Believers Together

Believers Together

Christ the King Parish was established in 1969 and now serves about 1,100 families through out the Quad Cities. Over the years, growth in numbers and in parishioners involvement in parish activities led to a need to expand the facilities. The space needs were many. The parish of old was not nearly large enough to accommodate parish-wide gatherings or large funeral or wedding events, and the Religious Education program had the hall busting at the seams. Parish Groups had trouble scheduling meetings and events because of limited spaces and there was inadequate space for developing new youth programs. In 2001 Christ the King joined forces with the Northwest Illinois Cursillo and Teens Encounter Christ. Cursillo and Tec had needs of their own. They needed a permanent facility to hold their weekend of spiritual renewal where they would need access to a meeting area, kitchen, dining room, sleeping rooms and showers. They were also in need of a permanent storage space for materials and equipment. The Believers Together Community Center was the answer to everyone's needs and opened its doors in 2002. Since then hundreds in the Believers Together family have utilized the facility each week, and have enhanced their spiritual journey through their involvement in Christ the King Parish, Cursillo, and Tec.The three organizations have grown together in a true spirit of community, made possible by the presence of our beautiful building.

TEC (Teens Encounter Christ)

Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a youth retreat sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria. The experience is based on the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, and Christ lives in us and sends us forth with GOOD NEWS of God's Love for us. The weekend includes talks on Faith, Prayer, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Love. There is time for reflection on serious questions of life. This retreat experience offers participants the opportunity of forming Christian Community. TEC is intended for 16-20 year olds, preferably in their junior year of high school. However, depending on the number of candidates signed up, sophomores who are 16 years old will also be invited to attend a weekend. Each weekend begins Saturday morning and goes until Monday evening. Although it is based on Catholic doctrine and liturgy, any teen is welcome to participate.

TEC Is Not -

a weekend of one sermon after another.
just for Catholics.
a substitute for a teen's local parish or church.
an exclusive religious group.
a "retreat" in the traditional use of the word.

TEC's Website: WWW.NORTHWEST-TEC.COM

Cursillo

Having experienced the grace of God ourselves, we recognize our mission to bring others to an experience of God's love and grace, thus, encouraging them to be leaders for Christ. Through strong team formation and through generous service by Cursillistas, we will offer the Cursillo process of renewal. We will strive to attract candidates who are potential leaders for Christ by a strong sponsorship program. Ultreyas and sponsor's hour will serve to strengthen and encourage good sponsorship. Perseverance in our mission will be secured through involvement in the small group reunions and ultreyas.

A Cursillo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday night. During the three days the participants listen to the Gospel message, broken into fifteen short talks. Five are given by clergy and center on Grace, the gift of God to all persons. The other ten are given by lay persons who already have made a Cursillo. The talks deal with Christian study, action, leadership, living a life in relationship with God, the role of the layperson in the church and similar reflections on situations encountered in daily life. The talks build on each other.

Cursillo Website: WWW.CDOPNWACURSILLO.ORG

All information about TEC and Cursillo was taken from their websites. Please visit them for more information.

Christ the King Catholic Church

Diocese of Peoria