Madre Grande Monastery
A Sacred site for healing, teaching, ceremony, and celebration
Once begun, there is no obligation to continue or complete any Friar Program, and an individual may opt out or resign at their discretion.
Becoming a full-fledged monk is not always an option for most people, and yet many wish to give energy to the work of the Order and belong to Madre Grande in some official capacity. The Friar Program at Madre Grande Monastery is intended to allow active participation and membership of individuals in our physical mission and spiritual journey who are unable or not ready to make a full life commitment. We are continually adjusting and adapting the Friar program to better suit our needs and accommodate a wide variety and degree of commitment and contribution from friends and supporters.
We welcome your inquiry, and thank you for your interest and participation at whatever level feels right for you.
Friar Program
Friar of the Order. A Friar of the Order agrees to follow the five Paracelsian principles for one year, but does not take them on as Vows or undergo any initiation ceremonies. This degree is for our friends and supporters who wish to join our mission and demonstrate their affinity for our community and spiritual path without any formal commitment or obligation. A Friar of the Order is a lay member of the church, and is entitled to visit Madre Grande Monastery and utilize the grounds and facilities when available. Reservations and confirmation are required prior to all visits.
To become a Friar of the Order please fill out the application form and sincerely agree to use the five Paracelsian vows as guiding principles in your daily life for one year. There are no dues, but donations are gratefully accepted. ($50 per year is suggested.) You may return the completed form to us by mail, as an email attachment, or in person.
You can open and print out an application form here Friar Application. You will need Adobe or another PDF reader to open the file. (It may take a moment to load.) If you are unable to open or print the form,please Contact Us and we will email or mail one to you.
Friar of the Monastery. A Friar of the Monastery is a “wandering monk”, and the requirements are virtually the same as Becoming A Monk. To become a Friar of the Monastery one must come to the Monastery and reside for six months before acceptance as a Postulant. The Minor Orders can then be started. A Friar of the Monastery need not reside at the monastery full time, but is expected to return regularly for social visits, service work, teachings, and initiation ceremonies. Upon completion of the Minor Orders, the Postulant may request to become a Friar of the Monastery. A newly initiated Friar remains in Novice status for one year, and may then apply to become Simply Professed, and one year later Life Professed. Professed Friars of the Monastery have the same voting rights and responsibilities as Monks of the same degree, without full time residency rights or requirements.
If you feel a connection and perhaps a calling to the community and purpose of Madre Grande Monstery and the Paracelsian Order, but are not ready or able to live at the monastery and begin the path of becoming a monk, then perhaps you may wish to become a Friar. There are several categories or types of Friar, each with its specific requirements and benefits.