By: Joe LaScala
The Leadership Council of the TEC Conference recently met January 11-12, 2019, at Camp Abbey in the
Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Council is made up of a Leadership Team, State Representatives, and
Region Coordinators, and gathers twice a year in person and twice a year via video conference to
represent our local communities on an international level. The agenda included:
- Executive Director report and evaluation
- Discussing goals for 2019-2020
- Discussing the Council’s role in the development efforts of the Conference
- Updates on projects including the formation of a new Community Support Ministry Team
- Review of and reflection on community reports from local communities
- Discussing Ministry Team reports
- Affirming the direction of the 2019-2020 budget
The Leadership Council also took time to recognize Erica Tran, the TEC Conference’s administrative
assistant, for all the work and time that she puts into making TEC operate so smoothly, especially with
the things that go unnoticed. Outside of the formal meeting time, we also shared meals, played games,
and enjoyed being together to build community. The Leadership Council began every morning and
ended every evening in prayer, including a special invitation from the Benedictine monks at St. Joseph
Abbey to join them for their Compline prayer.
We closed our time together by participating in Mass with Archbishop Aymond, our Episcopal
Moderator. In his homily, Archbishop Aymond said that those who are leaders within TEC, for our
communities or for the Conference, have the privilege to be the voice, hands, and feet of God. In this
special ministry, we can share to those that we encounter, “You are the beloved, the son or daughter of
God, and God is proud of you!”
Following Mass, Executive Director Billy O’Regan presented the outgoing Council members whose terms
have ended with a small icon of the Resurrection. This icon holds special meaning for TEC’s founder, Fr.
Matthew Fedewa, and depicts Jesus raising up Adam and Eve as he conquers death. We thanked Jessica
Schneider, Kansas State Co-Rep, for her work on the Council over the past four years, and we will miss
her when her term ends in April. My term as Chair of the Council will also end in April.
As the Chair, I can tell you that it is truly a privilege to be able to serve TEC on any level, but especially as
a part of the Leadership Council. Each member of this Council is dedicated and passionate about TEC.
There are so many more who continue to make TEC an active movement, including local community
leaders, diocesan directors, and ministry team members. Thank you to all who serve TEC in any
capacity!
