The Spirit of TEC Award acknowledges individuals for the exemplary commitment to Catholic young people. The 2011 recipients represent 15 dioceses throughout the U.S. and include three priests and 35 lay adult and youth leaders.

"On behalf of the TEC Leadership Council and Conference staff, we would like to congratulate each and every recipient of the 2011 Spirit of TEC Award. The TEC movement and your local community have truly been blessed by your example of living Paschal Mystery spirituality. May the Lord continue to grace you with his presence as your journey unfolds," said TEC Conference executive director Ronald Reiter.

Since 1990, approximately 750 people have been honored with this distinction. Nominees are selected by their local TEC communities for: committed service to the youth and young adults of the church; contributing to the TEC ministry in a significant way on a local or regional level; and witnessing Paschal Mystery spirituality in their daily lives.

TEC is affiliated with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM); National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA); and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).