A Journey We Never Expected
T.J. and Ellen Holt, TransOceanic Zone Couple – ERI
We never imagined that a move to Texas would lead us on a path that would stretch across oceans and continents. In 2000, after relocating from the Midwest for work, we found ourselves in Kingwood, Texas—far from family, far from friends, and in search of connection. That’s when we discovered Teams of Our Lady.
We joined Kingwood, Texas Team #6, at St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood, and what we found was more than a small group of couples—we found a family. Our Team became the place where we could share joys, shoulder sorrows, and grow in faith and love alongside other Christian couples. In a city of strangers, we found our love and support.
Over the years, as we said “yes” to roles of service—from Prayer Couple to Sector, Region, Province, and eventually Super-Regional Couple for the USA—we came to understand something beautiful: that every “yes” leads to a deeper blessing. With each new opportunity to serve, God revealed more of His plan, and more of the incredible couples that makes up our Movement.
We encourage all couples: when you’re invited into service—whether it’s helping pilot a new Team, organizing an event, or taking on a role as Sector, Regional, or Super Regional Couple—take time to prayerfully discern. Ask God where He is leading you, and if He is calling, trust Him and walk forward in faith. You will be amazed at how He equips you and blesses you through the people you meet and the lives you touch and touch you.
Today, we have the great privilege of serving as the TransOceanic Zone Couple on the ERI (Équipes Responsables Internationales), the international leadership team of Teams of Our Lady. Our zone is broad and beautifully diverse, including the Super Regions of USA & Trinidad/Tobago, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Timor), and TransAtlantic (Great Britain, Ireland, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa), as well as the Regions of Canada and India.
The role of the Zone Liaison is to foster a closer connection between the international leadership and the local realities of the Movement. We listen. We accompany. We encourage. And through this, we help each Region and Super Region feel part of something bigger—something unified in mission, rooted in love, and open to the Spirit.
Serving in the ERI has shown us that while we come from different languages, customs, and cultures, we are united in our desire to strengthen marriages and grow closer to Christ. Whether we are working with couples in various parts of the world – the heart of Teams remains the same—friendship, prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist, and mutual support in our marriages.
We hope each Team member knows that the ERI exists to support you. To listen to your experiences. To walk with your leaders. To build bridges across the globe so that no matter where you are, you are not alone. Teams is a worldwide family, and your faithfulness, your prayers, and your presence matter deeply.
Our three daughters—Samantha (post-doctoral researcher at MIT), Ashley (PhD/MD student at the University of Wisconsin), and Hannah (cosmetologist in Houston)—have grown up witnessing our journey in Teams. It’s our hope that they, too, will carry the seeds of this mission into the world: that marriage is worth nurturing, and that love rooted in Christ changes lives.
We are humbled to serve, and grateful to walk this journey with all of you. Let us continue to say “yes”—to unity, to mission, and to the everyday blessings that come when we trust God’s call.
