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N. California Application
Testimonies
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After
fourteen years of these
life changing Male Initiation Rites, over
4,500 men have now been initiated. Fr.
Richard Rohr, OFM, (the founder of the MROP) and M.A.L.Es has trained teams of
men to do the same. They will now hand on the experience, with Fr. Richard in a
supervisory presence at some sites.
The
Rites of Passage are best for those who have already done some men's work and
who are on a serious spiritual journey. It is best to make this experience as a
lone seeker. Fathers and sons are normally not initiated together, nor is it a
buddy experience. You may come with friends, but expect to be assigned to a home
group where you will be anonymous and start from zero together.
An
application process is required, which is not a "first come, first
served" process, but rather a discernment process about an applicant's
readiness and who else will benefit from his attendance.
The
cost of the Rites varies for each location but is typically in the price range
between $400-500 and includes all lodging, meals and any materials.
Actual price for the site is included on the area’s application form.
Enrollment limitations also vary for each geographic location.
If you have any questions
about the Men's Rites of Passage program
please feel free to contact
us.
If
you would like to speak to a man about a specific regional Men's Rites of
Passage, click on:
Not sure you are
Ready?
What
is the "Rites of Passage" for men?
The
program is a five-day / four night deeply prayerful and soulful experience that
builds on the classic patterns of male initiation through simple and moving
rituals and teaching. Each day includes group prayer, major teachings on central
masculine spirituality themes, quiet time for reflection, and sharing in the
context of a “home group.”
In
the words of the program's founder, Fr. Richard Rohr:
| "Men
are asked to come with a willingness to participate from beginning to end
and not as an observer. All participants begin at point zero with no
agendas to live up to or down to. All that is required is for a man
to come with a 'beginner's mind' and the readiness of a young novice
seeking wisdom. Ultimately, initiation, like life itself, is not a
spectator's sport." |
This is not about religion, but about spirituality, about age old traditions
that guide us into manhood, about coming to trust that there is something much
greater at work in our lives than we could ever imagine.
What the MROP is ...
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A personal discovery about masculine spirituality and
‘the Holy Mystery.’
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A time to savor the healing and awesome power of
nature.
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A process to address issues of loss, grief, and
relationships with father, other men, and others.
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An opportunity to examine life’s priorities and ask
courageous questions about your ‘next step.’
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An invitation to listen to the ‘quiet voice of
God.’
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A chance to return to life with a renewed commitment
to your gifts.
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What the MROP is not ...
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A traditional lecture-based retreat.
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An informational workshop about men’s spirituality.
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A sensitivity training or deprivation experience.
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A threatening process that requires participants to
engage in anything strange or unsafe.
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A test of physical stamina. |
Dates
and locations
Steps to Take
| Step one - Pray and Prepare
The MROP is not just another event to attend, nor is it
something to “fix” some condition in your life. It is a decision that
should come out of prayer; you should know in your “gut” that God is
inviting you into it. You might also talk to others who have gone through
the MROP.
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| Step two - Get an Application
So, you feel ready? Applications are available online at:
Application for MROP Occidental,
California -
November 10-14, 2010
More information available at:
www.malespiritualitynorcal.org
Please take your time in responding to the questions.
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| Step three -
Mail Application and Deposit
With your completed application,
mail it and a $50 deposit to the address on your application. If accepted,
the deposit becomes non-refundable and is applicable to the final payment.
If not accepted, your deposit will be refunded.
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| Step four - Wait and Pray
You
will notified that your application has been received and then re-notified
if you have been accepted, not accepted, or placed on a waiting list. If
accepted, a full confirmation packet will be sent to you with payment and
event instructions.
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Not sure you
are ready?
This is a common question for those
interested in the MROP. Here are some practical ways to help you know.
| Speak
to someone who has made the MROP. Call or email one of the men listed
below.
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Obtain
one or some of the resources listed below. The
books and DVD's provide valuable insight and should give you an idea if what
the MROP offers and what you are seeking are a fit.
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Beloved Sons Series:
Masculine Spirituality/Why Males Need Initiation (CD)
Book by Richard Rohr, OFM -
From
Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality
Other Men's Resource Materials by Richard Rohr, OFM
Return to:
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