All clergy of the Diocese of Massachusetts are invited to attend the 2026 Clergy Conference, taking place Monday, April 27, through Wednesday, April 29, at the Devens Common Center in Devens, Massachusetts.
This year’s conference will feature poet, theologian, conflict mediator, and author Pádraig Ó Tuama, who will guide participants through reflection, conversation, and learning centered on story, conflict, faith, and community.
Conference Details
Pre-conference: Monday, April 27, 12-2 p.m
Conference begins: Monday, April 27, 2 p.m
Conference ends: Wednesday, April 29, 1:30 p.m
Location:
31 Andrews Parkway
Devens, MA 01434
Registration: Registration is now open. Overnight, commuter, and livestream options are available.
Deacons, part-time, associate, non-parochial, and retired clergy are eligible for a $75 discount on overnight attendance types during the registration period. Eligible clergy may use the code RELIEF26 during registration.
The registration period ends at noon on Tuesday, April 7th. After April 7th, discounts expire and a $25 late registration fee will apply. Registration for overnight conference attendance closes on April 10.
Accommodations: Overnight registration includes hotel lodging, meals, and conference activities during the event. Single and double room options are available during registration based on availability.
Featured sessions:
• The Heart Is a Strange Thing
In this session, Pádraig Ó Tuama will guide us through biblical stories, looking at dynamics of rage, violence, revenge, fascism, envy, political machinations and — through it all — highlight that the search for surprise may be what we’ve all always needed.
• The Collect, a Form for Prayer
(Tuesday Afternoon) The collect is a beautiful five-fold form of prayer that, in its oldest written form, is 1000 years old. In this seminar we will explore the form of the collect, and write some too. (We’ll also look at upcoming lectionary gospel texts which — bonus — may help sermon prep!)
• Prayer and Poetry
(Wednesday Morning) A prayer is sometimes a a poem and sometimes a poem is a prayer. In this session, Pádraig will explore poetry that speaks wisely to prayer, giving caution and depth to the strange question of language directed toward God and each other. We will also do some writing, exploring old forms as vehicles to support language.
Smart Start Small Groups: Mutual Pastoral and Professional Support Groups: This year's agenda includes a series of optional opportunities for learning and support on Monday afternoon. Choose from sessions on the following topics:
- Prophetic justice: solidarity tools for those at the heart of racial & immigrant justice struggles with Rev’d Arrington Chambliss and Rev’d Edwin Johnson
- Effective Planned Giving: Where to Start with Rev’d Brian Raiche
- Preaching and Pastoring Across Political Divisions with Rev’d Nick Morris-Kliment
- Pastoring Under Trauma with Rev’d Mary Curlew
- Mission Impossible? Leading Difficult People in Difficult Times
- Sacred Solidarity for Immigrant Clergy and Clergy of Color during current ICE activities with Rev’d Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa
- LGBTQ Clergy and Clergy with LGBTQ Children with Rev’d Canon Marissa Rohrbach
- Supporting Calls to Ordained Ministry? with Rev’d Canon Edie Dolnikowski
Free time and optional activities: Attendees will have access to optional free time during the conference. The hotel includes an indoor pool and fitness center, and nearby attractions include museums, hiking trails, orchards, a wildlife refuge, a winery, and a golf course. Optional evening activities are also planned.
Books: A limited number of copies of Pádraig Ó Tuama’s latest poetry collections will be available for preorder through conference registration and for purchase at the event. Cash or check only at the event.
Contact: For questions, please contact Jennifer Garrett, Administrator for Events, Hospitality, and Engagement, at jgarrett@diomass.org.
FAQs:
Q: Will childcare be available?
A: Childcare will be offered during the 2026 Clergy Conference. All children must be registered in advance and spots are limited. Please Complete Please complete the childcare registration form here. If you have questions about childcare at Clergy Conference, please contact the Rev. Shannon Kelly at skelly@diomass.org. The deadline is Thursday April 9th 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 Tuesday, 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. In addition to the $75.00 discount avaiable to Deacons, part-time, associate, non-parochial, and retired clergythere 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 dinner on Tuesday night. You probably will feel more comfortable leaving clericals at home.