Volume 44, Issue 07 JULY 2024
Venerable Master, Director of Education
James McCallion
7th Moon Cycle: The Wisdom of Compassion & The Law of Love
In July, during the 7th Moon Cycle, we focus on the medicine of Clan Mother "Loving the Truth," who loves all things, and instructs us on the wisdom of compassion.
It is here that we are taught that "every action of physical life is as sacred as our spiritual growth, and that when we behave as if all acts are sacred, there is no judgement (Sams)."
To love all things embodies unconditional love, and just as the light of Grandfather Sun provides warmth and lifegiving sustenance indiscriminately, so should we bestow this intent upon our fellow man. We see this complimented in the 8th verse of the Tao Te Ching; "The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to." Like Wu-Wei, it offers without needing replenishment. In Norse Shamanism, it is the Urðarbrunnr, the well or water source that gives eternal life to the forever green Yggdrasil, the Norse "Tree of Life."
I've found an interesting parallel between these and the lessons of the 18th Degree Knight of Rose Croix.
According to Robert G. Davis, 33rd GC, "the 18th degree completes the second Quest, the quest to strengthen, purify and direct the spark of the divine which we are progressively discovering in ourselves. The final step in this quest is to truly understand the basis of our relationship with others... and that is found with the Law of Love."
As Masons, it is deeply impressed upon us, the inherent duty of charity, but what is charity? Derived from the Latin "Caritas," it was defined by St. Thomas Aquinas as "the friendship of man for God," which "unites us to God." This tends to be the underlying theme in his great work Summa Theologiae, a comprehensive work into the nature of God, ethics, and human reason.
Caritas is where we get words like Character (the essence of self), Charisma (the persuasion of self), and Charity (the acknowledgement of self in others).
While it's been a topic of debate for centuries by religious scholars, I believe there is a higher love, one that encapsulates the wisdom of compassion, and exemplifies the wells and waters of perpetual and infinite spiritual nourishment.
"I know what it's like to be you." I know what it is like to be hungry, so if you are hungry, I will feed you. I know if I were hungry, I'd want you to feed me. "I give you food because I know what it is like to be you."
Agape can be defined as the unconditional God Love, or God's perfect Love. It is the act of contributing to the betterment of your brothers and sisters in this World through the spirit of your identification with the Godhead. The brother or sister, or animal, or even flower that you bestow some sort of charity upon, you are sharing identity in the Unity of God.
While Charity may be the acknowledgement of self in others, Agape is the acknowledgement of God in another (Namaste). You think that recognizing God in yourself is hard? Try recognizing God in someone else with whom you are at odds. This is Agape.
I ask that in the month of July, you meditate on how you can work towards loving the truth, by loving all things through the eyes of the Godhead and employing agape.
On a sidenote, I am happy to announce that the Academy of Reflection will host our first meditation session in July. Be sure to attend July's stated meeting and RSVP with me for this event. More info can be found at OCScottishRite.org/introduction-to-the-academy-of-reflection.
Aho,
Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
The Orange County Valley Scottish Rite Bodies (Lodge of
Perfection, Chapter Rose Croix, Council of Kadosh, and
Consistory) now meet on the 2nd Monday of each month at
6:30 pm in our new home, the Orange Masonic Center,
located at 71 Plaza Square, Orange, California.
Wise Master,
Russ Hennings, 32°
The Symbolism of the Rose
I would like to take a moment to reflect upon a topic close to our hearts — the profound symbolism of the rose within our Scottish Rite Masonic tradition. While often regarded as a mere flower, the rose holds a significance that transcends its physical form, serving as a powerful emblem of enlightenment and renewal. In our rituals and teachings, the rose occupies a special place, particularly within the Chapter Rose Croix. Here, the rose is not merely a decorative motif but a symbol of profound meaning, evoking feelings of love, hope, and spiritual awakening. Originating from the term "Rose Croix," or "Rosy Cross," the rose carries deep Christian symbolism, drawing parallels to the life and sacrifice of Christ. However, its interpretation within the Scottish Rite extends beyond religious boundaries, embracing a message of inclusivity and tolerance—a universal symbol of love and rebirth that resonates with Masons of all faiths.
Beyond its spiritual connotations, the rose holds romantic significance, symbolizing love, passion, and devotion. The act of presenting a rose to a loved one transcends mere sentimentality, embodying the depth of affection and appreciation shared between individuals. The rose finds resonance in various religious ceremonies, where its color holds special significance. Whether placed on the altar to commemorate life's milestones or offered as a token of remembrance, the rose serves as a poignant reminder of life's cyclical nature—the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
As Masons, we not only admire the beauty of the rose but internalize its timeless wisdom and virtues. We should embody the spirit of renewal and enlightenment symbolized by the rose, embracing its message of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening. As we continue our quest for enlightenment, may the symbolism of the rose guide us on our path, inspiring us to seek truth, wisdom, and brotherly love.
Commander of Kadosh
Alejo Velarde, 32°
Scottish Rite Super Breakfast
We are excited to invite you to our next Scottish Rite Super Breakfast Sunday October 13th, 2024! Join us for a delightful morning filled with delicious food, warm fellowship, and plenty of fun. Our talented Brother Matias Napoli will be preparing a mouthwatering breakfast that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
This isn't just any breakfast; it's a wonderful opportunity to spend a beautiful Sunday morning with your brothers, family, and friends. Our exciting menu features waffle stations, a variety of meats, potatoes, breakfast burritos, and more. And who knows what delightful surprises Chef Matias has in store for us!
If you can't attend, we still value your support. Please consider donating to help sustain our Valley. Every contribution makes a difference. F
or those who can join us, mark your calendars for Sunday, October 13th, at the Orange Grove Masonic Center located at 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866. The cost is $15.00 per adult and $8.00 for children ten years and under. To reserve your spot, mail your check to our office with the included return envelope, specifying the number of attendees. You can also pay for your tickets at the door, online, or by contacting our office via phone or email. For online reservations, please visit www.ocscottishrite.org.
We can't wait to share this special breakfast experience with you. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen our bonds of brotherhood. See you there!
ORANGE COUNTY SCOTTISH RITE
UPCOMING EVENTS
Master of Kadosh
Barry McKinley, 32°
Caps, Rings, Setting Mauls, and Fellowship
Dear Brothers of the Orange County Scottish Rite,
It is with great joy that I share the highlights of our recent cap and ring ceremony for our newest Masters of the Royal Secret. The ceremony was a truly wonderful occasion, marked by the presence of many of our dedicated brothers. Witnessing the dedication and enthusiasm of our newest members was inspiring and serves as a testament to the enduring strength and appeal of our fraternity.
The attendance at our meetings continues to grow, reflecting the vitality and commitment within our valley. It is heartening to see not only our brothers but also our ladies actively participating through the Blue Slipper Club activities. Their involvement adds a valuable dimension to our gatherings, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Looking ahead, I am excited to remind everyone about the upcoming Setting Maul dinner on July 27th. This event promises to be a memorable evening filled with fellowship and learning. If you have not already signed up, I encourage you to do so soon. The Setting Maul dinner is an excellent opportunity for newly raised Master Masons to learn more about what we are about, deepen their understanding of our traditions, and connect with fellow brothers.
As we continue to grow and evolve, let us embrace these opportunities to strengthen our bonds and further our Masonic journey together. Your active participation and support are what make our valley vibrant and thriving.
A Message From...
General Secretary
Jamie Hopkins, 32° KCCH
June was an active month in the Valley of Orange County. We had an outstanding Cap & Ring Ceremony for our newest Brothers immediately following our June Stated Meeting. Grateful thanks to Honorable Brother Olivier, Honorable Brother McCallion, Brother Barry Mckinley and all the other members who helped make this event so successful. A good dinner capped off the night. Our new location at Orange Grove Lodge is serving us well.
At our meeting, our PR Ralph Shelton 33° discussed the progress our Valley is making with improved attendance. The Masonic education being offered with our online Master Craftsman program fill the needs of both our newer Brothers and our longtime members. The simple registration for this program is on our Supreme Council website (scottishrite.org). Please check out our Valley website (scottishrite.org) which has been entirely revamped. We thank Brother Shawn Bell for all of his good work on this project. Our website now has a tab that leads to the RiteCare Language Center of Orange County website. Brothers can read up on the services provided by the OC Language Center that we support. Also, donations can be made online at this site.
Our July Stated Meeting will be on July 8th at 6:30 pm at the Orange Grove Lodge. Please come out to enjoy good fellowship and to support your Valley. Have a great 4th of July!
Start The New Master Craftsman Program Now
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Personal Representative
The Scottish Rite offers a deeper understanding of Masonic philosophy, and one fantastic way to begin and continue your journey is through the Master Craftsman program. And now, the program is available as an online course.
There are a number of advantages to the new Master Craftsman program. It is designed to allow you to proceed at your own pace, all of the materials can be obtained in digital format, and now Master Craftsman goes where you go. You can log in and pick up where you left off, move from device to device, and there's no longer a need to lug huge books around!
There are now seven courses, and they are all affordable. The price of enrollment starts at - FREE. You can begin with "Why 33?", a course in contemplating the questions that gave birth to the Scottish Rite Research Society, learn more about the basic teachings of the Blue Lodge in "The Master's Steps", and take a deep dive into the history of the Rite, study all of the degrees so that you can really get the most out of them, and really expose yourself to all of the wisdom available in the meaningful ritual of the Rite.
Every member of our Valley is encouraged to take a look at the Master Craftsman program, and learn a little more about the Scottish Rite and all it has to offer. Whether you want to be a leader of the Valley or just better understand the meaning of the Scottish Rite lessons better, the program truly has something for everyone.
Go to https://www.mastercraftsmancollege.org/ to learn more, contact the General Secretary for assistance, or reach out to me for guidance. Believe me - the Master Craftsman program will enlighten you, refresh your view of the fraternity, and the more of our members who participate, the stronger and better our Valley will be.
An Update From...
RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County
Laurie Lennon Thompson, M.S., CCC-SLP
May was National Speech, Language, and Hearing Month! Posted on our walls for all to read, were reasons that each one of our SLP supervisors and student clinicians chose to be a part of this field. Our office was decorated with balloons, and we had a free raffle for our families and clinicians. For each attended session, the child received a raffle ticket, and winners were chosen at the end of the month. It was fun to hear two brothers figure out that they would have a better chance of winning because there were two of them earning raffle tickets!
June 14th is the end of our academic calendar for the 2023- 2024 school year. We made such a difference in so many families’ lives by providing evaluations, therapy, and making referrals. We helped a family who recently moved to California navigate the public school system and provided services for their children until the process was completed. The mother felt so empowered by the knowledge that we gave her, she was able to confidently approach her district and get positive changes made for her child once school starts again in the Fall.
As we send our current student clinicians into their first jobs as SLP’s, we excitedly await a new group of Chapman University graduate clinicians to join us in serving our families here at CLC in the Fall.
RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County |
A Community Program of the Scottish Rite Foundation for Children with Speech and Language Challenges |
 |
Speech Language Pathologists• Leah Beekman, Ph.D. CCC-SLP • Chris Switzer, MA CCC-SLP• Laurie Lennon-Thompson, MS CCC-SLP• Francine Wenhardt, MS CCC-SLP How To SupportPlease support your RiteCare Childhood Language Center by making an individual, group, or company donation.
Support our Center by becoming a member: President’s Circle: A donation of $500 or more each year supports one child at the center for a year 365 Club: A donation of $365 each year Center Club: A donation of $100 each year This Year's Supporters of the RiteCare Childhood Language CenterPresident’s Circle Members ($500 or more)Ted Segerstrom, 32° KCCH ● Ill. Donald Tapia, 33° ● Ill. Art Salazar, 33° ● Jim Andronaco, Sidepath ● Nick Villasenor, 32° ● Ill. James D. Nyfeler, 33° ● Ill. David Kussman, 33° ● Ill. Frankie Rosario, 33° ● Cristi Shinn ● David & Deni Frias ● Joe Manning, Manning Law ● Chase May, 32° ● Dr. Mary Kennedy ● Daniel Dunn ● Andrew and Palmera Todd ● Jeff Tran 365 Club Members ($365 each year)Cliff Carpenter, 32° Center Club Members ($100 each year)Thomas Mathisen ● Deanna K Zawistowski ● David W. Lockwood, 32° ● Frederick R. McCuistion, Jr ● Nathan Fay ● Richard Christy ● Muthurangam Balasubramaniam ● Russ Hennings, 32°
For information please contact: Chairman Jack Hennings, Jr., 32° (949) 683-4747 |
Personal Representative of the SGIG Orient of California
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
I am so very proud of our Valley. I really mean that. Not long ago, we had a handful of members at our monthly meetings, now we're filling the chairs in the lodge room and the dining room. We have gradually addressed the areas that needed work, and your Valley leaders have done remarkable work. Here's a brief and likely incomplete list of accomplishments over the past 10 months:
• Great programs - We've had some fun times, informative speakers and inter-Valley visits and are gathering Masons from all over Orange County
• Positive growth - We have had net positive membership, reversing the trend, and have initiated more new members than we have in a very long time
• Engagement is up - we are averaging well over 30 members per meeting, spouses and significant others are beginning to come as well - Be sure to welcome the Blue Slipper Club. Members we haven't seen in a while are coming back, too
• Dinners are really, really improved - we are enjoying a variety of well prepared meals, now with actual plates, flatware and table coverings - last month we even had centerpieces
• The Knights are back - Our Knights of St. Andrew are going strong, acclimating newer members to the Valley and providing support everywhere
• Degrees are tracking - Each reunion has been an improvement over the last, and with our increased engaged numbers, we are filling casts, degree master roles and bringing back stagecraft
• The new home is awesome - Meeting at the Orange Masonic Center is great. It brings a warm, Masonic feeling to our gatherings - meetings, breakfasts and other events feel so right in this setting
• Education is booming - More and more members are participating in the various educational initiatives (Master Craftsman, anyone?)
There's more, I'm sure, this is what came to mind immediately. I'm excited for our Valley's future, and very proud of our leadership for what they're accomplishing.
Last month I mentioned a few brothers in particular, and this month I'll do the same for slightly different reasons. This month's shout-outs are:
Our General Secretary, Hon. Jamie Hopkins, 32°, KCCH, he really keeps us on the rails.
Bro. Alejo Velarde, 32°, Commander of Kadosh, and Bro. Barry McKinley, 32°, Master of Kadosh. These two heads of bodies have been instrumental in building out your Valley leadership. Bros. Alejo and Barry are both past masters, and are both Inspectors - Alejo of the 901st Masonic DIstrict, and Barry of the new 917th Masonic District.
Bro. Russ Hennings, 32°, Wise Master, who serves our Valley faithfully and never fails to show up, pitch in and get the job done. He is also the guy behind Moonbeam, the marketing and communication firm that's doing such a great job for the California Scottish Rite Foundation. More than that, he is the Assistant Grand Lecturer for Division IX. We are so lucky to have him on our team.
Erin McKinley and Jackie Shelton - these two ladies have been behind what was first called the ladies' program, then the spouses and partners program, and is now called the Blue Slipper Club. While the members hold the stated meeting each month, they ensure that spouses, partners and guests feel welcome and comfortable.
One more thing - as I write this, we're working on a few things that I think you'll all appreciate. These will roll out over the next several months, but I'll give you a taste of things to come:
• Our new Valley website, professionally designed and maintained, to be informative and useful, including online dinner reservations and payment
• The online petition for membership, to streamline and modernize the process of joining or Valley
• A remote engagement platform for our members who cannot physically attend but want to be an active part of our Valley
Yes, it's an exciting time to be a part of the Orange County Scottish Rite Bodies, and I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting
Summer dress code is now in effect - Business Casual!
Welcome to the Blue Slipper Club
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Personal Representative
In the past, our Valley had a "Ladies Activity" that occurred during the meeting, after which we'd all enjoy dinner. The spouses and partners are gathering again, now as the Blue Slipper Club! They enjoy activities of their choosing under their own independent leadership, and everyone chimes in about it. If you're a spouse/partner, you really should come check it out. They've enjoyed crafts, a bridal shower, baking and decorating, and are open to any suggestions that will drive engaggement. Valley members, be sure to let your significant other know they are welcome to join our growing group!
OC Scottish Rite's Future: Take the Survey!
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Personal Representative
As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and growth, we are reaching out to you for your valuable input.
We need to understand your perspectives, ideas, and priorities to achieve this. Your feedback will be instrumental in enhancing our social and fraternal actions, and ensuring that our programs and initiatives meet the needs and expectations of all our members.
This survey is essential; we need your opinions to help shape our future. Your contributions will have a lasting impact on the direction and success of the Orange County Scottish Rite, and I encourage you to spend a few minutes responding to this survey.
This is so important that if I would make participation mandatory, I would. Our Valley is growing, engagement flourishing, and to sustain our growth, we simply must have your feedback. Your responses will be kept confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of planning.
Thank you for your time, input, and dedication to the Orange County Scottish Rite. Together, we build a brighter future for our valley. You can find the survey here: https://bit.ly/OCSR-Survey
A Message From...
Editor
Andrew Todd
Calling all writers!
You don’t have to be a head of body or a member of the line to contribute to this
newsletter. If you have something to say from a masonic perspective — perhaps
insights into your masonic ruminations, scholarly endeavors you’d like to share,
or general news for the brethren — this newsletter is your conduit for those
ideas. I encourage any and all brothers who’d like to contribute something to this
newsletter to send their ideas to: editor@ocscottishrite.org
Fraternally,
Shawn E. Bell, 32° Editor
Comments