Three Catholics who have ministered to youths in the Diocese of Davenport have received 2011 Spirit of TEC awards.
Pat Sheil, Chris Weber and Brian Caslavka earned the awards from the national TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) Conference. With the awards, the conference recognizes individuals who live out the Paschal Mystery; have contributed to TEC in a significant way on a local or regional level; are committed to serving the Church and its youth and young adults; and generously share their love, faith and enthusiasm.
Sheil, director of faith formation at St. Joseph Parish in DeWitt, has played many key roles at TEC retreats in the diocese, said Pat Finan, diocesan coordinator of youth ministry, who nominated her. “She actively recruits youth from her parish and surrounding parishes to participate, and also has established a successful Christ in Others Retreat program which feeds future TECs,” he wrote. “She is constantly giving of herself, whether it’s a few extra moments in conversation or some spare food or resources that she’s eager to share to help make TEC better.”
Weber, a seminarian and former director of youth and young adult ministry at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish in Muscatine, generously shared his time and talents for TEC, Finan wrote. Weber served as director, chapel leader and in other positions, and mentored many emerging leaders in their ministry. “In doing so, he often ‘dies’ to his own wishes and desires for the sake of a stronger TEC community.”
Caslavka, former youth minister at St. Andrew’s in Blue Grass and former volunteer at Ss. Mary & Mathias, showed inspiring, humble servant leadership, Finan wrote. “Brian pours himself into the talks he gives, sharing a great balance of personal experience and spirituality with pertinent Scripture and Church teaching. TEC candidates know that Brian is one of them, a companion on the journey seeking to deepen his faith and draw closer to Christ.”
An upcoming TEC retreat in the diocese will be Feb. 18-20. Adults wishing to serve on the TEC team can contact Finan at (641) 842-5148. For more information, visit www.davenportyouth.org or the Diocese of Davenport Youth Ministry page on Facebook.
