Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a weekend retreat with the primary goal of facilitating an encounter with Christ for those who are searching for deeper meaning, purpose, and hope in life, and who desire an authentic relationship with God within a community of believers.

TEC is specifically designed for teens who are at least 17 years old or in their junior year of high school, although young adults and adults are also welcome to participate.

TEC allows you the opportunity to:

  • Encounter the person of Jesus Christ, risen and alive today
  • Experience God’s love as radical, unconditional, and freely given
  • Share a faith journey with other teens, young adults, and adults
  • Learn more about the beauty of the Catholic faith
  • Enjoy time away from daily stresses to pray and reflect
  • Have fun meeting other people and sharing community

Mission Statement

Believing that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the core message of our Christian faith, we offer to youth and young adults the opportunity to encounter and integrate this Paschal Mystery at a time of passage into young adulthood.

TEC is a recognized movement of the Roman Catholic Church, offering to youth and young adults an experience of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus. Through evangelization and catechesis, this intergenerational movement facilitates spiritual growth of youth and young adults with a community of adult mentors. TEC calls forth one’s goodness for service in the Church and world.

Board Members

You can use the emails provided below if you know who you wish to contact.

Chairperson Katherine Komar
Spiritual Director
Registrar Stephanie Kess
Treasurer Maggie Lanzola
Secretary Amy Miker
Facilitator Justin Hunker
Fundraising Coordinator Deb Werner
1st Adult Representative Alicia Gresko
2nd Adult Representative Bryan Liberatore
Young Adult Representatives Natalie Brickman

Brandon Woods
Youth Representatives Monica Menkhaus

Trevor Polomsky

Miller Hopkins

Molly Cornet

Staff

Community Event Organizers (See young adult reps above)
VIRTUS Records Bryan Liberatore
Technical Issues Grant Winney

History of TEC

While North Coast Spirit TEC was born in April of 1988, the first TEC retreats were held in Lansing, Michigan over 40 years ago. Students on college campuses are often pleased and surprised to find friends from TEC communities from around the country. A complete history of the origin of TEC can be found on the TEC Conference website.

Also, if you are interested to see what is going on with TEC communities all over the country, take a look at this great list of TEC sites assembled by the TEC Conference.