One of the most recent additions to the ranks of the Lodge Officers is the Mentor.
This Office was introduced in reaction to what many Brethren saw as an unacceptable rise in the drop-out rate of newer Freemasons.
The Mentor is charged with the pastoral care and oversight of newer Brethren. The dictionary definition of ‘mentor’ is an experienced person who offers long-term advice and support to someone younger, to encourage them to pursue their objectives.
The Lodge Mentor should therefore be aware of the attendance records of all Brethren who have recently joined so that he (and possibly the Lodge Secretary) can contact those who stop attending Lodge meetings to discuss any problems they may be encountering.
In larger Lodges, it will not be possible for a single Mentor to take on all the pastoral care required, so the Mentor should ask other Brethren to assist him. Whoever undertakes the actual function of mentoring should be an experienced Freemason, who has a ready ear and a sympathetic heart.
