YOUR SON AND DEMOLAY
This FAQ is produced for both parents of
DeMolays and non-DeMolays. Its purpose is to inform the general public
what a young man will derive from DeMolay membership. This booklet will
also clear up many misconceptions regarding qualifications for
membership and the purposes of the Order. The booklet was prepared by
compiling some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any
further questions or comments, we would be most happy to entertain
those.
---- FAQ
Index ----
The purposes are many. For one thing, the
Order does far more than just keep a young man busy. DeMolay has
carefully planned activities; planned by the members themselves-things
they really enjoy doing. Great emphasis is placed on serving other
people. We have no special charity; rather, we strive to help all in
need. Whether it's cleaning up a park or taking a food basket to people
less fortunate, the privilege of serving is our reward. . . and what
could be more rewarding than to help make a child's Christmas happy. . .
or visit a nursing home and see a forgotten face light up because they
know someone cares. And DeMolays do these things because they want to. .
. because it's just their way of life.
---- FAQ
Index ----
DeMolay teaches brotherhood. We feel that
we must treat each other as brothers in everything we say and do.All
DeMolays make a promise; a promise that he will lay down his life for
another member, if need be, like a brother. . . like a DeMolay.It's a
magic bond that develops among DeMolays; a feeling that they can tell
each other anything; can rely on each other; can help with the other
brothers' problems. As with so many young men of this age, being able to
just "get it off their chest" is half the battle. And what better person
is there to discuss them with than your brother?
---- FAQ
Index ----
WILL IT INTERFERE WITH
HIS SCHOOLWORK?
On the contrary, in DeMolay we teach that
our country's greatness depends on our public schools. A DeMolay meeting
is never opened until the schoolbooks are on our altar. We stress the
importance of high scholastic goals.
---- FAQ
Index ----
We pray to God. We ask His blessings on
the meetings. We ask for His guidance, His understanding. We thank Him
for what we have: our schools, our great country, the freedom we enjoy
and, of course, our loving parents.
---- FAQ
Index ----
Our ritual is the basis of our Order. It's
what sets DeMolay apart from every other organization.This ritual
remains virtually unchanged after nearly sixty years.The ritual is the
source of our initiations. The first section imparts in a young man's
mind the importance of clean and manly living. It explains the necessity
of honesty, loyalty and love of the world around him.The second part of
the initiation is like a thrilling drama. The members for the candidate
present this production. This play depicts the final days of our
namesake, Jacques DeMolay, who chose to give up his life rather than
betray his followers. From this example, we learn the importance of
loyalty, courage and brotherly love.The initiation is a ceremony of
great dignity; care is taken to make a lasting impression on the new
member.
Our initiations, unlike those of some
organizations, are serious, hard-hitting, designed to inform and
enlighten the candidate rather than embrace him.
---- FAQ
Index ----
WHAT ABOUT THE
SYMBOLISM?
We use certain symbols to remind us of
various things. Flowers are used during some ceremonies to remind us of
our mother's love. Candles stand for the seven cardinal virtues. None of
our symbols have any mystical meaning-none are even secret. These things
serve as reminders of what we stand for. They tend to add dignity and
impact to our ceremonies. Who can observe the purity of a candle flame,
or see a flower, or watch a young man kneel in prayer and not feel
closer to his God?
---- FAQ
Index ----
WHAT ABOUT RELIGION?
We feel a DeMolay's religious beliefs are
his personal business. We do not discuss religion in meetings, nor do we
try to influence a young man toward any particular religion. We do,
however, encourage regular church attendance. All DeMolays must profess
a belief in one living God prior to their admission. Young men of every
faith are members, whether they be Catholic, Jewish or Protestant, for
we feel each religion has its strong points and a young man's decision
must be his own toward a particular religion.
---- FAQ
Index ----
Your son will be involved with other young
men from all walks of life-from every financial background. These young
men have one thing in common-the magic spirit of brotherhood and this
spirit knows no barriers. The young men are dedicated to living lives
based on pride, brotherly love and service to others.
---- FAQ
Index ----
WHAT IS THE STATE
ORGANIZATION?
The Illinois Order of DeMolay is a
non-profit organization that administers DeMolay in the state.The state
is under the direction of the Executive Officer. This man is an Active
Member of the International Supreme Council, the international governing
body.His local representatives are District Deputies who help keep him
in touch with chapter affairs. His staff also includes several directors
who administer the organization. Each of these men is chosen for his
particular talent. They come from all walks of life and donate their
time to help your son get the very most from his DeMolay career.
Remember:
ILLINOIS DEMOLAY HAS NO
PAID STAFF...
Rather, hard working dedicated
individuals who deem it a privilege to serve the Order.
----
FAQ Index ----
WHO ARE THE LOCAL
LEADERS?
Every DeMolay chapter is sponsored by a
group of dedicated members of the Masonic fraternity. These men form an
Advisory Council or Board. The Board selects a Chairman to preside over
their meetings. One man is named to be Chapter Advisor or Dad. His job
is to work directly with the chapter members. The Chapter Dad is
carefully selected because of his ability to work with young men and
true desire to serve.
----
FAQ Index ----
|
