Men's Rites of Passage

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

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.

After fourteen years of these life changing Male Initiation Rites, over 4,000 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 ...

• 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.

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.

• Step two - Get an Application

  So, you feel ready? Applications are available online at:

  Application for MROP Johnson City, TX: March 16-20, 2011
  More information available at: www.texasmalespirituality.org/mrop.htm

  Application for MROP Julian, California: April 6-10, 2011

  Application for MROP Sandstone, Minnesota: June 22-26, 2011

  Application for MROP Claryville, New York: September 21-25, 2011
  More information available at: www.nynjctmalespirituality.org

  Application for MROP Harper's Ferry, West Virginia: October 12-16, 2011
  More information available at: http://dc.male-spirituality.net

  Application for MROP The Bield, near Perth, Scotland PH1 1PY: July 27-31, 2011

  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.

• Speak to someone who has made the MROP.  Call or email one of the men listed below.
• 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.

  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