With the end of summer comes a renewed level of activity in our Lodge Rooms. Discussions are occurring to identify ways to increase involvement, keep Brothers engaged and keep Brothers and our families excited about the craft. Being properly informed about what it means to be a Mason is a critical starting point to build upon. Grand Lodge has a long running Lodge System of Masonic Education (LSOME) program instituted to educate our Candidates and Brothers on Masonic meaning, ritual, symbolism, the structure of our lodges and Masonic responsibilities. The Lodge System of Masonic Education was originally published in September 1987 by the Committee on Masonic Education, reprinted in 1990, then revised and edited August 2007 by the Leadership & Educational Service Committee. Today we commonly recognize the LSOME DVD when it is shown to our new candidates prior to their Entered Apprentice Degree then subsequently following the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees. There is a fourth part to be shown to the newly raised Master Masons which I rarely see or hear being presented. Our lodges should be showing the DVD to every Candidate and Brother being brought into our craft. If the fourth part of the DVD is not being shown, the Brother(s) are missing out on receiving important Masonic information which is intended to familiarize them to our fraternity. Many Brothers have questions concerning our Masonic practices and they covered in the fourth part of the DVD. Do you know there are LSOME Books published in addition to the LSOME DVD? There is a four part booklet and a five part instructor’s booklet (includes the Walk-about the Lodge). The LSOME DVD was intended to compliment the books, not be a substitute for the book. The parts in the book stress Masonic meaning, ritual, symbolism and aspects of the craft as a candidate advances through the degrees. LSOME DVDs and books can be obtained through your Lodge Secretary, District Deputy Grand Master and Staff Officer. The cost if very minimal and I highly recommend each one of us reads the book, views the DVD and revisit them. This November 8th and 15th will be your next opportunity to be a part of the Road to the East class. This class is intended to prepare the future leader of the craft. More details will be available through your lodge secretary, social media and the new Masonic News. Keep up to date on the happening in the Erie Districts through the district Facebook pages; ‘Second Erie District F&AM NY’ and ‘First Erie Masonic District – Free and Accepted Masons of New York’. Feel free to contact me with any question and concerns you may have. Fraternally, Robert Drzewucki (716) 982-1538 rdrzewu@yahoo.com