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Curriculum of the Knights Institute

A unified academic path designed to form the modern Templar in knowledge, discipline, virtue, and service.

🛡️ Foundational Courses

These courses form the core of Templar training and are required for all students.

    • 📘 Initiate Course – Questa Primis
      The first mandatory step in the Templar journey to Knighthood. This course introduces the reality of spiritual warfare, calling each Templar to steadfast learning, prayer, and discernment as they prepare to face the spiritual battles that touch family, church, and daily life.
    • ⚔️ CAA – Companion At Arms – Questa ut Intelligendium
      A foundational course where the Templar learns to walk in step with their Brothers and Sisters in the Order. Topics include chain of command, leadership structure, who we are as Templars, Templar history, and the practical rhythms of life in the Order.
    • 🛡️ SAA – Sergeant At Arms – Custodia Ordinis
      Intermediate training focused on leadership, responsibility, and the practical duties of a Sergeant.
    • 🛡️ SAA – Sergeant At Arms (Advanced Training – Angustia Cordis)
      A mandatory course for Sergeants, built around historically accepted Knightly Virtues. Students reflect on how they live out these virtues and may be asked to connect them with Scripture, strengthening their leadership through self‑examination and daily application.
    • 📜 Leadership & Ministry Course – Ministerium et Ductio
      A guided framework to help Templars discern and understand their God‑given gifts, talents, and leadership style. Rooted in Christ’s command to love God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love one’s neighbor—this course calls each Templar to bring their whole self into service and ministry.
      A reflective evaluation designed to measure readiness for ministry‑oriented service.
    • 🤝 Mentor 101 Course
      Training for Templars who guide, support, and mentor new members entering the Order.
    • ✝️ Investiture Course & Manual
      A sacred preparatory course guiding both the Initiate and the Priory leadership through the full meaning, structure, and execution of the Investiture Ceremony. This manual serves as a step‑by‑step guide for the Prior who conducts the rite, a formation resource for the candidate preparing to take their vows, and a reference for Priory leaders assisting in the ceremony. It ensures that every participant—leader and initiate alike—approaches the Investiture with clarity, reverence, and a unified understanding of the sacred commitments of Knighting.

🏰 Templar History & Heritage

Courses exploring the lineage, rules, and historical identity of the Knights Templar.

  • 📖 The Rise and Fall of the Knights Templar
    A historical overview of the medieval Order, its mission, trials, and legacy.
  • 📜 The Primitive Rule
    Study of the earliest governing rule of the Templars, shaping discipline and daily life.
  • 📜 The Latin Rule – Regula Militum Christi
    A deeper exploration of the expanded rule that guided the Order’s structure and conduct.
  • 📘 Rules of the Order – Reading Only
    A reference text outlining the governing principles of the modern OSMTJ.
  • 📘 OSMTJ Grand Priory Codex – Reading Only
    A foundational document detailing the structure, governance, and identity of the Grand Priory.
  • 📘 Grand Priory Codex Course
    A guided study of the Codex, offering clarity and interpretation for modern Templars.

✝️ Virtues, Character & Spiritual Formation

Courses shaping the inner life, discipline, and spiritual maturity of the Templar.

  • ⚔️ The Art of Spiritual Warfare
    A study of spiritual discipline, discernment, and the Christian call to stand firm in faith.
  • 🌿 24 Virtues for the Templar Knight
    A character‑formation course exploring the virtues expected of every Knight.

🏛️ Statutes, Protocols & Governance

Instruction in the structure, order, and discipline of the OSMTJ.

  • 📜 Statutes & Rank Protocol
    A study of rank structure, responsibilities, and the proper conduct of Templars.
  • 📜 Statutes – Grand Priory USA (17 Articles)
    A focused review of the governing articles specific to the Grand Priory USA.

⚔️ Ceremonial & Specialized Studies

Unique courses that deepen understanding of Templar identity and ceremonial life.

  • 🛡️ The Gauntlet – Ceremonial Addition Course
    A unifying course designed for Templars who advanced before completing the full CAA and SAA training sequence, as well as a refresher for any member. The Gauntlet brings together essential teachings from both the Companion‑at‑Arms and Sergeant‑at‑Arms courses to ensure every Templar shares the same foundational mastery.
    Gauntlet → (Optional Refresher for All Ranks)
  • 📘 Introduction Manual – OSMTJ
    A foundational manual introducing the Order’s mission, structure, and expectations.

📚 Manuals & Reading Materials

Essential texts used throughout the Institute’s curriculum.

  • Introduction Manual – OSMTJ
  • Rules of the Order – Reading Only
  • Grand Priory Codex – Reading Only
  • Investiture Manual
  • Additional boxed materials and study guides