Cor Central EFF Newsletter: July 2025

Quarterly Issue 3

July 2025

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

- Proverbs 27:17

MISSION & VISION

Cor Mission:

To help focus Catholic men on Jesus by building Christ-centered brotherhood through a flexible framework of prayer, formation and fraternity.

Cor Vision:

To aid in transforming the hearts of men through Christ-centered brotherhood. Rooted in prayer, formation and fraternity, men will be sharpened in faith and virtue as they cultivate authentic friendships with Christ and each other. We envision a future where Cor continuously helps sustain these men to lead their families, strengthen their parish communities and courageously evangelize the world as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.

Cor Testimony.................Cor Video

EVANGELIZATION & FAITH FORMATION (EFF) DIRECTOR MESSAGE

Welcome to the new fraternal year! Whether you are a returning EFF director or stepping into this role for the first time, we extend a heartfelt welcome and a sincere thank you for your leadership. Your commitment to building Christ-centered brotherhood through Cor is vital to the mission of the Knights of Columbus. As you guide your council in this important role, know that you are helping to fulfill Blessed Michael McGivney’s vision of bringing souls to Christ. We are grateful for your yes, and we look forward to supporting you throughout the year.

NOTE: Any words that are Red and Underlined in this newsletter means it is a link to a document or webpage (press CTRL + CLICK or just CLICK on text to open link).

WHAT'S NEW

The new fraternal year is here! We've been preparing new resources to help you successfully implement and grow Cor. Here's what's new:

1. New Resources

Cor Formation Content Guide: An updated guide to help you easily select the best formation content for your group. It includes content overviews, session counts, suggested materials, and a convenient QR code for quick access.
Cor Foundations Video: A new training video that presents the foundational concepts that have inspired Cor and are essential for its success. It explains how the mission of Cor aligns with the mission of the Knights, the Church and every Catholic man. Consider sharing this with your pastor and team.
Council Cor Kit (Available on Supplies Online): A bundled kit containing key startup and promotional printed materials for Cor. Ask your grand knight or financial secretary to order a kit via Supplies Online.

2. Cor Website Updates

The Cor homepage (kofc.org/cor) has been redesigned to provide a clearer, more engaging explanation of Cor—making it easier to share with others.

Leader-specific materials are now conveniently located on a dedicated page, accessible from the homepage or directly at kofc.org/corleaders. The Leaders page will be updated over the first quarter of the new fraternal year.

3. Onboarding Emails:

Once the EFF Director Submission Form is submitted, directors will automatically receive a weekly series of 6–8 onboarding emails filled with practical tips and planning tools for a successful year.

If you are a grand knight and haven’t submitted the form yet, please do so to ensure your EFF director receives these important communications.

COR ELEMENTS CORNER

As a reminder, Cor is designed to be flexible. It is important to offer all 3 elements during each Cor gathering but how that is done, in what order and for what duration, is up to what is best for your group.

As you start up this new fraternal year, you may have new men attending Cor. Remember the key foundation of brotherhood is trust. So, consider content that is an easy on-ramp for prayer and conversation. Below are suggested offerings for each element.

Prayer: Lifting minds & hearts to God

A great way to begin prayer is to ask your group for prayer intentions.

Formation: Becoming like Christ

Remember to allow for good conversation time to discuss the formation content and apply it.

Use the new Cor Formation Content Guide to select which formation is best for your group.
Into the Breach is a great option if you are launching Cor for the first time.
Blessed Father McGivney Cor Sessions - NEW Cor material.

Fraternity: Christ-centered brotherhood

Here are some intentional conversation starters for your group. The goal is to get to know our brothers on a deeper level.

July Idea: What is one summer activity you loved as a kid and still enjoy now?
August Idea: Do you have a favorite vacation spot or travel experience? If you could take a pilgrimage anywhere in the world, where would it be?
September Idea: If you didn't have any restrictions and had to choose one cause to dedicate your life to, what would that cause be?

ACTION ITEMS

1. EFF Director Submission Form

If you are a grand knight and your EFF director is not receiving this newsletter, it likely means the EFF Director Submission Form has not been submitted for this fraternal year. Once submitted, your EFF director will automatically receive these quarterly newsletters and all related Cor communications.

If others on your team would like to receive this newsletter, please share this link - Sign up to Stay in Touch!

2. Connect with your Pastor

Whether your council is launching Cor for the first time or continuing the journey, it’s essential to meet with your pastor. Strong collaboration with your pastor helps ensure Cor is supported and integrated into parish life. Check out these tips for working effectively with your pastor.

3. Defining Christ-Centered Brotherhood

At the heart of Cor is Christ-centered brotherhood. How do you explain what this means to the men at your parish? Whether you are starting or continuing Cor, it is always good to share with your group what you are building together. Here is a definition that aims to capture the depth and importance of this brotherhood:

Christ-centered brotherhood is a bond formed through baptism, uniting us as adopted sons of God and brothers with Jesus. As brothers in Christ, we are called to grow in relationship with Jesus, sharpen each other in virtue and support one another in living out our Catholic faith.

This bond helps men remain focused on their mission to grow in holiness. It fosters a sense of duty to one another — we are our brother’s keeper. We desire the good of our brothers as much as our own, striving together to become the husbands, fathers and saints God calls us to be. 

MISSIONARY MINDSET TIPS

Hospitality: Welcoming Others into Christ’s Presence

Hospitality is more than offering coffee and a handshake – it’s about creating a spiritual home where others feel seen, known, and loved. In Cor, how we welcome men can shape their openness to Christ. A warm smile, a personal invitation, or a simple act of listening can break down walls and build trust.

Jesus welcomed everyone. He met them where they were, offering both truth and compassion. As missionary disciples, we are called to imitate Christ and do the same.

Consider hospitality when you are planning Cor:

Is someone dedicated to welcoming new men?
Do you intentionally follow up with first-time attendees and add them to your communication list?
Are you cultivating an environment of honest conversation where brotherhood can grow?

True hospitality is not just about being nice – it’s about making space for grace. And in that space, Jesus can do his work and lives will be transformed.

COR TESTIMONIALS

“The exciting part about Cor is that it's what is being hungered for, especially among men.” – Deacon Mark, Iowa Watch Short Testimony
“The impact of Cor is it has been drawing a lot more men not only closer to the Knights but closer to the parish, closer to God.” – Miguel, North Carolina Watch Short Testimony
“Cor is an opportunity to reenergize these young men and young fathers into a greater relationship with Christ and therefore a greater understanding to pass along to the younger generation.” – Father Rossi, Pennsylvania Watch Short Testimony