July 16, 2010
The Story of TEC
The power in a mother’s prayer
The Zenthoefer family photo includes Mary Ann, seated, and standing, Phil, Erin and Father Alex. Click for a larger version.
By ZOE CANNON (Sacred Heart Church, Vincennes)
Fifth in a series
The strength of motherhood is greater than natural law, maybe because a mother’s love is instinctive, unconditional and forever. Hmmm! Sounds familiar, much like Christ’s love for all of us! This fifth story in the TEC series is about that kind of love. A mother’s love for family and love of Jesus Christ. Mother Teresa said, “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones . . . the ones at home.” Mary Ann Zenthoefer certainly shares that philosophy, and her efforts have resulted in an amazing family. In 1985 Mary Ann made a Cursillo weekend. From the experience she gained a greater intensity of how to be the best Christian mom/spouse that she could be. “Father Dewig always told me, the role of a good mom is to make sure she prepares her family for heaven. That thought has stayed with me and my daily prayer is that each of my children grows closer to Christ every day.” Providing an environment for her children to have Christian friends was a priority. As a Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart in Evansville for 17 years she was able to plan youth events with the West Deanery youth ministers. A Youth Mass was celebrated once a month at Resurrection Parish. The readings and music were planned by young people around the diocese. During the late 80’s, Mary Ann planned activities every Sunday afternoon to gather youth, this is where she became “Mama Z.” From this group of youth emerged two priests, three young people who served with NET (National Evangelization Team), a young lady who is in a Cloistered Community in Kentucky, and many adults working successfully in their parishes today.
The Teens Encounter Christ Movement became a part of the Zenthoefer family in the early 90’s when Erin made her first TEC weekend as a sophomore at Mater Dei. She once served as the head of the Team Selection Committee and continues to attend TEC reunions. Her enthusiasm led other family members to be involved, including her mom, who has made many TEC retreats. Mary Ann said, “I grow in my faith by sharing the energy of the young people. I feel TEC is a place where teens can develop the ability to discern the vocation God is calling them to.” Erin is married to Jason A. Gries, who studied in the seminary before choosing married life as his vocation. They have two beautiful adopted daughters, Cecilia age three, Mary age two and they have two foster children living with them. Erin said, “I believe TEC is important in our community because I need witnesses of Christ in my life and TEC provides this for youth and adults in our diocese.” I would say that Jason and Erin are tremendous witnesses themselves, by their openness to God’s plan for their family.
Father Alex shares, “I was actively involved in TEC throughout my discernment and seminary studies; and now I continue to be involved as a priest. What began in 1995, as an emotion-centered retreat as a junior in high school, has become an experience of truly encountering Christ. I see this as a sign of growth in faith. My experience of Christ is no longer a sentiment, but it is the awareness that He has changed me.” He enjoys seeing the movement of faith in the young people at TEC. He believes it is one of the greatest signs that Christ lives. “I work TEC weekends because I need to see Christ moving and changing me. It is easy as a priest to get stuck in a rut or to make Christ an idea that lives in my head, but to see Him changing me and others, helps me to go beyond that idea and come to know Him again, in a new way.” Fr. Alex is Chaplain for Memorial High School, diocesan director of vocations, assistant Pastor at Holy Rosary and Chaplain with Communion and Liberation, which continues to nourish what began to unfold in the TEC experience. “TEC is a gift to the Church providing a space for us to highlight the newness of Christ in our lives again and again. Working with the youth makes me more attentive, as an adult it is easy to think we have it all figured out and that we are not dependent on anyone. Young people are full of need, which is probably their greatest contribution to the life of the Church. Their longing for an answer should create in all of us a desire to go deeper and to never settle for anything less than what we are made for.”
Phil began his involvement in TEC about 15 years ago during college. “I was pushed in by my siblings and told it was the greatest thing to do. Since then I have worked more than 10 TEC weekends in various roles.” Phil and his wife Abby are parishioners at Sacred Heart in Evansville. They have two children, Rudy two-and-one-half and Clare one year old. Phil was the Communications Director for TEC and is currently responsible for the Lay Movement Communion and Liberation in the Evansville Diocese. Phil said, “My family has influenced my faith journey, especially my mom, who tirelessly gave of herself to Sacred Heart when I was growing up. She showed me that it was important to give to the things you believe in. I remain a part of the TEC Move-ment because I believe in the charism and the passion of Christ for our daily lives, young and old. We all have questions and the kids and young adults at TEC rejuvenate me and help me continue to search for the answers.”
A family can be a powerful witness in faith. The Holy Spirit, the first gift of the risen Christ gives us both the ability to receive the Gospel of Jesus and the power to proclaim it. Without the Spirit, evangelization simply cannot occur. When a mom accepts her role in helping the family to heaven, we have the best witness of simply living the faith; and sharing, which is spreading the Good News of Jesus. As you see, Mary Ann and her husband, Dan, have been doing just that. She retired recently from her position as DRE in Haubstadt for St. Peter and Paul and Holy Cross parishes for health reasons. Diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, Mary Ann faces a new challenge, and with her strong faith she can say to her family and others, “I will show you my faith by what I do”. . . “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” This third letter of John, verse 4, tells us that evangelizing to those we love is pleasing to God. Go out and share the good news, begin with your family . . . it could change the world! Amen! Remember to keep Mary Ann and her family in your prayers.