With all TEC retreats currently cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, TEC centers find themselves “paused,” waiting for the right time to safely offer TEC weekends again. However, even when TEC retreats aren’t possible, communities can still use this time effectively.
During the recent Virtual Encounter 2020, Leadership Council member David Walker led two breakout groups that explored what TEC centers can do to make sure they’re ready for whenever TEC retreats can resume. Rather than waiting idly, local TEC boards are encouraged to be proactive in finding ways they can improve and strengthen their communities. With the help of a self-evaluation form, TEC leaders should look back at past activity and determine their strengths and weaknesses. What could be improved? What areas need help?
One means of walking through these questions and answers includes utilizing the Speakers Bureau provided by the TEC Conference. The Speakers Bureau is a pool of TEC Conference-approved trainers who can assist TEC communities by providing expertise on a number of TEC-related topics, such as team formation, recruitment challenges, spiritual components and flow of the TEC weekend, fourth-day follow-through, and more.
Although our Speakers would normally travel to give their presentations, most are available to do socially-distant online presentations for your safety. A Speakers Bureau presentation costs less than a full workshop and currently does not include travel expenses, and it can help set your TEC center up with the tools it needs for any improvement. With clarity, fresh ideas, and a new game plan, your TEC center will be ready to welcome new participants and start strong when TEC weekends are once again available.
Meet our Speakers:
Joe LaScala (Sunflower TEC & Belleville TEC) - Joe feels his strengths with TEC revolve around team formation, process retreats (building on different activities that follow a common theme), flow of the TEC weekend, follow-through, relational ministries, and balancing prayer, community building, and free time.
Ronda Mathiowetz (Riverbend TEC) - Ronda believes her strengths lie in leadership training and development, building relationships with the diocese/parish/schools, flow of and evaluation of the weekend, Wheat Team service, and understanding and relating to the Paschal Mystery theme.
John Smestad, Jr. (TEC New Orleans) - John’s experience qualifies him to speak knowledgeably on diocesan, parish and school relationships; retreat team ministry and leadership skills; and recruitment challenges and solutions.
Sr. Sarah Yungwirth, OSB (LouTEC) - Sister is able to speak on preparing, writing, and giving reflections, team formation, spiritual components and flow of TEC, and connecting vocations with TEC.
Brett Mathiowetz (Riverbend TEC) - Brett's experience as a speaker is in team and candidate recruitment, the “4th Day,” and the use of technology and social media; Brett is also skilled in communication and team leading.
Fr. Robert Murphy, S.J. (TEC New Orleans) - Fr. Murphy is available to speak on serving as the Priest/Spiritual Director for a weekend, preparing, writing, and giving reflections, and on a host of spiritual topics.
David Walker (Wichita TEC) - David is qualified to speak on leadership training and development, team formation, lay director roles, evaluating local TEC programs, “4th day” follow through, and topics concerning Generation Z.
Schedule a Speaker
Local TEC leaders who are interested in scheduling a Speaker to address their board or community may email office@tecconference.org. The Conference staff will help you pick a Speaker best suited for your center's needs and help coordinate scheduling.
