Quote from: RRLE on May 08, 2010, 09:02:29 PM

QuoteI'd ask how one can inquire about joining the Masons but this is CT so I'll stop here

At one time you could not apply to be a Mason, you had to be invited to membership by an existing Mason. I have no idea if that is still their policy.

For the historians among us, if you research Masons also research the Anti-Masonic Party founded in NYS in 1828. The Masons might be the only private club that ever had a formal opposition political party that fielded candidates for political office. I have no idea if the anti-Masons like funny hats or regular hats.

Interesting, that makes sense since its still "secretive" in a way.  Maybe I better start working on my loyalty to CAP 24/7

I am so sorry, but you are so wrong.. You will never be invited to be a mason..  To be one, ask one..  More than that exposes me to mortal danger..

Masons don't market, but rather wait for the inquiry and when thats made, you'll have to officially petition the Lodge, and be subject to a (membership review like) board that convenes in private after your petition. But to start, just ask one. They will take it from there.

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
Masons (Freemasons) are a fraternal organization ( or secret society, depending on your historical perspective) that originated from hazy beginnings in the 16-17th centuries. They have a central metaphysical belief charter, but there are a number of different orders or "rites" with varying levels,  of membership. Their history is very fascinating, and many of America's founding fathers were masons, and their symbols and symbolism pervades every aspect of American life from out money design to out national architecture. Much of there metaphorical imagery concerns actual bricklaying, or masonry. They have a lot of spin-off groups you have probably heard of, like the Shriners and their hospitals. They tend to like funny hats, and had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons. They have a lot in common with CAP: They do public service and really like funny hats and incomprehensible regulations. Unlike CAP, they have tens of different levels of grade, or "degrees" depending somewhat on their particular rite.

Major Lord
(Not a Mason)

I fully support any organization that wears funny hats as Major non-Mason Lord points out.     I am not a Mason but my father is.  I liked the comment above that the organization makes good men better.  Then there are the Shriners, who I think do tremendous good with their childrens' hospitals.  And they too wear funny hats, namely, the fez, and many drive miniature cars and motorcycles in parades. 

One thing that I've noticed and have learned from talking to Masons and members of other fraternal organizations is that like CAP, their memberships are aging.  I don't know if it is because of the changing roles of men through the years, time, expense, or whatever, but many of these public service organizations are endangered because their members are dying off.  I'm not much of a joiner myself but I think these types of groups have played an important role in the shaping of our country, doing good works, giving people moral leadership, and providing a sense of community. 

Quote from: AirAux on May 08, 2010, 09:07:39 PM
I am so sorry, but you are so wrong.. You will never be invited to be a mason..  To be one, ask one..  More than that exposes me to mortal danger..

[/b]

Ist Degree Mason Oath: "I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without the least equivocation, mental reservation, or self evasion of mind in me whatever; binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea at low watermark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours; so help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same."

They get a little more serious at the higher levels.....

Major (not a Mason) Lord

^ Yes, to become a Mason, you just need ask one.  Until recently, a Mason could not invite you to join.  In Pa., a Mason may now invite a "worthy" man to join the fraternity. Each jurisdiction or Grand Lodge has its own rules.  If you're interested in joining, call the Grand Lodge in your state for more information on membership.  The more CT Masons, the better chance we have of taking over...

Quote from: FW on May 08, 2010, 09:59:58 PM
^ Yes, to become a Mason, you just need ask one.  Until recently, a Mason could not invite you to join.  In Pa., a Mason may now invite a "worthy" man to join the fraternity. Each jurisdiction or Grand Lodge has its own rules.  If you're interested in joining, call the Grand Lodge in your state for more information on membership.  The more CT Masons, the better chance we have of taking over...

Can I suggest a a name for your group? How about "Capilluminati" we could use a few more good conspiracies.........

Major (not a Mason) Lord

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons

What secret organization did the Catholic Church create?

If you are referring to the Knights of Columbus, you are WAY wrong

Worthy Sir Knight William F. Hobbs Jr.
KofC Council 996
Assembly 25

Quote from: cap235629 on May 08, 2010, 10:17:31 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons

What secret organization did the Catholic Church create?

If you are referring to the Knights of Columbus, you are WAY wrong

Worthy Sir Knight William F. Hobbs Jr.
KofC Council 996
Assembly 25

The KofC (not the chicken frying people) was a purely American creation, founded with the backing of the Church to allow Catholics to have a fraternity ( and good life insurance) In Connecticut. Its a Corporation. The founder, a Catholic priest by the name of Michael J. McGivney has been offered as a Candidate for Sainthood. They wear funny hats, but have swords just in case someone makes fun of them being dressed like Napolean.

There are a number of "secret orders" of the Catholic Church, but since you have not heard about them, I will have to assume that you have not been read-in since your clearance is not high enough 

Happy Anniversary William! Don't put your eye out!

Major (Not a Knight)  Lord

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 10:39:32 PM

Quote from: cap235629 on May 08, 2010, 10:17:31 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons

What secret organization did the Catholic Church create?

If you are referring to the Knights of Columbus, you are WAY wrong

Worthy Sir Knight William F. Hobbs Jr.
KofC Council 996
Assembly 25

The KofC (not the chicken frying people) was a purely American creation, founded with the backing of the Church to allow Catholics to have a fraternity ( and good life insurance) In Connecticut. Its a Corporation. The founder, a Catholic priest by the name of Michael J. McGivney has been offered as a Candidate for Sainthood. They wear funny hats, but have swords just in case someone makes fun of them being dressed like Napolean.

There are a number of "secret orders" of the Catholic Church, but since you have not heard about them, I will have to assume that you have not been read-in since your clearance is not high enough 

Happy Anniversary William! Don't put your eye out!

Major (Not a Knight)  Lord

Wow you need clearance in these things? Are these fraternities that dangerous?

I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you.....

Major Lord

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 10:50:26 PM
I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you.....

Major Lord

Well then I guess I am not interested there are plenty of other public service orgs out there that aren't so secretive.

Quote from: FW on May 08, 2010, 09:59:58 PM
^ Yes, to become a Mason, you just need ask one.  Until recently, a Mason could not invite you to join.  In Pa., a Mason may now invite a "worthy" man to join the fraternity. Each jurisdiction or Grand Lodge has its own rules.  If you're interested in joining, call the Grand Lodge in your state for more information on membership.  The more CT Masons, the better chance we have of taking over...

Way to start conspiracy theories, Colonel.   

My Uncle was a Shriner, member of the El Jebel Drovers (Horses, not funny cars). They didn't have much time for world domination. What I picked up from him besides the sense of community was a brotherhood.

Quote from: tdepp on May 08, 2010, 09:54:52 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
Masons (Freemasons) are a fraternal organization ( or secret society, depending on your historical perspective) that originated from hazy beginnings in the 16-17th centuries. They have a central metaphysical belief charter, but there are a number of different orders or "rites" with varying levels,  of membership. Their history is very fascinating, and many of America's founding fathers were masons, and their symbols and symbolism pervades every aspect of American life from out money design to out national architecture. Much of there metaphorical imagery concerns actual bricklaying, or masonry. They have a lot of spin-off groups you have probably heard of, like the Shriners and their hospitals. They tend to like funny hats, and had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons. They have a lot in common with CAP: They do public service and really like funny hats and incomprehensible regulations. Unlike CAP, they have tens of different levels of grade, or "degrees" depending somewhat on their particular rite.

Major Lord
(Not a Mason)

I fully support any organization that wears funny hats as Major non-Mason Lord points out.     I am not a Mason but my father is.  I liked the comment above that the organization makes good men better.  Then there are the Shriners, who I think do tremendous good with their childrens' hospitals.  And they too wear funny hats, namely, the fez, and many drive miniature cars and motorcycles in parades. 

One thing that I've noticed and have learned from talking to Masons and members of other fraternal organizations is that like CAP, their memberships are aging.  I don't know if it is because of the changing roles of men through the years, time, expense, or whatever, but many of these public service organizations are endangered because their members are dying off.  I'm not much of a joiner myself but I think these types of groups have played an important role in the shaping of our country, doing good works, giving people moral leadership, and providing a sense of community.

Quote from: JC004 on May 08, 2010, 11:37:37 PM

Quote from: FW on May 08, 2010, 09:59:58 PM
^ Yes, to become a Mason, you just need ask one.  Until recently, a Mason could not invite you to join.  In Pa., a Mason may now invite a "worthy" man to join the fraternity. Each jurisdiction or Grand Lodge has its own rules.  If you're interested in joining, call the Grand Lodge in your state for more information on membership.  The more CT Masons, the better chance we have of taking over...

Way to start conspiracy theories, Colonel.   

waaaa? who, me?...... :angel:

The only thing Masons can agree on is: eating a meal before a meeting (OK, we can't even agree on that...)

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 10:50:26 PM
I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you.....

Major Lord

Seriously, there is nothing done in Free Masonry which is contrary to any law, religion or moral code.  You just need to be over 18, male (this is a fraternity) and, able to make a free decision about membership.


What one does in their free time is their business......

FW,

I know that you guys are not likely to try and conquer the world, and I have nothing against the Freemasons, but the Catholic Church disagrees with you on being in conflict with "any religion" and bars Catholics from becoming Freemasons. I understand that the Freemasons have no trouble accepting Catholics, but if you do, you are accepting someone who has made a contrary allegiance. Catholics are not generally excommunicated anymore for joining, so maybe they are lightening up.....Remember how long it took them to undo their "2B" of Galileo?

Major Lord
(Dated a "Rainbow Girl" in high school!)

Quote from: mynetdude on May 08, 2010, 10:49:09 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 10:39:32 PM

Quote from: cap235629 on May 08, 2010, 10:17:31 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons

What secret organization did the Catholic Church create?

If you are referring to the Knights of Columbus, you are WAY wrong

Worthy Sir Knight William F. Hobbs Jr.
KofC Council 996
Assembly 25

The KofC (not the chicken frying people) was a purely American creation, founded with the backing of the Church to allow Catholics to have a fraternity ( and good life insurance) In Connecticut. Its a Corporation. The founder, a Catholic priest by the name of Michael J. McGivney has been offered as a Candidate for Sainthood. They wear funny hats, but have swords just in case someone makes fun of them being dressed like Napolean.

There are a number of "secret orders" of the Catholic Church, but since you have not heard about them, I will have to assume that you have not been read-in since your clearance is not high enough 

Happy Anniversary William! Don't put your eye out!

Major (Not a Knight)  Lord

Wow you need clearance in these things? Are these fraternities that dangerous?

Mynetdude,

You misunderstand. There is very little secret about the KofC ( except their secret recipe for fried chicken, and a couple of FOUO initiation ceremonies) and just being a male Catholic and a fondness for funny hats ( and being 18) can get you in. Their are a number of very secret and secretive organizations within the Catholic Church, and these are not the kind of thing you just fill out a form and apply for. I would not call them dangerous.

Major (not an Opus Dei Member) Lord

Somewhat on topic:
Masons and Shriners are awesome, and probably they are involved in CAP as said earlier they stand for many of the same things we do.

Daniel "Been a Shriners Hospital patient since 2 years old; and in two clinics there" Lewis

Quote from: Major Lord on May 09, 2010, 12:39:13 AM

Quote from: mynetdude on May 08, 2010, 10:49:09 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 10:39:32 PM

Quote from: cap235629 on May 08, 2010, 10:17:31 PM

Quote from: Major Lord on May 08, 2010, 08:17:16 PM
had issues with the Catholic Church, which responded by creating its own secret society of men who like to wear funny hats, and banned Catholics from becoming Masons

What secret organization did the Catholic Church create?

If you are referring to the Knights of Columbus, you are WAY wrong

Worthy Sir Knight William F. Hobbs Jr.
KofC Council 996
Assembly 25

The KofC (not the chicken frying people) was a purely American creation, founded with the backing of the Church to allow Catholics to have a fraternity ( and good life insurance) In Connecticut. Its a Corporation. The founder, a Catholic priest by the name of Michael J. McGivney has been offered as a Candidate for Sainthood. They wear funny hats, but have swords just in case someone makes fun of them being dressed like Napolean.

There are a number of "secret orders" of the Catholic Church, but since you have not heard about them, I will have to assume that you have not been read-in since your clearance is not high enough 

Happy Anniversary William! Don't put your eye out!

Major (Not a Knight)  Lord

Wow you need clearance in these things? Are these fraternities that dangerous?

Mynetdude,

You misunderstand. There is very little secret about the KofC ( except their secret recipe for fried chicken, and a couple of FOUO initiation ceremonies) and just being a male Catholic and a fondness for funny hats ( and being 18) can get you in. Their are a number of very secret and secretive organizations within the Catholic Church, and these are not the kind of thing you just fill out a form and apply for. I would not call them dangerous.

Major (not an Opus Dei Member) Lord

Uh ok, I won't bother asking I'm not looking to just fill out a form and join but ok I don't fit the bill I'm not even catholic (which ironically has skewered my understanding the FM didn't like the catholics and here you say be a catholic).

I was considering joining the Kiwanis club, you have to fill out paperwork but they also do internal membership screening (huh!?!? We at CAP should be doing that but I'll refrain further as that's another topic) I am looking to make a difference, so far I've done very little of that in CAP due to some hindrance and I won't say more of that.

I'll join everything else before I finally become catholic (sorry, I don't have anything against Catholics but I do have a problem with following very strict ethical rules that some just don't make any sense and while CAP may have silly rules that don't make sense at least it is still effectively letting me participate).

I simply want to go to church and then go home believing, not do a bunch of things I must and can't do!

Quote from: mynetdude on May 09, 2010, 12:54:58 AM

I'll join everything else before I finally become catholic (sorry, I don't have anything against Catholics but I do have a problem with following very strict ethical rules that some just don't make any sense and while CAP may have silly rules that don't make sense at least it is still effectively letting me participate).

I simply want to go to church and then go home believing, not do a bunch of things I must and can't do!

Entirely uncalled for and you seem to be totally ignorant of the Catholic Church. Please stop confirming it and keep you opinions to yourself.  If you have real questions or would like honest answers about the faith, please PM me and I will be glad to assist you.