Our Mission
We are a center for experiential education, rooted in the Gospels, encouraging the transformation of human consciousness through contemplation, and equipping people to be instruments of peaceful change in the world.
Mens Rites of Passage
What is the "Rites of Passage"? | How to Prepare | Not Sure You Are Ready? | PDF Brochure
The Men’s Rites of Passage 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 been met with a very strong response in recent years.
In Part 1 below of the DVD Why Males Need Initiation, Fr. Richard shows how primal societies have demonstrated that cultural survival is dependent on personal spirituality. Unfortunately, the proven way to lead males on this journey has been lost to the West for a thousand years. In this video, Fr. Richard addresses the reality that if men are not led through an inner journey of powerlessness, they will inevitably misunderstand and abuse power.
Watch the entire presentation online.
Over 4,700 men have now been initiated through these rites of male initiation over the past 15 years. Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, (the creator of the MROP) and MALEs have 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 $300-500 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.
Return to top
What is the Men’s Rites of Passage?
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.
Return to top
How to Prepare
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 by location.
Please take your time in responding to the questions.
Step three - Mail Application and Deposit
With your completed application, submit it online or mail it and submit a $50 deposit online or by mail 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.
Return to top
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. Click here for a list of regional contacts.
- 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.
