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.
Vision
The vision of Men As Learners and Elders (MALEs) is to reclaim the spiritual initiation of men through experiential journeying into the True Self, creating a tradition for future generations.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM has been exploring issues of male spirituality since 1987. From this work Richard observed that men in western culture were lacking in their experience and understanding of the transcendent power of God. He established the Rites of Passage Program in the late 90’s to help guide men through a formal initiation process that they may have missed during their critical developmental period as young men.
The MALEs program was established in 2002 with the assistance of CAC Animator Stephen Picha to carry out the vision of creating a school for male spiritual development by expanding the scope of Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) programs throughout the country and abroad. One of the goals of MALEs has been to form an extended network of initiated men and leaders who have an ecumenical vision of Gospel-based male initiation. To date, over 4,700 men have been initiated through the MROP. Many of them serve as elders in providing leadership and guidance in spiritual development for other men of future generations.
The mission of MALEs is a commitment to:
- Directing men in lifelong spiritual learning
- Training men to be Elders
- Maintaining ongoing relationships with program participants
- Providing Men’s Rites of Passage
- Developing additional rites as needed
Our philosophy is founded on the following beliefs:
- Every man is a Beloved Son of God.
- Men are capable of serious spiritual journeys.
- Our message is grounded in the Christian Paschal Mystery while integrating the symbols and rituals from other religions and cultures.
- Men must seek to improve their conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation.
- Men must have the affirmation and guidance of wise mentors.
- Men have a need and responsibility to mentor future generations.
- There is a universal message of love and faith that transcends the boundaries of race, nation, culture, gender, economics/class, politics, sexual orientation and religious differences.
- Men must seek honest mutuality in their relationships with women in thought, word and deed.
- Men must recognize and critique their own power with regard to women, minorities and the poor, and use their power for justice in the world.
- There is a need for collaborating with like-minded groups and other faith traditions.
The MALEs program is open to:
- Men of all races and religions.
- Men seeking wisdom for the journey
- Grandfathers, fathers, sons, godsons and grandsons.
- Men without fathers.
- Young men at least 16 years old.
The MALEs program also sponsors various events that continue to explore specific issues of male spiritual development. These events are open and applicable for all men, regardless of whether or not they have gone through the Men’s Rites of Passage program.
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