by Mindi Popovich-Schneider
“Oh, I guess that won’t matter, since you’ll be at the Saint Emmelia conference,” I said, looking at the little square on my screen that housed Fr. Noah’s face. We were heading towards hour two of a ministry meeting for our parish, working out logistics for an upcoming project.
“Well…we might be having the conference here…” Fr. Noah replied, his voice as calm as ever. I laughed, not realizing that he was serious and that hours later, I’d be frantically sending emails to our parishioners, looking for accommodations for 30 Saint Emmelia families.
Weirdly, all through the chaos of the next 24 hours, I was thrilled. Actually…it wasn’t that weird at all. My husband and I had come to the very difficult decision that we needed to sit this conference out as I wasn’t even six weeks postpartum. We had both been really sad because the conferences are so special to us–and not just because I work for Saint Emmelia Ministries. And we were both so thrilled to be able to participate in the conference again this year, even though the circumstances weren’t ideal. So what makes the conferences so special that we were so excited to be thrust into a weekend of nonstop activity?
As we draw closer to the 2025 NEW ENGLAND Conference, I’ll share with you my top four reasons why YOU should attend!
4. It’s homegrown. Like all of our conferences, the NE Conference is planned by local moms who truly have a heart for homeschooling, Orthodoxy, and community. Each conference has a unique flavor, and one of the “spices” of the NE Conference is the dancing! The kids usually ask for more opportunities to dance, and it’s such a special way for them to connect with kids in other age groups, and to learn to interact with each other in a new context.
3. It’s the people. I mentioned how amazing our volunteers are–and I really can’t emphasize that enough! But there is something so special about being with people who are on a journey similar to yours, people who have struggled or are struggling with the same challenges, people who have rejoiced in the same achievements or beautiful moments. People who value the same things. People who are family–the body of Christ, coming together to raise our children in faith in and love of Christ.
2. It’s edifying and educational. Usually at the conferences, I’m zipping about, ensuring that everything is running smoothly, so I don’t always get to hear the talks. My time comes later, when I’m editing the recordings! I’m so grateful that I have to sit and listen to those recordings, because they are always so inspiring. This year, our keynote speaker is Fr. John Boddecker. His talks at the 2023 EAST Conference were amazing, and on top of that, he’s just a delight to talk to. In addition to that, there will be opportunities to learn from more experienced homeschooling moms, to get support and ideas for your own homeschooling!
1. It’s the prayer. My husband and I always feel so refreshed after the conferences, and while all the things I mentioned above play into that, I think the biggest thing is that we get to spend a weekend focused on our faith and the work that God has put before us in educating our children to the glory of His Name. Standing together with other families and praying for our children and spouses, knowing that saints like St. Emmelia and her holy family are standing with us, is one of the most life-giving things we have done since as a family.
Don’t miss out! Join us
Saturday, October 18th
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
Worcester, MA