Men As Learners and Elders (M.A.L.Es)
a  program offered by the Center for Action and Contemplation

Home Up About Us Resources Networking Help Us Contents

Rites of Passage       

California Application
England Application
Illinois Application
Australia Application
New York Application
Testimonies

What is the "Rites of Passage?   Dates and locations    Steps to take  Not sure you are Ready?

Printer friendly 2 page PDF brochure for Rites of Passage     Printer friendly 1 page PDF brochure for England, UK

This is not just another Catholic/Christian men's retreat, but five days of formal male initiation. These teachings on the "mysteries" and the accompanying rituals of Passover have met with a very strong response in recent years.

The setting for these Rites of Passage is usually at Ghost Ranch, in northern New Mexico, however in 2008, the Rites of Passage will be offered in California, Great Britain, Illinois, Australia and New York State.

After eleven years of these life changing Male Initiation Rites at Ghost Ranch and around the world, over 3,000 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 ...
bullet

A personal discovery about masculine spirituality and ‘the Holy Mystery.’

bullet

A time to savor the healing and awesome power of nature.

bullet

A process to address issues of loss, grief, and relationships with father, other men, and others.

bullet

An opportunity to examine life’s priorities and ask courageous questions about your ‘next step.’

bullet

An invitation to listen to the ‘quiet voice of God.’

bullet

A chance to return to life with a renewed commitment to your gifts.

What the MROP is not ...

bullet

A traditional lecture-based retreat.

bullet

An informational workshop about men’s spirituality.

bullet

A sensitivity training or deprivation experience.

bullet

A threatening process that requires participants to engage in anything strange or unsafe.

bullet

A test of physical stamina.

Dates and locations

Dates Application Form Location State
May 12-16, 2008 Application - CA Julian, California
Camp Cedar Glen
California
July 16-20, 2008 Application - England, UK (PDF)
More information available:
http://themalejourney.org
printer friendly PDF brochure
Rydal Hall
Lake District
England, UK
England
August 13-17, 2008 Application - IL Princeton, Illinois
Pilgrim Park
Illinois
August 19-23, 2008 Application - Australia Queensland 4312, Australia
Australia MROP Brochure
Camp Somerset Directions
Queensland
September 17-21, 2008 Application - NY Claryville, New York
Frost Valley YMCA Camp
New York
State

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.
Step two - Get an Application
So, you feel ready? Applications are available online at:

Application for MROP Camp Cedar Glen, Julian, California - May 12-16, 2008

Application for MROP Rydal Hall, Lake District, England, United Kingdom (PDF) - July 16-20, 2008

Application for MROP Pilgrim Park, Princeton, Illinois - August 13-17, 2008

Application for MROP Camp Somerset, Queensland Australia - August 19-23, 2008

Application for MROP Frost Valley YMCA Camp, Claryville, New York - September 17-21, 2008

Please take your time in responding to the questions.

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.
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.

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.

bulletSpeak to someone who has made the MROP.  Call or email one of the men listed below.
MROP Location Date Contact Phone # Email address
Julian, California
Camp Cedar Glen
May 12-16, 2008 Joe Lonergan (760) 212-5630 BestOjoe@aol.com

 

Great Britain July 16-20, 2008 Adrian Scott 07515399981 kivajourney@btinternet.com
Princeton, Illinois
Pilgrim Park
August 13-17, 2008 Bill McElroy (630) 497-0138 wmmcelroy@mcelroydds.com
Claryville, NY
Frost Valley YMCA
Sept. 17-21, 2008 Ralph Molinaro
Phil Waldrop
Michael Dunne
(631) 724-2253
(973) 214-6589
(631) 678-1190
natman32@aol.com
phwaldrop@optonline.net

mfd916@aol.com

 

bulletObtain 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.

Beloved Sons Series: Video 1 - Masculine Spirituality

Beloved Sons Series: Video 2 - Why Males Need Initiation!

Book by Richard Rohr, OFM - From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality

Book by Richard Rohr, OFM - Quest For The Grail

Return to:

Last modified: April 13, 2008