On a weekly basis, the life of the Templars consists of serving at the altar. Many parishes have a designated weekend Mass at which the chapter brothers serve.
On the left, we've provided an event calendar for all confrères and chapter officers to use. Any event included in this calendar will automatically trigger a reminder email and text message to all chapter brothers, parents, confrères, and pastors one week before the event, as well as one day before. This ensures that everyone receives automatic reminders, relieving you of the administrative burden of leading a Templars chapter.
On a monthly basis, the chapter officers should meet to establish the agenda for the chapter meeting (template included below). This requires the officers to set the upcoming meeting's agenda, reviewing old and new business. A helpful resource for the Officer Meetings is the Officer Meeting Checklist, also included below.
The chapter meetings - held at a time that works best for the chapter brothers, generally following a weekend Mass - are conducted by the Master. The meeting's follow Robert's Rules of Order. Familiarity with basic elements of Robert's Rules will ensure your meetings are successful while preparing the chapter brothers for common element of professional life.
Building the Brotherhood
Quarterly, the chapter should engage in fellowship to build the brotherhood. This can entail anything from sports and movies, to hiking and carpentry. Get creative! The whole point is to engage in fraternity to strengthen the bond between the chapter members. You can find more information in paragraphs 53-55 of the Rule of the Order.
Giving of Yourselves for the Good of Others
Each quarter the chapter should engage in a service project. Encourage the chapter brothers to consider the poor and underprivileged. Again, get creative: serving at a soup kitchen; helping your parish's elderly; volunteering at a hospital. The opportunities are truly endless. You can find more information in paragraphs 56-57 of the Rule of the Order.
Finally, you can expect your Chapter Success Coach to check in with your chapter on a quarterly basis. You can schedule time with him here or simply wait for him to reach out to you.
Chapter Retreat
Your annual chapter retreat can be whatever you desire it to be, but ensure that you are retreating from the normal day-to-day enough so it's conducive to spiritual growth. Consider hosting it at a retreat center, in nature, or at your parish. Have your chaplain provide a reflection, instruction in prayer, and include adoration and Mass. Don't forget to incorporate fellowship activities like sports or chess! This is also an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into the catechesis on the liturgy and consider incorporating the Rite of Initiation for new members. You can find more guidance in paragraphs 58-60 of the Rule of the Order.
Cross Chapter Gatherings
As your chapter matures, consider connecting with other Templars chapters in your region for joint activities and vision casting. These gatherings provide opportunities for Brother Templars to meet peers from other parishes and strengthen the broader Templars community. We're working on features to help you connect with chapters within 50 miles of your location, including contact information for pastors and confrères. Stay tuned!
New Member Recruitment
Each year brings new opportunities to recruit incoming freshmen and other potential Templars. Consider hosting recruitment dinners similar to your initial Win Event, but this time with your experienced Brother Templars leading the charge. Encourage your current brothers to draft lists of potential new members from their schools and parishes. Get creative with your outreach and remember that personal invitations are often the most effective approach.
Just as you did during your chapter launch, be sure to reach out to parents of potential new members. Confrères should use the resources that helped you succeed initially: share the QR Code Flyer for easy distribution, use the Parent Email Template to contact parents directly, and provide the Parent Info Sheet to help explain the program to families.
Officer Elections
Once you've initiated new members and seniors have graduated, it's time for officer elections. This is a crucial transition that ensures continuity of leadership within your chapter. Follow the guidance in paragraphs 88-106 of the Rule of the Order. Remember to use the officer invitation feature on the Chapter Launch page (included in Step 3) to formally invite new officers to the platform. Also give thought to how to properly honor and retire graduating Templars who have served faithfully.
Rite of Initiation
The Rite of Initiation formally welcomes new members into your chapter. This should happen after new members have joined and ideally during or shortly after your annual Chapter Retreat. The ceremony helps new brothers understand the solemnity and importance of their commitment to the Work of the Order. Detailed guidance for conducting the Rite of Initiation can be found in paragraphs 88-94 of the Rule of the Order.
Chapter Meeting Agenda Template
Officer Meeting Checklist