Fraternus Chapters
Fraternus Chapters provide the all-male place and structure to form boys into virtuous men, bring fathers together in virtue, and ensure mentoring for young men, including the fatherless.
Men face a profound and dangerous crisis of identity and purpose that affects us all.
The “world” doesn’t try to make you a confident man of virtue, a father that raises confident sons.
This hurts men as individuals and prevents us from fulfilling our obligations to our sons.
There are no shortcuts and no magic bullets. Fraternus challenges men to bring order to their own lives, households, and communities.
Fraternus helps men look to the power of local community and the sacraments to help establish real brotherhood.
Fraternus Chapter
These are the key factors that sets a Fraternus Chapter apart from youth groups, men’s groups, scouting, and every other “teen” focused program and course.
Many individual dads find themselves dropping their sons off to be formed at all sorts of programs. Fraternus not only helps them embrace their duty of being a primary educator, but helps them do it with the much needed backup of other fathers in the trenches with them.
Most “youth” programs today talk about “reaching youth,” but Fraternus flips that around by challenging the young men to “reach the men” by giving them a path to join the men in maturity and brotherhood.
Despite the prevalence of busyness today, men are inclined to commit to things with clear and meaningful purpose. Big and ambiguous “welcoming” doesn’t work with men, but direct and personal challenge does, regardless of age.
Men thrive in hierarchy and accountability, the very two things contemporary culture undermines. Through weekly challenges and an expectation of virtuous conduct, the entire brotherhood shows up ready to engage…because they want to.
Unlike a youth group, at Fraternus “kids” are not just dropped off and shuffled around activities like kindergarteners. Fathers and other men are shoulder to shoulder with boys beginning in the 5th grade.
Many schools and youth programs try to maintain a co-ed environment for formation, focusing heavily on getting young people to be more enthusiastic. Fraternus respects that growing up means challenging boys to manhood in an all-male environment of fathers and mentors.
The Faith has never been a merely academic exercise learned in a classroom. From the apostles to St. Benedict to today, conversion happens when men initiate others into a way of life shared in encouragement and the accountability of a shared culture.
Fr. Luke Wilgenbusch
Director of Vocations, Diocese of Nashville
Fraternus Chapter
Fathers, sons, and men of all ages gather weekly for Frat Nights, a two-hour time of formation, challenge, and camaraderie. Throughout the year, brothers step beyond the weekly gathering into Excursions, which are overnight outdoor experiences with other Chapters that build grit, brotherhood, and faith. The year culminates at Fraternus Ranch, a week-long immersion in adventure and prayer, forging bonds that last a lifetime.
For those who seek the full depth of Fraternus, the path of Knighthood awaits. This is not a mere title, but a rite of passage. Through rigorous prayer, fasting, and shared brotherhood, men prepare together for the commitment of Knighthood. This journey culminates in a pilgrimage, in which we venture together to a sacred place, seeking transformation before candidates make a final commitment.
For new or returning members, be sure to select the Chapter you are registering with. There’s contact information for Chapters on the Chapter Map if you have questions.
The best way to prepare to start a Chapter is by first starting a Fraternus Mens Squad. There are several important roles that need to be filled for a Chapter to operate successfully, so you must have a core group of at least five men in your Squad before starting a Chapter.
Yes. A Fraternus Chapter is a ministry of a parish and needs to meet those requirements set by the diocese.
Absolutely. Personal guidance and in-person visits by Fraternus staff as well as other onboarding resources will prepare you to confidently run your Chapter. You’ll never be “on your own.”
Yes, and it is encouraged. Camping Excursions are an example of how Chapters work together.
The Fraternus Brotherhood begins in the 5th grade and welcomes men of all ages, even if they do not have a son in Fraternus.
Frat Night activities are as self-paced as you want them to be and meant primarily to build camaraderie and have fun. It is always a welcoming environment regardless of what a Brother’s capabilities are.
Fraternus is exactly what a young man without a father at home needs. Because all men in Fraternus are here to mentor, he will be warmly welcomed and whatever awkwardness he may feel will evaporate during his first Frat Night.
No, however every Chapter makes a fundraising effort to cover a variety of expenses including meals, membership costs, Excursions, etc. The Fraternus training includes guidance in fundraising.
Camping in the great outdoors is good for the soul. We offer outdoor Excursions and our annual Ranch as adventures but they function more as retreats and opportunities for deepening bonds between father and son and between Brothers rather than the activity being the end-goal. Fraternus can operate in tandem with scouting programs and are a natural complement.
Before completing an application to start a Fraternus Chapter it is necessary that you have your Pastor’s support and a core group of willing men.
The best Fraternus Chapters have a supportive Pastor and a minimum of 5 but ideally 10 committed volunteer men who sincerely want to make this happen.
Chapter training with Fraternus can usually be done in about 60 days with new Chapters starting each Fall and Spring.
Have questions before you get started? Reach out.
855-879-3823
“This is an experience that elevates boys and young men to reach for virtue first. I can’t imagine a stronger opportunity for boys, young men, and fathers to grow in faith, virtue, and brotherhood. Thanks be to God for the great gift of Fraternus.”
Chris, Fraternus Father and Brother
If you’re not ready to join or support Fraternus but want to stay connected, subscribe to the free Fraternus monthly newsletter.
