As I mentioned when I started, this program was not originally designed by me. I found out about it through a group, but it appears as if they have abandoned it presently. This program was designed to have 3 stages. The first starts with a choice. This stage is a “Brother/Sister stage”. It is choosing to be a part of a monastic order within the Celtic Church of Yahweh. This is the stage I am at presently. Later there is a squire stage, and finally a knight stage, if one chooses… but for now, we are in that Brother stage.
I realized that I have not really written much about what happens in this stage. In fact, for many people this may be as far as they wish to go. There may be physical or other reasons why they do not wish to continue along the program, and that is totally acceptable.
When in the “Brother Stage”, it is expected that a Brother (I am using brother instead of Brother and Sister, for simplicity, but I do mean both) commit himself to God. This sounds simple enough, but will have profound consequences. This order does not require a vow of poverty, but it does require an intent to grow in sanctification. It is intended for spiritual growth. It is expected that a Brother study the ancient orthodox teachings, beginning with the Apostle’s creed. It is expected that a Brother should show characteristics of significant spiritual discipline. He should be a man of prayer, of praise, who has a knowledge of Scripture. He should also be humble, and embrace a “simple life” (with some flexibility in the outworking of this.
For my son and I, we have chosen to purchase a simple medallion, with the symbol of the ancient Celtic church. It was not expensive, and then we bought a piece of leather to string it about our necks. I am rarely without it. I have also hand-stitched some rough simple robes (as seen in my profile picture). My only “weapon” in a physical sense at this stage is my walking stick. Again, simple, humble, are the patterns for Josh and I.
Some friends have started to address me as Brother Brad, and in writing I will sometimes sign my name as Brother Brad. At first this sounded funny, almost like an act… but as time goes on, the name seems more and more appropriate. It is a simple…humble title.
This stage can last one’s entire life. If ever, by the grace of God, there are many more who call themselves part of the Celtic church, it would be my home and prayer for someone to choose to stay a “Brother”, and perhaps give spiritual guidance to all up coming brothers and sisters. That is necessary. My home would not be that everyone just see this stage as a passing point, but that someone would embrace this stage as a calling, a chance to influence the world in a very important role.
Of course, for many, this will be only a stage on the path. For these people, they must be ready for that coming stage. The role of the Squire. If someone wishes to move from this stage they must accomplish what is set out here. On top of what I mentioned here, they need to acquire a sword, which will be given to them a the ceremony as they transition to the next stage. They must become physically capable to handle the Squire stage. I don’t think anyone should try to become a squire without the physical stamina to run 10 miles. A Squire can not be overweight (as so many of us have become comfortable). To become a squire one must take the effort to become an excellent specimen of their gender. This requires serious intense physical training.
When one is finally at the transition point, a ceremony is planned. Again, there is simplicity, but significance here. For Josh and I, we intended on have a night of prayer and fasting, and then we will (dressed in our simple rough clothes) and armed with our walking sticks will take the long walk (42.7kms) to the a nearby outdoor Grotto. Google maps says it will take 8 hours and 33 minutes. Time is unimportant. It gives us time of solitude and time to talk about this transition. The place is a shrine, in a tiny town of Rama, Saskatchewan.
Here is a photo of the grotto so you can imagine it
It is a popular place for pilgrims to take an annual journey in August, but we will go there (hopefully sooner), we leave for Idaho in July. As we approach the village, we will contact my wife and she will come down, with the children and whatever few friends we invite. I will try to get some pictures. It is there that we will exchange our simple burlap robes for our Squire gambeson and receive our blades. There are still details to work out, but this is how I envision this, and although everyone who transitions from Brother and sister to squire, would not have to come to the same place, it is hoped that locally, they could find a challenge and a ceremony which would allow them to feel deeply that something very different in happening.
We look forward to that day. Yet, we do not wish to throw away the opportunity to embrace being a brother. It is the time God has given us, and we don’t wish it gone too early. Next time, by the grace of God, I will tell you about what happens in the Squire stage, and the transition to a knight. The Grace of God be with you. -Brother Brad
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