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Heart of Freemasonry

"Shifting Masonic Mindsets"

The Heart of Freemasonry is a mindset to shift Lodge culture, increase value, add to the Masonic experience of initiates and Lodges, and to build more knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated Masons

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  • See every man as an individual with goals and expectation; Respect, and take seriously, our Obligation to that one man.

  • Bond between two men; As a pattern to emulate for all other relationships.

  • Learning the Foundations of Freemasonry through study, discussion, internalizing, and ritual practice of the lectures, charges, openings/closings, and tools. Every Mason should work in the quarries and know what it means to be a Mason.

**This is NOT a Program created or distributed by any Grand Lodge, and should not conflict with any Grand Lodge law, policy or regulation.

 

It is the duty of the Worshipful Master to know and interpret the Constitution for their lodge. All Masons should be familiar with Grand Lodge policies, as well as their lodge by-laws. Actions determined by this Mindset should square with Masonic Law.**

The Heart of Freemasonry Movement Starts and Ends with Inductions

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  1. Determine Seriousness and Prospect Expectations. Get to know prospect well. Your Membership Coordinator, or trained designee, should determine the expectations of the Prospect(s). The Prospect(s) should meet with as many active members as possible, in various situations. Ask them to attend public events or public portions of meetings. Determine whether they serious about their journey. Consider the following: Do they ask serious questions? Why do they want to be a Mason? Why do they want to join Your Lodge? Why should they chose your Lodge over another? If they meet the culture, dedication, and seriousness expectations of the Lodge, after several meetings, they become an Aspirant.

  2. MC designates a Shepherd or Guide. This guide should build relationship with Aspirant over several weeks, or months, before offering a petition. If possible, you should complete a background check during this stage (with proper waivers and fees) early on. The Aspirant should continues to attend, socialize, and help out regularly to demonstrate commitment and build a close relationship with Brothers. (the Aspirant is earning the opportunity to petition the Lodge, and the Lodge is teaching the Aspirant about the serious and dedicated pursuit of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, as well as work, effort, and other Masonic Tenants. Through communication and experience he will expect the rest of this process to take time, be high value, and extremely fulfilling. He will also realize that this process is not a race, and that the journey is always more important than the destination. Ensure that the Guide is in contact weekly with the Aspirant. It may be months before initiation occurs and the aspirant should feel well connected.

  3. Assign a Mentor. Select or adjust Mentors based on needs or interests of Initiates. One Mentor should be responsible and ensure the initiates needs are being met, but an initiate can be mentored by more than one Brother. In that case, it should clear who he should turn to. The Mentor should be fully aware of the Masonic Law as it pertains to candidates, initiates, the Work, the Heart of Freemasonry, the Lodge standard operating procedure, and should have read the Lectures, Charge, Ritual, and Beyond the Northeast Corner. A Mentor can never be too prepared!

  4. Set Expectations/Understand the Choice. The initiates expectations should be monitored, and it should be made clear to him that he has the option to choose the path of deeper understanding, experience, and connection by working with his Mentor to build a plan and delay his degree work until he understands the E.A. degree. What follows is a time proven plan to build understanding of the Lecture, Charge, and Ritual (not memorization), as well as building a collection of Masonic experiences.

  5. Approach the West Gate. Set a final meeting with the Aspirant where a small group of Brothers will ask serious questions, such as: Why do you want to be a Mason? What drew you to the Craft? How will your contribution affect the lodge? Why are you here? Ensure also to ask questions that ensure that the man will be a harmonious fit for the lodge. Not every many should be a Mason, and even then not every Prospect is a fit for every Lodge. Be completely sure, but also make a demonstration of the seriousness the Lodge is taking the application process.

  6. Invite the Aspirant to Petition. The invitation process should be special for the candidate. They will be proud of their progress, and work, and will look forward to the effort that they will be expected to put in.

  7. Complete everything required by Masonic Law. Read aloud the Membership Program lectures, and help the initiate learn the basic lesson, as well as modes of recognition so they can be declared proficient and the continued worthiness vote can be completed as soon as possible. Follow Masonic Law. No other requirements can be imposed on the initiate at any stage. A possible path to deeper understanding and more opportunities to learn and grow can be presented by encouraging the candidate before the petition is accepted, and certainly before their degree.

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