When

Monday April 28, 2025; 10:30 a.m. - Wednesday April 30, 2025; 3:00 p.m.

Where

Devens Common Center

31 Andrews Parkway

Devens, MA 01434

Driving Directions

Accessible by MBTA Commuter Rail and complimentary shuttle

Prices

SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $320-$420* (3 breakfast, 3 Lunch & 2 Dinner)

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $240-$325* (3 breakfast, 3 Lunch & 2 Dinner)

COMMUTER: $150

(3 Morning Snack Breaks, 3 Lunch)

LIVESTREAM: $35

Contact

Jennifer Garrett

Administrator and Event Coordinator

jgarrett@diomass.org

Affinity Groups & Announcements

If you are interested in hosting an affinity group or have any events or announcements you would like to share on the virtual resources table please contact Jennifer.

*A $25 late registration fee applies to all orders after March 31.

All clergy of the diocese are invited to attend the annual Clergy Conference gathering which will take place at the Devens Common Center in Devens, MA on Monday April, 28 - Wednesday April, 30. Nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, survivor, and founder and President of Thistle Farms, the Rev. Becca Stevens will lead the program "Mountains to Molehills: Serving Side by Side, Along Broken Roads and Dreamy Callings," across four sessions. So many justice leaders need space to breathe and rest while they are trying to care for whole communities that are being upended. Becca hopes to offer some respite from these turbulent waters. Through stories and scripture, we'll look at the intersection of different aspects of justice - gender and economics, power and privilege - and all the other places where justice speaks.

Tying the Towel around us. (John 13)
Love on the Jericho Road. (Luke, The Good Samaritan)
Practically Divine. (Matthew 6, The Lilies of the Field)
Where is the Spirit leading?

A draft agenda for the conference can be found here.

Overnight Accommodations: Your overnight conference registration includes two hotel nights and all meals and activities while you are at the event. Both single and double rooms are available in your choice of two hotels, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn, conveniently located within a short walk to the conference center. Both hotels offer spacious modern accommodations, free parking, Wi-Fi and include breakfast in the lobby. If you would like to arrive early on Sunday April 27th it may be added to your registration for an additional fee.

Registration: This year we are offering a tiered registration fee for clergy. Deacons, part-time, associate, non-parochial, and retired clergy are eligible to receive a $75 discount on overnight attendance types during the registration period. Those clergy may use the *discount code RELIEF25 during registration to activate the discount. The registration period ends at noon on Monday March 31st. If you register after March 31st, discounts expire and a late registration fee of $25 will apply. Registration for overnight conference attendance closes on April 10.

Free-Time & Optional Activities: Your hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center. Within 10 miles of the conference center, you can find art and history museums, hiking trails, orchards, a winery, a golf course and more. Join a hosted affinity group gathering or just enjoy some downtime in the afternoon. The committee has fun optional evening activities planned for you to enjoy good company and make great memories together!

Thistle Farms Pop-Up Shop: Support women's justice enterprises by shopping unique artisan goods, including handcrafted products from women survivors from Nashville and global partners and copies of Becca Stevens' books at the Thistle Farms Pop Up Shop. The proceeds of your purchase help women heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction, by providing a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and support.

FAQs:

Q: Will childcare be available?

A: UPDATE! We are pleased to announce that childcare will be offered during the 2025 Clergy Conference. All children must be registered in advance and spots are limited. Once these are filled, there will be a waitlist if more spots become available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve space or join the waitlist please contact Jennifer Garrett. The deadline is Thursday April 10th and 12 noon.

Q: May I register directly with the conference hotel?

A: Diocesan Staff is processing all conference registrations with overnight accommodations on Monday and meals as well as additional optional night stays. Please note: Registering for an additional night in the hotel does not replace conference registration!

Q: If I attend only a portion of the conference, can I get a discounted meal plan?

A: No. Meals for the conference are included in the registration options. We are unable to provide prorated adjustments based on partial attendance.

Q: I understand that the cost for a 3-day conference is higher than a 2-day but the fee this year is too expensive for my budget. Are there scholarships available?

A: Yes there are funds available to help. Contact Jennifer Garrett for information on how to request assistance.

Q: I'm planning to commute to the conference, but would like to attend dinner with colleagues. Can I add the dinnertime meals to my registration?

A: Of course we would love for you to join us! Clergy not registering for an overnight attendee type may add dinner on Monday and/or Tuesday at the time of registration.

Q: I would like to take public transportation to the conference. Is Devens Common Center accessible by the T?

A: Yes! The conference center is accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Fitchburg Line. The closest stations are Shirley and Ayer where you can catch a free shuttle to Devens Common Center. Please indicate your interest in taking the shuttle in your registration.

Q: Can I pay for my registration by check?

A: Yes! Follow the instructions when registering online or email Jennifer Garrett at jgarrett@diomass.org for instructions.

Q: If I cancel my reservation, will I be reimbursed?

A: Livestream registrations can be cancelled up until the start of the conference without penalty. For in-person conference types by registering, you commit to paying the full amount due. If, however, an extenuating circumstance, e.g., a health, parish or family emergency, forces you to cancel and you notify us up until the close of business on Friday, April 18, 2025, we will refund your fee in full. After that time, reimbursement for room cancellations is possible only if we are able to transfer your accommodations to another conference attendee.

Q: Is clerical attire required?

A: Most clergy wear business casual attire throughout the conference and the Bishop encourages you to wear fun and festive attire to a special dinner on Monday night. You probably will feel more comfortable leaving clericals at home.