Financing Your Trip to Triennial 2027

Travel can be costly—airfare, lodging, meals—these expenses add up quickly. When I attended my first Triennial in Austin, Texas, in 2018, I traveled with several women from my chapter, all first-timers like myself. To save money, we shared a room and stayed at an off-property hotel. I remember feeling apprehensive about asking my husband if I could attend; I had never spent that much on something just for me.   My husband is awesome; it was my uncertainty that was at play. And let me say, everyone benefitted from my joyful, inspired mood when I returned home! The triennial experience was so joy-filled and motivational that I vowed to attend every triennial, God-willing.

If you’re worried about the cost, there are creative ways and opportunities to help fund your trip. There are ideas and opportunities to help with the funding of your trip. I have a friend that says, “don’t ask, don’t get”. I thought this was a little rude and selfish at first. I have learned that there are funds and grants available at many levels to help support attending the triennial or other events that The Order offers.

Ask your Diocesan Assembly or Province if there are grants or funds available. Sometimes the Diocesan Assemblies or Provinces will help support your attending the event if you are a delegate. If this is something you feel called to do, look into becoming a delegate and attend the triennial business meetings.

Ask your chapter if they are willing to contribute to your registration fee. Again, you will return from triennial with news and information that may benefit the entire chapter. Be prepared to share your experience with your chapter after you return. Your enthusiasm may inspire others to join you at the next triennial.



Finally, ask your rector. I had to do this last year as a requirement for receiving a grant to attend another conference. My anxious approach was met with understanding and willingness to help. I learned that there are parish funds and scholarships available to help with this very thing.

Start saving money. Set aside money to help finance your journey to triennial. Make this a family trip and bring your spouse or children to experience a new place. Any way that you achieve this goal: save, conserve, or submit requests to finance your trip to the triennial. Embrace the “don't ask, don’t get” principle, as many resources are available to support participation in this valuable and inspirational event.

Sueson Vess

National 2nd Vice President