The international TEC retreat movement will come together for its annual gathering at St. Edward University in Austin, TX, from July 12-14, 2024. Each year, members of local TEC communities meet for three days of fellowship, resources, prayer, and networking. Anyone 18 or older who is involved in TEC, past or present, is invited to attend. During this event, the TEC Conference will present the 2024 Heritage Award to Dcn. Bob Sondag (Manito, IL) and to Chris LaRosa (New Orleans, LA).
The Heritage Award is the highest honor given by the TEC Conference. The award recognizes those who have an exemplary commitment to the TEC Movement on the local, regional, and national level. To learn more about this year's winners, read their biographies that highlight their TEC involvement below:
Dcn. Bob Sondag made his first TEC in 1972 at Peoria TEC #5 in the Diocese of Peoria, IL, which had a profound impact on his life. His experience prompted him to dedicate himself to serving others and deepening his relationship with Jesus. Just four years later, he met his future wife on a TEC weekend. He went on to be named the lay director for TEC in the Diocese of Peoria. During his diaconate formation in 2006, he was named the Spiritual Director for Peoria TEC. In 2009, Dcn. Bob's role as Spiritual Director of Peoria TEC expanded to encompass leadership over all four TEC communities within the diocese. His commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion was evident as he assisted with a strategic planning process for the TEC Conference. That same year, he joined the TEC Spirituality Ministry Team, providing valuable insights and guidance, eventually being appointed as Co-Chair of the team. During his tenure as Co-Chair, he played a pivotal role in updating the TEC Conference Manual, ensuring it remained relevant and effective while meeting the evolving needs of TEC communities. Dcn. Bob has served as a speaker at TEC Congress and on numerous workshops, including as a trainer in the TEC Conference’s 2019 Spiritual Directors’ workshop. Most recently, he was invited to lead a spiritual formation session for the TEC Leadership Council.
Dcn. Bob’s journey has been guided by his unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. His leadership, wisdom, and commitment to spiritual growth continue to inspire those around him. The work that he has done for the TEC Conference has extended well beyond his local TEC to the broader TEC family. The TEC Conference is proud to present the 2024 Heritage Award to Dcn. Bob Sondag.
Chris LaRosa has been a member of the New Orleans TEC Community since 1987. As a leader in the community, he has served in many local leadership roles, including terms as a member of the
Core/Leadership Team, as a Lay Director of several TECs, and as a musician on numerous TEC weekends. As coordinator and leader of his local TEC’s music ministry, he compiled and produced the community’s music manuals and songbooks, along with ongoing training of TEC musicians. As one of the longest-involved members of the New Orleans TEC community, Chris has mentored countless young adults and has become the unofficial memory of the family. On the national level, Chris served as Louisiana State Representative on the Leadership Council from 2008-2012, and from 2014-2017, served on the Executive Team as Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair. He has also served on ministry teams, including the Technology Team and the TEC Encounter Team. Chris acts as the unofficial TEC Conference historian, having organized a beautiful display for the 50th Anniversary gathering in 2015, and is helping to plan for the digitization and preservation of TEC Conference archives. Chris often assists with projects at the Conference office and contributes as a local host. Following his instincts for hospitality over the years, Chris has offered his services to the members of the greater TEC family as driver, local tour guide, and weekend host to many out of state TEC visitors to Louisiana and New Orleans. Chris was involved in the effort to bring TEC to the dioceses of Alexandria, San Antonio, and Austin, and he is currently serving as co-guide in the effort to start TEC in the Diocese of Jackson.
Chris’s lifelong dedication to the TEC family near and far showcases his great love for TEC and his humble servitude to the movement. The TEC Conference is proud to present the 2024 Heritage Award to Chris LaRosa.
To see Dcn. Bob and Chris receive their awards in person during the Agape Dinner at Encounter 2024, be sure to register online and join us in Austin for this special event!
