6 minute read
Pathfinder: The Journey of a Lifetime
by Linda Patch, Director of Marketing and Communications
In February 2022, we announced “Journey On,” the inspiring new campaign for Scottish Rite. At that time, we promised the membership of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction that the campaign was just the beginning of additional, rich programming designed to enhance your Scottish Rite experience.
It is now the distinct pleasure of your Supreme Council to present Pathfinder, The Journey of a Lifetime.
By now you should have received the Pathfinder kit, which was mailed to each of you at the address on record at the Supreme Council. While the package contains all the detailed information you need to get started and complete the program, let’s take a deeper dive into what the program is all about.
Pathfinder and You
Your journey and search for Masonic light began in the Blue Lodge. After being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, the world of Freemasonry opened wide. When you chose to join the Scottish Rite, NMJ, our 29 degrees offered the journey of a lifetime in your pursuit of further light in Masonry. The Pathfinder program is designed help continue your quest for selfimprovement.
Said John Brian McNaughton, Director of Program Management and architect of the Pathfinder initiative, “Whether you are a newly initiated 32° Scottish Rite Mason or have been a member for decades, there are many paths forward—a myriad of ways to seek greater wisdom and to evolve as a man and a Mason. Let Pathfinder help you find yours.”
Pathfinder, Member Inspired
In our most recent survey of the Scottish Rite membership, the top “reasons to join” formed the foundation of the Journey On campaign. Pathfinder also responds to and builds upon those findings. There is a widespread call from members for more opportunities to extend their Masonic and personal journeys. Your call for more Masonic education and ways to go deeper into our values did not go unheeded.
Top Reasons to Join the Scottish Rite
89% Continuing the Masonic journey
81% Continuing my personal journey
78% Expanding my Fraternal circle
60% Educational opportunities
How Does Pathfinder Work?
By participating in various activities and exploring the resources of the Scottish Rite, Pathfinder serves as a guide for 32° Masons to uncover the road that leads to the most personally fulfilling membership experience possible.
Waypoints
Pathfinder is divided into five separate categories called Waypoints. These areas allow you to explore facets of the NMJ you might have never encountered. You chart your own personal journey through these separate areas that help define your unique Scottish Rite experience:
Organization
Self-Improvement
Valley Life
Enrichment Programs
Service & Philanthropy
Mile Markers
Within each Waypoint there is a list of 15-20 objectives/tasks called Mile Markers from which you can choose. Each Mile Marker activity guides you to further discovery, knowledge, and Fraternal connection that help you become the best version of the man you know you can be.
To explore the Scottish Rite fully, you will engage in five areas significant to a rewarding Scottish Rite member experience: • Organization • Self-Improvement • Valley Life • Enrichment Programs • Service & Philanthropy
“You are encouraged to challenge yourself and select Mile Markers that push yourself to grow and learn through this experience.”
The Guidebook (Digital Only)
The Pathfinder Guidebook clearly explains what is required to complete each Mile Marker. Inside the cover of the Field Book you received is a QR code leading to the digital Guidebook, which provides an overview of the entire Pathfinder program. The guidelines and resources to complete the program and sections detailing each of the Waypoints and Mile Markers are outlined in detail. You can also find the Guidebook at ScottishRiteNMJ.org/Pathfinder.
Said Brother McNaughton, “The resources provided in the Guidebook also work to point you to the information you need to have to create the most impactful personal experience possible. The work of Pathfinder reminds us that in our personal journey of life, we do not have all the answers and should humbly seek wisdom and guidance from above and support from our fellow travelers.”
Keeping Track of Your Progress
The Field Book
We know how much our members enjoy the degree passport program. Your Pathfinder Field Book is designed similarly and allows you to record your Mile Marker accomplishments as well as personal notes and highlights of the experience.
When you complete the requirements of a Mile Marker to the best of your ability, you may then sign and date your Field Book entry as being complete. Your progress in this program rests entirely upon your word and honor as a man and a Mason.
Charting Pathfinder Progress in the Member Center
You can also update your Pathfinder progress in the Member Center within your personal profile. Be sure to create a Member Center account if you do not already have one. The Pathfinder link is on your dashboard. Keeping your entries up to date in the Member Center safeguards your progress should your Field Book be lost or misplaced.
Completing the Program
To successfully complete the Pathfinder program, you will need to complete 32 Mile Markers—six within each of the five Waypoints and two additional Mile Markers of your choice. These must be updated in your Field Book and in the Pathfinder section of the Member Center to then receive the much-deserved recognition package from the Supreme Council.
Can Pathfinder Be Completed More Than Once?
Absolutely! Pathfinder can be completed multiple times without duplicating the experience. For those who complete the Pathfinder Program, advanced content in a future release with more complex and challenging Mile Markers is forthcoming. We will keep you updated on the website, through social media, and email.
Questions?
If you have read through the Guidebook and need additional procedural assistance/support for the Pathfinder Program, please submit a Pathfinder help ticket. For general questions, you can reach out through Live Chat on the Scottish Rite, NMJ website or you can contact us at pathfinder@srnmj.org.
Journey On, Brethren. Journey On.
ScottishRiteNMJ.org/Pathfinder
