Q: Where did FRATERNUS come from?

A: See Founder’s Story.

Q: Is there a girls program?

A: There is a need for a girls program. There is a group of women praying and casting vision for the girls program but when that will be finished is undetermined.

Q: Who pays for FRATERNUS?

A: We are a 501(c3) not- for-profit organization and we operate on donations given by parents, the community at large, the parish, and others who desire to support this mission.

Q: What does it cost for a boy to join FRATERNUS?

A: There is no cost to join the program. Through various fundraising efforts, registration, uniforms, manuals and insignia are provided at no cost to the young men. However, incidental costs such as food for excursions is not included.

Q: Do you have an Ecclesial endorsement?

A: Yes, Bishop Victor Galeone, the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine is on the Board of Directors for FRATERNUS and currently serves as the Episcopal Advisor.

Q: Do you receive the bishop’s permission before you establish a program?

A: Yes, FRATERNUS receives the permission and blessing from of the local bishop of a diocese before launching a program.

Q: What type of background checks do you do with your volunteers?

A: All of our captains have gone through diocesan mandated back-ground checks and youth protection training. They are also required to go through the FRATERNUS youth protection training.

Q: Does this replace youth ministry or religious education?

A: No, FRATERNUS exists to strengthen and support what is being taught in youth ministry programs, religious education, and most importantly the home. We consider ourselves tutors for the teachers of the faith.

Q: Is this a catechetical program?

A: No, the FRATERNUS program provides structure for virtuous men to mentor young men, but does not a have a formal curriculum of church teaching. Program manuals have quotes taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Holy Scripture to help guide discussion.

Q: Does FRATERNUS compete with Boy Scouts?

A: We have boys that are involved in both and we see no reason why there would be a conflict. Although that choice is up to the young man and his parents.

Q: Boys this age a lot going on, what if they cannot attend every week?

A: Youth are very busy; he can still be involved. There are opportunities to make up challenges and still be a part of FRATERNUS.

Q: What if a dad is interested in being involved but wants his son to experience it on his own?

A: We always need Captains (adult male mentors) and our age range is wide enough so that fathers can be a part of FRATERNUS without being in direct contact with their sons.

Q: How can moms be involved?

A: We have an important volunteer role called a “FRAT Mom” which has specific tasks that help chapter operations. There is also a parent support committee which assists with other Chapter responsibilities.

Q: I understand there are movie clips used in your program, what clips will you be showing?

A: We choose movie clips that portray the virtue being covered; we strive to use clips from movies with a maximum rating of PG-13, but all the clips in-and-of themselves are age-appropriate for a middle school boy. We provide a list of the clips (and specific time logs) to the commander for parental access.

Q: What are you going to be teaching in the area of chastity?

A: On outings our Missionaries give short reflections on Pope John Paul II’s teaching called the Theology of the Body. This teaching will focus primarily on what it means to be a man and the identity of being a son of the Father.

Q: Will you be giving the “birds and bees” talk to these boys?

A: No. FRATERNUS is not a sex education program. We will simply attempt to instill Christian identity so that when moral issues arise, these young men will choose virtuously.

Q: During FRATERNUS meetings or events, what if questions about pornography, masturbation, etc., arise?

A: If such questions are asked we answer using the Catechism of the Catholic Church and encourage further discussion with their parents.

Q: What is Excursion?

A: A one or two night outing at a near-by campsite where Brothers enjoy the outdoors and also learn about their Christian identity.

Q: What is HAWC?

A: HAWC is a group of high school men who come together on a weekly basis at one of the boy’s homes to discuss the Ten Commandments. This group is led by a FRATERNUS missionary and is a venue where these young men pursue holiness and prepare for their vocation whether married or religious.

Q: What is the FRATERNUS Ranch?

A: The Ranch is a weeklong experience in the mountains. Participants enjoy daily Sacraments, high adventure activities and catechesis.