Deacon’s Corner

Once again, I’m going to take this space to talk about two amazing programs available to you right here in Moline. Programs that will give you the opportunity to grow more deeply in your Catholic faith. These programs (or movements) are Cursillo and Teens Encounter Christ, or TEC for short.

Cursillo started in Spain in the 1940’s and came to the United States in 1957. The first Cursillo held in the Diocese of Peoria occurred in 1964 and continues to be strong, holding over 1,200 weekends across the diocese. Here in the Quad Cities, Cursillo weekends are offered four times each year. Men’s weekends are held in February and October and women’s weekends in March and November. Cursillo ministers to adults (usually mid 20’s and older) who seek a better understanding of our faith and how best to live as Jesus asks.

The TEC movement was introduced in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1965 as a retreat for high school seniors. The theme of TEC revolves around the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Over the next decade or so, the movement spread across the United States. The first TEC in the Quad Cities was held in the fall of 1974, nearly 50 years ago. Although TEC was initially intended for high school seniors, our TEC community invites anyone 15 years or older to participate in a weekend (yes, even adults can come… I made my TEC when I was 40!). Each year there are six TEC weekends: three girls’ weekends, held in February, June, and October; and three boys’ weekends, held in April, August, and December. The June 2024 girls TEC weekend was the 353rd TEC held here in the Quad Cities, and well over 10,000 high school youth have experienced a TEC weekend.

Both TEC and Cursillo weekends are held at the Believers Together Center on the Christ the King campus in Moline. Both Cursillo and TEC are sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria and are under the guidance of priests and deacons throughout the Quad Cities region. Although both movements are deeply rooted in our Catholic tradition, people of all faiths are invited and encouraged to attend a weekend.

Please reach out to Denise (309) 236-7558 or myself (309) 236-5919 if you have any questions or would like any more information regarding Cursillo or TEC. We highly encourage you to take some time for yourself so that you can grow in your faith by attending a weekend. It’s not that you need to make a Cursillo or TEC weekend… it’s that you DESERVE to do so!

Blessings,

Deacon Mike