Time to Suit Up!

Today's post comes from Brother Alex Rauschenberger, Deputy State Master Councilor of PA DeMolay.

We have all heard about ritual before. We have participated in workshops about how important it is and have gone to numerous rehearsals to try to get our techniques down.  But, now it is time for something different.  Word has been spreading for the past few months and now it is official, ritual tournaments will be returning to Pennsylvania DeMolay.  At Convention 2012 we will be holding competitions for the following ritual parts:

• Chaplain (all three prayers)
• Preceptor Trio (your choice of three preceptor parts)
• Preceptor Magnificent Seven (all seven preceptor parts)
• Obligations (for members who have been in DeMolay for two years or less)
• Orator (1st Section and 3rd Section Prayer)
• Flower Talk
• Ceremony of Light

These tournaments will be judged under the same judging rules as the Mid Atlantic Tournament of Champions, or MATOC, as it is better known.  If you are interested in competing in one of these tournaments please let your Chapter Advisor know so that the proper registration can be made.  

Wait, did you think that was it?  You thought we were just going to throw some ritual tournaments at you and stop there? Heck no! All members who participate in the ritual tournaments will receive an ornate certificate marking their participation in this landmark revival of Pennsylvania DeMolay ritual tournaments. So, is that it?  Of course not!  Those members who work hard enough to achieve the winning rank in their competition will receive a very stylish DeMolay tie and a pocket greeter name badge with their name to commemorate their victory. So, is that it?  Not quite.

Additionally, the winners will be eligible to compete in the Champion Division of MATOC that will be held Sept. 7 - 9, 2012, in Utica, NY. And yes, that's it.

Now, do you have what it takes to become a ritual champion?  Do you have the commitment that it takes to learn these ritual parts and become the state champion?  You have the information and the dedication - the ball is in your court now.  Happy Ritual Tournaments! And may the odds be ever in your favor!