Men's Rites of Passage Illinois 2008

The Illinois Men's Rites of Passage Illinois will be at Pilgrim Park, Illinois from August 13 to 17, 2008. Pilgrim Park is in north central Illinois near Starved Rock State Park and Princeton, IL.

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.



Register Now at Fr. Richard Rohr's Web site www.malespirituality.org, Click Here