About us - Illinois Midwest Men as Learners and Elders

WELCOME TO ILLINOIS MIDWEST M.A.L.E.s

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM has been exploring issues of male spirituality since 1987. Out of this study, Richard established the Men's Rites of Passage to help guide men through a formal initiation process. Men As Learners and Elders (M.A.L.Es) was established in 2002 to carry out the vision of creating a school for male spiritual development by expanding the scope of Men’s Rites of Passage throughout the country and abroad. One of the goals of M.A.L.Es is to form an extended network of initiated men and leaders who have an ecumenical vision of Gospel based male initiation. These initiated men will then serve as elders in providing leadership and guidance in spiritual development for other men of future generations.

Men as Learners and Elders is open to:

Men of all races and religions
Men seeking wisdom for the journey
Grandfathers, fathers, sons, godsons and grandsons
Men without fathers
Young men at least 16 years old

Men as Learners and Elders also sponsors various events and retreats that continue to explore specific issues of male spiritual development. These events are open and applicable for all men, regardless of whether or not they have gone through the Men’s Rites of Passage program. For the latest schedule of events click on our Events page.

WHERE WE MEET

We meet at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois and often have time of solitude and silence on the beautiful surrounding grounds. We believe that God is present in every person, event, and experience of our lives. Sometimes we need to get away or slow down to listen to our life – to the voice of God. The belief that God speaks through and embraces every experience of our life underlies all the programs we offer.

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ABOUT OUR WORK

There is a growing number of men located in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois who have completed the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) developed by Richard Rohr. We meet regularly to encourage and grow together as men and brothers in this modern age. We desire to reach out to all men in our region. If you would like to learn more about us or have questions, use the Contact Us link above.

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OUR HISTORY

Over the past 10 years we have gathered annually to connect around our interest in male spirituality. We also sponsor meetings and retreats for men. Many of us have attended meetings and retreats of our neighboring Indiana/Michigan MALEs region. There is a national umbrella group called Illuman that supports the regional MALEs groups.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

I value being reminded by fellow seekers that I am not perfect, but I am forgiven and a Beloved Son of God.

Rick Eby
…the focus of my experiences with men who are “on the journey” have helped me to deal with who I am as a man, particularly in relation to my own father and my sons.

Jamey Bontrager-Singer
We must share in our suffering, in our joy. Its the fabric of humanity.

Jared Adams
…we voiced our fears, joys, sorrows, anger and shame to one another. We didn’t talk back, we didn’t judge. We simply listened.

David Wenger
Seeing the beauty of nature…refreshes me and helps me think about the larger issues of life.

Tom Lehman
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Ann Taylor, Ann's Blog
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Jake Mulle, Simple Web INC.
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John Doe, Highend User

Who We Are

Illinois MALEs Midwest Chapter

Illinois MALEs is a group of men, many of whom have completed the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) created by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM. Our goal is to promote spiritual growth, healing, and wholeness for all men. We do this by holding retreats, encouraging men to be honest and open with each other and helping men to connect through small group meetings which offer fellowship, growth and accountability.

WE ARE LED BY A COUNCIL OF ELDERS CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING MEN:

Bob Colaresi, Chris Day, John Eustice, Gary Meagher, Jack Moller and Bill McElroy.

WHERE TO BEGIN…

So you’re interested in male spirituality, now what?

Our recommendations:

We’ve compiled a short list here of the following links to what we would suggest for the most immediate things for you to do.

Subscribe to Richard Rohr’s daily meditations
Sign up for our Illinois mailing list/newsletter.
Read Richard Rohr’s books, especially: From Wild Man to Wise Man
Contact our Convener, Bob Colarisi to attend our events and to sign up for an MROP