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November 13, 2009
Fraternus hoping to form virtuous ‘heroes in society’
 Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register
Shouts of “Coragio!” filled the streets of Germantown the night of Nov. 4 as 80 young men sounded their rallying cry outside Assumption Church, preparing for initiation into the Fraternus brotherhood.
Part Knights of Columbus, part Boy Scouts, part Search, Fraternus is a new national program whose mission is “to form boys into chaste young men of integrity.” Fraternus is for those “seeking a genuine brotherhood centered in the person of Jesus Christ,” according to Jimmy Mitchell, a 2008 graduate of Vanderbilt University and founder of the Nashville chapter of Fraternus.
It takes a lot of courage to lead a virtuous life today, but Mitchell and his fellow Fraternus leaders are confident that this new program will give participants a strong foundation to walk as disciples of Christ. By joining Fraternus, these 6th-12th graders learn “they are not alone in fighting this fight” to be virtuous, said Mitchell.
“This is a unique group to be a part of,” said David Lee, a senior at Montgomery Bell Academy and a Cathedral of the Incarnation parishioner. “It’s hard to find a solid group of high school guys willing to be open about their faith.”
With an emphasis on mentorship and accountability, Fraternus provides the opportunity for young men to practice the virtues of faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude. Members of Fraternus attend weekly meetings, regular outdoor excursions and summer camp.
And it’s all done in a male-only setting. After being involved with youth ministry for several years, Mitchell said he witnessed “how young people respond when mentored by a young adult of their own gender.”
While some classmates chide him about being involved with a guys-only extracurricular faith-based activity, MBA junior Mark Simpson said it doesn’t bother him. “We try to lead by example and not talk too much,” he said.
Simpson said he is thankful to have found a group of guys all “pushing toward heaven” together.
His cousin, Anthony Simpson, a senior at Father Ryan High School, said in the few months since Fraternus has started up in Nashville, the brotherhood has already formed a “tight bond.”
It’s also been a good chance for Catholic teenagers from public, private and home school settings to band together, Anthony Simpson said. The ideals of Fraternus are tough to live up to, he said, “but it’s worth it in the end” to keep striving.
“We do everything we can to walk with them,” Mitchell said of himself and the dozen other Fraternus leaders, “but the captains (adult leaders) don’t have it all figured out either.”
“We help pick them up when they fall down,” said Mitchell. “To begin, and begin again” is a mantra that Mitchell espouses, affirming the young men that it’s OK to make a mistake, but to always get back up and try again.
All of the Fraternus brothers have the “authentic desire for holiness,” Mitchell said, and truly want to make the effort to live a virtuous life.
For Jacob Green, an eighth grade home schooled student and a member of Assumption Parish, coming to the weekly Fraternus meetings “is a blessing. I look forward to every Wednesday night,” he said.
At the weekly Fraternus meetings, held at Cathedral, the participants enjoy fellowship with games and pizza. Guided by scripture and the catechism, they watch movie clips that teach virtue. Then the boys split into small group squads according to their age to further discuss the challenges and solutions to living out the night’s virtue. “That’s really where the formation happens,” Mitchell said of the small group time, which is led by a young adult “captain.”
Still in the pilot phase, Fraternus is just entering its second year. Nashville is only the fourth city to launch a new chapter, and the first outside of Florida. While “bishops and families around the country are knocking on our door,” the program is still waiting for “funding to catch up with the demand,” Mitchell said.
With glossy brochures, a well designed website and comprehensive program guide, Fraternus is easily transferable to new dioceses. Fraternus only starts up in a new diocese with the approval of the bishop and the commitment of a sponsoring parish. The Nashville Fraternus chapter is sponsored by Cathedral and Assumption parishes.
Mitchell, who works full time for Fraternus, is excited about the program spreading around the country, even if it takes some time. “We’ve seen amazing fruits already” in Nashville, he said.
What does Mitchell hope for the Fraternus brothers, especially the high school seniors, as they graduate and move on? “We want to equip them to be mentors, to bring about renewal in the culture. We want men who are faithful fathers, priests and heroes in society.”
More information is available at www.fraternus.net.
Photos by Theresa Laurence
Eighty middle and high school boys were initiated into the Fraternus organization at Assumption Church on Nov. 4. Fraternus is a new national Catholic youth movement based around mentors, brotherhood and virtue.
Fraternus captain David Donlon, photo at left, initiates senior brother novice, Joseph Plemmons and shares the group’s handbook with him.
John Mark Bellet, right, and Mark Simpson congratulate each other after the Fraternus initiation ceremony.
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