Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tres Dias?
Tres Dias (Spanish for "3 Days") is an interdenominational weekend retreat for adults that concentrates on the person of Jesus Christ and his teachings. While Tres Dias explores classic Christian beliefs, it is best described as a spiritual encounter with Christ. Many who have attended the weekend experience a deeper relationship with Christ as they sense His love and acceptance in a dynamic way.
Tres Dias is a lay-led movement with active clergy participation. It is a uniquely interdenominational Christian experience open to all who desire a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus. It is not sponsored by any one Christian denomination or independent church, but includes people from a variety of churches, adult age groups, marital situations, and differing work, educational and cultural backgrounds.
East Texas Tres Dias is one of over 80 Tres Dias communities around the world, and are overseen by Tres Dias International.
What happens on a Tres Dias weekend?
A Tres Dias weekend begins on a Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday evening. It is led by a team composed of former attendees of a Tres Dias or similar weekend, like Cursillo or Walk to Emmaus. These volunteers invest their time in months of preparation, working and praying together as a team.
In those three days, you will experience the foundations of the Christian life and the meaning of living the Christian ideal and its application in our daily lives. Tres Dias is centered around a series of lay and clergy talks. Table groups discuss each talk. Discourse that develops from these discussions makes Christ’s teachings come alive. The atmosphere of Tres Dias is one of love, joy, Christian fellowship, singing, laughing, and worship.
Men and women attend on separate weekends. If married, the husband must attend first. Wives usually attend the following week.
Who should attend a Tres Dias weekend?
Tres Dias is an encounter designed for those 21 and older who desire to be strengthened in their faith and to experience many facets of God’s amazing grace. Tres Dias is for Christians of all denominations. It is especially gratifying for those who are in roles of leadership within the church, whether lay or clergy. Each attendee must be sponsored by someone who has previously attended a Tres Dias or similar weekend.
What is the history of Tres Dias?
Tres Dias was derived from Cursillo de Christianidad, a “short course in Christianity,” which has been a tool of church renewal since its beginnings in Spain in 1949. Tres Dias was started in America in 1972 and is now overseen by an International organization.
What is the “Fourth Day”?
One’s life after a Tres Dias weekend is called the Fourth Day. Following Tres Dias, an individual may desire to continue in the strengthening of their spiritual life and become a more active disciple of Christ in the world and in the church. Pursuing a relationship with Christ is the ideal, and continued contact with the Tres Dias community on a regular basis will enhance that relationship and insure that all one has gained and experienced on the weekend continues to flourish.