About Us
A Unique 3 Day Journey With Christ
What Is Tres Dias?
Tres Dias is a Christian renewal retreat that concentrates on the person of Jesus Christ and His teachings. It hosts separate retreats each year, called “Weekends”, for both men and women. It is designed to help people connect to Jesus in a real and powerful way.
Tres Dias is a safe place that provides the opportunity for Believers to explore some of life’s most important questions: Who am I? Who is Jesus Christ? What is my purpose here on earth? How can I live in this world as a Christian?
The Tres Dias experience occurs over 3 days, starting on Thursday evening and ending on Sunday evening. It is structured around talks on the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith which are provided by both laity (non-pastors who have previously attended a Tres Dias Weekend) and clergy (pastors). Many encouraging stories are shared by those giving the talks. Also included in each Weekend is worship, opportunities for discussion and reflection, fellowship, Communion and a whole lot of food! There are also many “surprises” throughout the Weekend which are core to the Tres Dias experience.
The people who make up a Tres Dias Weekend include Team Members (people who have previously attended a Tres Dias Weekend, Cursillo or similar movement experience), and first time attenders (called “Candidates”). Candidates are nominated on an invitation-only basis – only those who have previously attended a Tres Dias Weekend (or similar movement experience) can nominate a Candidate to attend.
The goal of Tres Dias Ottawa is to see men and women deepen their faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that individuals with a renewed faith help build-up the leadership of the local church.
For more information on the Tres Dias Weekend, please read the details below or visit the Tres Dias Interational FAQ Page
What happens on a Tres Dias weekend?
The Spanish words ‘Tres Dias’ mean ‘Three Days’. Tres Dias begins on a Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday evening. The Tres Dias weekend is led by a team that is composed of former attendees of a Tres Dias or similar weekend like Cursillo or Walk to Emmaus. These volunteers invest their time for months of preparation by working and praying together as a unit. There, in a three-day format, 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 centred around layman 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. Tres Dias makes future Christian experiences more fruitful because of the zestful seasoning it brings to all Christian living. Tres Dias can be made only once in a lifetime. Therefore, it is not a substitute for a retreat, nor does it have the individual solitude of a retreat.
Who should attend a Tres Dias weekend?
Just as Christ meets you at your point of need, so Tres Dias is an encounter designed for those 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. There are separate weekends for men and women. If you are married, the husband must attend first. Wives usually attend a week or two later. 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 do we believe?
While Tres Dias explores classic evangelical Christian beliefs, Tres Dias is an inter-denominational weekend for men and women that concentrates on the person of Jesus Christ and His teachings.
Our statement of faith
Below is a summary of the core beliefs held by Tres Dias Ottawa organization and its community.
We believe and profess our faith in one Triune God.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
—Matthew 28:9
Jesus Christ is the only Savior and is God in the flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
—John 1:1
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
—John 3:36
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”
—John 14:6
The Holy Spirit is God and is the Lord and giver of life.
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
Job 33:4
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Romans 8:11
The Holy Scriptures are the inspired and completely true word of God
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
—2 Timothy 3:16-17
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
We believe and profess that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; that forgiveness of sins is received through confession and repentance, and that our sins are washed away through the blood of Jesus Christ.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.“
–Romans 3:23
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.‘“
—Acts 2:38
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“
–1 John 1:9
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through personal faith in Jesus Christ
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;”
–Ephesians 2:8
The Body of Christ is to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
“Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
—Ephesians 4:3
“for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”
—Ephesians 4:12
God’s unconditional love is the primary witness by which people are renewed, edified and changed
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
—1 Corinthians 13:8
God has called us to live holy lives that will bring glory to His name
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
—Colossians 3:12-17
Do You Have Questions?
Tres Dias Ottawa
89 Auriga Drive
Ottawa, ON K2E 7Z2