Men Rite of Passage is one of the trails on our journey to male spirituality. This 5 day/4 night rite, is a deeply prayerful journey that will lead you through a serious of rituals and teachings.
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. This is a personal journey that each must experience on their own.
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 .
 |
A personal discovery about masculine spirituality and ‘the Holy Mystery.’ |
|
A time to savor the healing and awesome power of nature. |
|
A process to address issues of loss, grief, and relationships with father, other men, and others. |
|
An opportunity to examine life’s priorities and ask courageous questions about your ‘next step.’ |
|
An invitation to listen to the ‘quiet voice of God.’ |
|
A chance to return to life with a renewed commitment to your gifts. |
What the MROP is not .
|
A traditional lecture-based retreat. |
|
An informational workshop about men’s spirituality. |
|
A sensitivity training or deprivation experience. |
|
A threatening process that requires participants to engage in anything strange or unsafe. |
|
A test of physical stamina. |
When is MROP
Texas will be holding the next MROP at John Knox Ranch in Blanco, TX on October 21-25, 2009.
So what from here?
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: