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“Cor ad cor loquitur. (Heart speaks to heart.)”
- St. John Henry Newman
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Cor Mission:
To help focus 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.
| | EVANGELIZATION & FAITH FORMATION (EFF) DIRECTOR MESSAGE | | |
As we begin a new fraternal year, we want to express our gratitude for your willingness to serve as Evangelization & Faith Formation Director. Through your leadership, men are being invited into deeper prayer, authentic fraternity and ongoing formation through Cor. Every invitation, gathering and conversation has the potential to impact lives and draw men closer to Jesus Christ.
Whether you are continuing in this role or just getting started, know that your efforts are helping to build Christ-centered brotherhood, strengthen the mission of the Knights of Columbus and uphold the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney. We are excited for all that God will accomplish through you and your council in the year ahead and look forward to supporting you every step of the way.
| | 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). | | We want to share several new resources designed to help you build and strengthen Cor in your parish. | | |
Heart of the Gospel Retreat
Let the power of the Gospel ignite hearts through a new, ready-to-use retreat experience!
Heart of the Gospel features comprehensive guides and dynamic video presentations that equip Cor leaders to facilitate an impactful retreat for the men of their parish.
Presented by Father John Riccardo of Acts XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission, this retreat walks men through the heart of the Gospel message and invites them to more fully embrace Christ’s mission. What better way to kick off the fraternal year and unite men than a deep dive into the truth and power of the Gospel!
Find everything you need to host the retreat at kofc.org/Gospel.
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Cor Leader Guide
To streamline resources and improve usability, we have combined the Cor Startup Guide and Cor Reference Guide into a single resource, the Cor Leader Guide.
This new guide includes all the information needed to successfully launch and sustain Cor, along with updated appendices, including a Startup Checklist, How to Promote Cor and Frequently Asked Questions.
Note: All Grand Knights will receive a copy of the Cor Leader Guide in their upcoming Fraternal Kit. You can also order via Supplies Online or Shop Catholic Info.
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Expanded Cor Merchandise
We are excited to announce an expanded selection of Cor merchandise, including apparel and mugs. These items are great for Cor leaders and participants alike.
Check out the collections:
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New Cor Session Guide
The new In Charity & Truth Cor Session Guide is a companion study to the Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori’s pastoral letter, In Charity & Truth, published in preparation for America’s 250 anniversary.
The themes explored throughout this 12-part series remain highly relevant today, including religious liberty, public worship, faithful citizenship, the role of virtue in civic life and how Catholics can be instruments of hope and renewal during challenging times.
| | 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, should be determined by what is best for your group. | | 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.
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Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work - This compelling five-episode series explores the Catholic vision of man's mission in the world and the nature of work. Great resource to use in Cor.
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In Charity & Truth Cor Session Guide - This timely, 12-part study guide is a companion to the Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori's pastoral letter, In Charity & Truth, published in preparation for America's 250th anniversary.
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The Search on FORMED - 7 episodes exploring life's most fundamental questions through a blend of theology, science, philosophy and personal testimony. Get access to your free FORMED subscription HERE.
| | Fraternity: Christ-centered brotherhood | | |
Here are some intentional conversation starters for your group. Whether it's through these questions or asking meaningful questions within the formation content, the goal is to share life and get to know our brothers on a deeper level.
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July Idea: What was your first summer job, and what did it teach you?
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August Idea: Who is someone that has had a lasting influence on your faith or character, and what did you learn from them?
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September Idea: What is one skill you wish every young man learned before becoming an adult?
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1. Submit the Council EFF Director Form
If a NEW Council EFF Director has been appointed for the 2026-2027 fraternal year, please submit this form online (either by the Grand Knight or the new appointee) to ensure all Cor communications are received.
Note: The Council EFF Director position is not on the Council #365 form. Submitting this brief form is the only way for us to receive your contact information and keep you informed.
Council EFF Director Form
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2. Plan a Fraternity-Focused Cor This Summer
Summer is a great opportunity to strengthen Christ-centered brotherhood through fraternity and fun. Consider planning a fraternity-centered Cor gathering such as a barbecue, yard games, a hike, a sporting event or an outdoor service event.
Challenge each participant to invite one new man to attend. A simple invitation can go a long way.
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3. Create a Cor Promotion and Invitation Plan for New Fraternal Year
Now is the time to prepare for a strong start to the new fraternal year. Begin by developing a plan to promote Cor in late summer or early fall.
Whether your Cor group is just getting started or already well established, consistent and intentional invitations are essential for growth.
Be sure to review the updated How to Promote Cor resource for practical ideas and tools. Remember to ask permission early for pulpit and bulletin announcements.
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Mission Happens Through Relationships
Many men come to the faith because someone walks alongside them. A missionary mindset is rooted in accompaniment — the willingness to invest in others, listen to their stories and encourage them in their relationship with Christ.
Jesus rarely formed people from a distance. He shared meals with them, traveled with them and patiently guided them toward deeper faith. He met people where they were and walked with them toward where God was calling them to be.
Within Cor, accompaniment can look like:
- Checking in with a man between gatherings
- Inviting someone to coffee or breakfast
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Following up with a new attendee after his first Cor session
- Encouraging a brother who is struggling or feeling disconnected
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Continuing to extend personal invitations to Cor whether they are new or returning
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These simple, intentional acts often have a greater impact than we realize.
As we begin a new fraternal year, reflect on these questions:
- Who has accompanied me on my faith journey?
- Is there a man God is calling me to walk alongside this year?
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How can I help deepen the relationships that are forming through Cor?
Missionary disciples do more than invite men into a room — they accompany them toward Christ. Through authentic brotherhood, we help create the conditions for lasting conversion, growth and discipleship.
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“Through Cor they were able to revitalize that council all because they were invited to an opportunity to pray together and to change that perspective of who the Knights are.” – Jamey, British Columbia Watch Short Testimony
“I believe they keep coming back to Cor because they are starting to feel that trust. Men, as we know, are not great sharers. We’d rather keep stuff in our hearts and just go do our business and not tell anybody. That doesn’t work.” – Richard, Nebraska Watch Short Testimony
“Certainly, we can read about our faith. We can read about the lives of the saints. We can listen to our favorite podcast..that talks about our faith. But what Cor does is it brings us together as brothers. You can’t find that anywhere else.” – Nathan, Pennsylvania Watch Short Testimony
Help us share the impact of Cor. Send us your Cor Testimony.
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Order Cor Material:
Supplies Online: Your Grand Knight or Financial Secretary can order or download Cor
startup and promotional material here.
Shop Catholic Info: Click on Cor Resources to order Cor brochures and guides.
Knights Gear: Click on Council/Cor to order Cor banner, tablecloth, apparel and mugs.
| | Thank you for your service to our Order. | | | | |
