of schedule is a series of talks by a team of priests, religious, and laity (both young people and adults) who have already made an A-TEC weekend. These talks which present the basic themes of Christian Life, and the application to daily living are then followed up by table discussions, sharing, and written summaries. Participation is usually spontaneous, dynamic, and most relevant. All candidates are asked to contribute and share. The ensuing exchanges of ideas and insights become a real opportunity for personal growth.

There are also special liturgical services interspersed throughout the weekend, such as reflections on a more mature approach to the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. A-TEC is highly sacramental. The highest point of all these services is the celebration of the community Eucharist, the Mass.

Participation in all of the liturgical services is stressed to be in complete freedom and awareness since anything less would not be meaningful.

The team of adults is made up of screened competent and generous people who have spent many hours in preparation and prayer for the success of this eventful weekend, spent in Christ's name. These people represent all walks of life: mothers, fathers, educators, professional and non-propfessional people, priests, brothers, deacons, and sisters. These dedicated people help create the atmosphere of Christian life and Christian thought in today's world.

To sum up, A-TEC is a weekend of people to people, living together, thinking together, listening together, praying together, sharing together new concepts and attitudes. There is much more to A-TEC than this page can convey. There are new friendships born, new avenues of charity opened up, and a new appreciation for the reality of Jesus Christ. It can be a weekend of grace, all of it being transmitted in, through, and with Christ's love.

Riverbend A-TEC's home page