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Introduction
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The
California Masonic Candidate Mentor Program has been developed from a var=
iety
of successful instructional programs now in use in several Grand
Jurisdictions; including Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania,
Ohio, New York and Nevada. =
We
have freely borrowed from their publications and those of the Masonic Ser=
vice
Association. It is not just=
a
Lodge that the new candidate is joining, but a global fraternity.<=
br>
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In
participating with his Lodge, he participates with a universal brotherhoo=
d of
men, of like moral character, integrity, and reputation. The California Masonic Candidate
Mentor Program can be used by any lodge, large or small, and all lodges a=
re
urged to adopt it. This pro=
gram
is urgently needed for the advancement of Masonic knowledge so vital to t=
he
candidate, and consequently; for the success of your Lodge. The Mentor does not replace the
Candidate’s Coach, but working with him; can be used as a part of y=
our
Lodge’s successful education and renewal efforts.
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Each
Candidate who petitions our Fraternity is entitled to an explanation of t=
he
history, purpose, operation, symbolism, philosophy, obligation and ideals=
of
Freemasonry by his Counselor. This is not to be confused with the necessa=
ry
coaching of his ritual memory work by his Coach for advancement in the
degrees. Members advancing =
to
responsible positions in the Lodge should have sufficient knowledge to do=
an
effective job. Many start through the chairs shortly after becoming membe=
rs
and are Masters of their Lodges within a few years. Giving the new Candid=
ate
as much information as time will permit will make him a better member. As=
he
progresses, this knowledge will better qualify him to function as an offi=
cer,
should the opportunity arise for him to do so. It is necessary to support the i=
ntense
interest of the Candidate right from the start, and there is no better ti=
me
to do so than when he is receiving the degrees, and immediately thereafte=
r.
It is believed that this plan for Masonic Education within the Lodge will=
do
much to further the Candidates interest and increase his desire to take an
active part in the functions and activities of the Lodge
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The
Mentoring Program consists of assigning a well educated Brother to a
Candidate, to act as his mentor, educator, and companion for a period of =
up
to one year, thereby, creating an active, educated, and working Brother.<=
/font>
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The Mentoring Program together with the Grand Lodge of California Mason=
ic
Education material provides the necessary methodology to guarantee that e=
very
candidate and/or Brother is properly instructed in the fundamentals and
workings of the Craft. The
program is simple, practical, and economical. It is operated by the Lodge for =
the
candidate. It also creates a
close personal relationship between Lodge, Mentor, and our new Brother.
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The
letter to the Mentor from the Lodge Master explains what needs to be
taught. Emphasis will be gi=
ven
during the training to that which is esoteric ritual and cannot be improp=
erly
revealed and that, which is exoteric and can thus be disclosed.
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Lodge
Master assigns Mentor to Candidate upon election to receive the Degrees of
Masonry. The Lodge Master s=
ends
letter (sample enclosed) to Mentor, letter (sample enclosed) to Candidate=
and
letter (sample enclosed) to Wife of Candidate, explaining and outlining t=
he
process. The Mentor should =
make
arrangements to either drive the Candidate to the Lodge or meet him there=
one
hour prior to the Entered Apprentice Degree. It is intended in either case th=
at the
mentor should stay with the Candidate after as well as prior to each
degree. He introduces Candi=
date
to Lodge members and makes him feel comfortable and relaxed prior to
initiation.
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After
the Entered Apprentice Degree, the “Walkabout” may be perform=
ed.
(See “Walkabout”) The Mentor will then meet with the Candidate
and discuss the prescribed questions concerning the Entered Apprentice
Degree.
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One-hour
prior to the Fellowcraft Degree, the Mentor will meet with the Candidate =
and
stay with him at the Lodge until he is prepared for passing, and then aft=
er
the degree to answer any immediate questions.
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Prior to
the Master Mason Degree, the Mentor will meet with the Candidate and disc=
uss
the questions concerning the Fellowcraft Degree. He will bring the Candidate to t=
he
Lodge for his Master Mason Degree and stay with him until he is prepared =
for
raising, and then after the degree to answer any immediate questions.
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After
being raised to Master Mason, the Mentor will meet with the Candidate and
will discuss the questions concerning the Third Degree.
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The
Mentor will bring the new Master Mason to at least four Lodge functions.<=
/font>
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The
Mentor will accompany the new brother on a visitation to another Lodge in
their area and instruct him on the proper use of the “Test OathR=
21;.
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