As Scottish Rite Freemasons, we embark on the journey of a lifetime – a journey towards becoming better men by seeking more light through the lessons bestowed through our Core Values and in our 29 degrees. Our Pathfinder Program was created to guide you on this journey, offering numerous opportunities to learn more about the many facets of the Scottish Rite, NMJ and uncover the road that best serves your needs and interest.
This summer, you can check off a plethora of Mile Markers to continue your Masonic journey and discover the experiences, knowledge, and lifelong friendships that will help you become the best version of yourself. Below we’ve listed our top five Pathfinder activities that will help you progress in your Pathfinder journey this season.
1. Make Brother-to-Brother Calls
Guide Book Code: PF-VL_001
Waypoint: Valley Life
Make a difference in a Brother’s life by making a minimum of ten Brother-to-Brother calls. When you’ve completed your calls, write down in your Field Book how this action made you feel and the impact these calls may have had on your fellow Brothers. Learn more in the Pathfinder Guide Book.
2. Reflect On What You Want to Achieve as a Scottish Rite Mason
Guide Book Code: PF-SI_011
Waypoint: Self-Improvement
Pathfinder was created to help you explore the various facets of our fraternity and uncover the components of life as a Scottish Rite Mason that bring you joy. The beauty of 32nd degree Freemasonry is the opportunity for each member to take something different from their membership experience.
After all, as some may remember from the Chamber of Reflection: “A man who has undertaken a thing after mature reflection seldom turns back.”
To ensure you get the most out of Pathfinder and your Scottish Rite, NMJ experience, complete Mile Marker PF-SI_011 and reflect on the prompt “What do you want to achieve from your participation in the Scottish Rite? What are you trying to improve about yourself and what do you hope to find on this path?” When you’ve completed this, create a post detailing your thoughts in the Pathfinder Facebook Group.
3. Encourage Masonic Friends to Participate in Pathfinder
Guide Book Code: PF-EP_001
Waypoint: Enrichment Programs
Encourage three newer Scottish Rite members to get involved in Pathfinder this summer! Joining a new fraternity can be a daunting experience for new Brothers; Pathfinder can help them navigate the many elements of the Scottish Rite and ensure they experience all we have to offer.
Arrange a time to speak with a new Brother personally and describe to them how you think Pathfinder could enhance their Scottish Rite experience. Better yet, offer to be a resource for them as they work through the program! You can direct them to our Pathfinder website page to learn more.
You can also encourage a Brother to sign up for a Pathfinder Open House, taking place the second Wednesday of every month at 7 PM ET. Direct them to this link to learn more and add the event to their calendar!
Record your general impressions of these conversations and obtain the signature of each Brother in your Field Book entry.
4. Organize or Participate in a Food Drive or Local Pantry
Guide Book Code: PF-SP_002
Waypoint: Service and Philanthropy
Service to Humanity is a Core Value that we, as Scottish Rite Masons, strive to live by each and every day. Lend a helping hand to those in need this season by organizing or participating in a local food drive or pantry. It’s an opportunity to not only give back to the community, but also gather Brethren for some fun, summer bonding! Upon completion, reflect and record your experience in your Field Book.
5. Contribute a Best Practices or article to the Supreme Council on a successful Valley Event or Initiative
Guide Book Code: PF-EP_012
Waypoint: Enrichment Programs
With Reunion season closed or nearly over, the summer is an ideal time to contemplate what went well in your Valley over the last year. Did your Valley host an impactful degree conferral? Did you find ways to grow your membership? Engage Brothers? Share your insights and learnings with Supreme Council and help other Valleys improve their operations, marketing, and Brotherhood! You can propose a contributed article for our website to Supreme Council at [email protected].
Once you’ve completed this task, reflect and record your findings in your Field Book.
Make the Most of Your Journey of a Lifetime
Whether you are a newly initiated 32° Scottish Rite Mason or have been a member for decades, there are many paths forward. Let Pathfinder help you find yours. As Brother Ward Grossman from the Valley of Portland expressed, “The knowledge I've been able to get from this program is everything I need to learn more about Scottish Rite. I learned more about the organization than I knew existed. This is excellent. I just want to express sincerest thank you to your program, and all involved.”
For more information on each Waypoint and Mile-Marker, download our Pathfinder Guide Book. To record your progress, download the Pathfinder Field Book Kit.
The path towards enlightenment never truly ends. Learn more about Pathfinder here and get started on your Journey of a Lifetime today.