clergy conference

WHO | WHAT | WHEN | WHERE

2024 CLERGY CONFERENCE

Monday, October 21 – Wednesday, October 23
(Ancillary Meetings: Sunday, October 20)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CLERGY CONFERENCE BOOKLET

Plenary, Seminar Presenters and Special Guests

Guest Homilist

Bishop’s Special Guest for Conversation with…

Who Should Attend

All ordained clergy canonically resident in the Diocese of Texas and actively serving at a church or institution are expected to attend the full conference in 2024. 

Although all licensed clergy are welcome to attend, retired clergy are encouraged to attend the Conference for Retired Clergy & Spouses on September 30 – October 2, instead of Clergy Conference.

While Camp Allen is a family friendly facility, Clergy Conference is strictly for clergy, Iona School students serving as Pastoral Leaders, and diocesan staff.

Covid-19 Policy

Face masks are not required during this year’s conference; however masks are always encouraged for all who wish to wear one.  We encourage all clergy to be vaccinated and boosted for Covid-19 per the CDC’s current guidelines.  

The Covid policies are subject to change, as needed, in order for us to gather safely.

Registration & Accommodations

On-line registration for the Clergy Conference opens on September 5^th via campallen.org, click on ‘Register for Events Online’. Hotel reservations and signups for ancillary meetings are made at the same time. There is no cost to attending clergy.

ROOMING NOTE: Because the attending clergy outnumbers the rooms available at Camp Allen, it is policy that attendees double up accommodations. This means that requests for single rooms are not likely to be granted. Single rooms are limited to persons of significant disability or handicap and requests for single rooms are assessed on a case by case basis. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Check-In

For those attending any of the Ancillary Meetings, check-in will open at 2:30pm Sunday. General participant check-in will open at 8:00am Monday.

Additional Presentations that will be available include:

Considering a Curate?
Rectors who would like to explore the benefits and requirements of having a curate on the church staff are invited to visit with the Rev. Canon Christine Faulstich at an informational meeting. All rectors interested in receiving a curate are expected to attend. Bring breakfast with you.

Considering Interim Work?
Priests who would like to share experiences from or explore the possibility of training to do interim work are invited to join the Rev. Canon Christine Faulstich and the Rev. Canon Kellaura Johnson for an informational meeting. Bring breakfast with you.

Understanding your Retirement Options
Active clergy approaching retirement age are invited to attend. This session will provide an overview of information or changes that may affect you at pre-65 and post-65.

Activities & Extras

Be sure to take advantage of all the complimentary activities offered during Clergy Conference. Choose from fishing, canoeing, tennis, archery, skeet shooting, trail rides, giant swing, the high ropes/zipline, frisbee golf, and of course shopping. In addition, the hike and bike trail is awaiting all takers. The activities requiring a minimum number of participants will have sign-up sheets at the conference check-in station.

Fly Fishing
Mark Marmon will be back to offer his fly-fishing expertise for beginners and veterans. Here’s your chance to wrangle one the giant perch residing in Camp Allen’s lakes.

Massage Therapy
Massage therapists will be on hand this year. Complimentary chair massages will be offered throughout the conference. Table massages will be available by appointment only and the cost is paid by you. Sign-up sheets for both will be available at the activities sign up table.

Game Time
Meet up with your fellow clergy during free time on Tuesday and show your competitive side by engaging in popular board games, Legos, and puzzles.

Pickleball Tournament
Bring your paddle and meet at the tennis courts on Tuesday.  Who will win this year? Prepare for fun!

Pre-Conference Meetings & Presentations

Several meetings have been scheduled for the Sunday and Monday prior to the conference beginning. If you are to attend one of these meetings, you will contacted by the convener in advance. 

Meeting	Contact
Iona Priest Clericus	The Rev. Paul Skeith, 512-766-7925 (c)
Deacon Clericus	The Rev. Jan Halstead, 512-470-9640 (c)
New Clergy Orientation	Kathryn Herman, 713-353-2121 (w)

Immunizations

Tdap shots influenza and Covid-19 immunizations will be available at the conference early Tuesday morning. The specific time will be in the conference program. If you would like to take advantage of any of the vaccinations you need to do the following two things:

1. Complete the attached Consent & Release form prior to receiving any vaccination.

2. Bring all of your insurance cards with you to Camp Allen. (Our providers recommend 

that you bring all of your insurance cards as some vaccines are covered under medical and some under RX coverage.)

Most insurance plans and all Medicare plans will cover flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Part D covers the shingles vaccine. You will be financially responsible for any vaccines not covered by your insurance.

Questions & information

Any questions you have regarding the Clergy Conference can be directed to Julie Paré, 

713-353-2128, jpare@epicenter.org.