Massachusetts Freemasonry

***the Masonic Education and charitable Trust holds and invests funds for the Masonic home, the grand lodge of masons in Massachusetts and other Masonic organizations. Net income and funds are distributed to these organizations for their charitable programs as described below:the essential qualities masons share in their diverse lives are a belief in a supreme being and a desire to strive for:**fellowship with other masons**high moral standards**kindnesss in the home**courtesy in society**honesty in business**fairness in all dealingsbeing a mason:being a mason is about a father helping his son make better decisions; a business leader striving to bring morality to the workplace; a thoughtful man learning to work through tough issues in his life.fellowship, friendship, and community service:throughout a mason's life, fellowship and friendship is a key component, as well as community service. The typical mason wants to continue to grow as a man and to benefit society.fellowship:by attending Masonic lodge meetings and learning from your fellow masons, you will strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with like-minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. You'll enjoy the friendship of other masons in the community, and you'll be welcomed as a "brother" by masons everywhere in the world. Freemasonry also promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness, or adversity through no fault of your own, the hands of our great fraternity will be stretched forth to aid and assist you.charity:from its earliest days, Charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons have always been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children, the sick and the elderly. In fact, masons in north america give away approximately $3 million to national and local charities each day, of which more than 70% is directed toward the general public. Masons are also actively involved in a great deal of community volunteer work.education:the grand lodge of Massachusetts has advocated the Education of its members since its earliest years. Its ceremonies provide instruciton to all members, supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures, workshops, and reading. Because freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as "a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. "leadership:freemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge, district, and grand lodge level. As freemasons progress through the craft, they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills that even they might not have known they possessed. By developing leadership techniques that fit their personality, masons unlock the door to their full potential. For more than ten years the grand lodge of Massachusetts has sponsored the Masonic leadership institute for its members to strength leadership within our fraternity and to contribute to the personal growth of Massachusetts masons.masonic health system (mhs) of Massachusetts was established in 2001 to continue the Masonic tradition of caring. Mhs provides a continuum of quality services and programs to those in need by proudly sponsoring the following:the overlook communitya 219 independent living residence continuing care retirement community (ccrc) on the charlton campus comprised of 205 apartments and 14 cottages. The overlook community is designed to offer high quality, maintenance-free living and relieve future health care concerns with complete peace of mind.overlook Masonic health centerone of the most respected long-term care facilities in the state is situated on 450+ acres of beautiful countryside in charlton. For nearly a century, the overlook Masonic health center has been caring for Massachusetts masons, their wives, widows, and other members of the community. The health center has remained committed to its mission to maintain a professional staff that provides high quality care and services in an environment that fosters respect, dignity and choioce. Some of the medical services provided at the health center include: 24-hour skilled nursing, post-acute care services, alzheimer's and other dementia related care programs, fitness programs, rehabilitative services, and nutritional services.overlook visiting nurse association & hospice servicesa full service medicare and medicaid home health agency, offering specialized services and programs throughout the commonwealth to an average daily census of approximately 1700 clients. The overlook visiting nurse association provides exemplary health care services across the continuum with an emphasis on health and well-being. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and weekend admissions are accepted. Visiting nurse services can be easily obtained by contacting the overlook office in your area. In adddition, referrals can be made from your doctor, hospital discharge planners, extended care facilities and community agencies.our teams of professionals provide services to individuals and caregivers to help cope with the circumstances associated with a terminal illness. The hospice team designs a plan of care to meet the needs of the patient and family, with the goal of reducing pain and providing comfort and support. Overlook hospice services, offered in southern worcester county and new bedford, are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.overlook health & wellness infosourcea resource providing free access and referrals to all your health related questions and concerns. The overlook health & wellness infosource will assist you with referrals in such areas as home health care, medical suppplies, caregiver assistance, nuturitional assistance, general health care, and guidance.