Thank you very much for your question.
I can appreciate your concern. Traditionally Freemasons have kept very quiet about who they are and what they do. As a result, the vacuum has been filled by those who either suspicious of us, or have their own agenda to promote.
Freemasonry is a worldwide Fraternity dedicated to improving a man’s character by associating with like-minded men, and using symbolism and metaphors in a prescribed ceremony to encourage and remind its members to value principles, ethics, and morality, and to live their lives accordingly. Without question the opportunity to experience camaraderie and fellowship with a group of men across the boundaries of age, income, race, religion, culture, and opinion is central to our purpose. By fulfilling our goal of “making good men better,” Freemasonry hopes to improve our members’ role in their family, workplace, and community - thereby making them all better. Lastly, community service and charity is fundamental to who we are and something we actively participate in.
As it relates to your Catholic beliefs, there is nothing in Freemasonry that would contradict with your faith. We teach lessons in Freemasonry that are universal and cross the boundaries of all religions. A fundamental concept is the belief, common to all religions and almost all systems of philosophy, that there exists a Supreme Being who created this world and to whom all mankind is the instrument and servant. Although we are not concerned with how our members define or worship their Supreme Being, the Fraternity’s ritual emphasized three fundamental ideas: first, God exists; second, men are put on this world to exercise their faculties and work as God’s instruments; and third, that their work is to be performed in accordance with certain principles of morality and justice indicated by the laws contained in Sacred Writings. Freemasonry has no Sacred Book of its own. Instead, our individual members refer themselves to the Book of their faith. We do not offer any promise of salvation, we do not have a dogma or theology, and we do not offer any sacraments. More importantly, without interfering in religious practice, we encourage our members to follow their own faith and personal religious beliefs.
Good luck.
-Robert
