By: Billy O'Regan
On December 6-8, 2019, 1,700 youth ministry professionals and dedicated youth ministry volunteers from around the United States and beyond gathered in Indianapolis for three days of fellowship, formation, and prayer. The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) takes place every other year and is the largest gathering of its kind in the country.
Along with the incredible general sessions, prayer gatherings, and workshop sessions, an exhibit hall provided a place for vendors and youth ministry organizations from around the world to proudly display their offerings for diocesan and parish ministry leaders.
As it has been for more than a decade, the TEC Conference was present in the exhibit hall, representing the TEC movement. The booth was staffed by Billy O’Regan (Executive Director), Joe LaScala (Leadership Council Chair), and several volunteers, including Claire Gallagher (TEC New Orleans), David Walker (Wichita TEC), and Sierra Altenstadter (LouTEC). Several of the 2018 National Catholic Youth Ministry Award recipients who were honored at the event have been involved with TEC for many years, including Brigitte Burke, Michael Hall, Paul Mach, Patrick Rinker, and John Smestad, Jr.
Our presence at NCCYM gave us the opportunity to reconnect with TEC leaders from around the country and meet new TEC leaders who have recently begun their terms on their local core teams. Billy was also able to meet and connect with diocesan leaders who are looking for a ministry like TEC. In the weeks since, we have been following up with these interested parties to explore the possibility of starting TEC in their dioceses.
Beyond the practical, it was also a welcome opportunity for spiritual renewal and encouragement for our Executive Director and other TEC leaders. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this venture so successful and everyone who stopped by the TEC booth to visit and reconnect!
