Quarterly Issue 4

October 2025

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

- Matthew 18:20

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.

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

Last month, we gathered in New Haven, CT, for the annual State Evangelization and Faith Formation Training. I’d like to share with you a few words from the opening remarks that speak directly to your role as a Council EFF Director:

Each of us is here by God’s calling. You were chosen for this work. Thank you for your “yes” to the mission of Cor. Your yes places you at the heart of a powerful movement—one that echoes the very heartbeat of our founder, Blessed Michael McGivney.

Cor, Latin for “heart,” is about centering men’s hearts on Jesus—so they can be transformed by him and by each other. If you get the heart right—you get the man right. And when hearts are set on Christ, everything else flows from there.



As St. Catherine of Siena reminds us, we are here to set “hearts on fire with love of God.” May that fire continue to grow in your councils and parishes.

Remember to share the vision, inspire your team and lead together with hearts set on Christ. 

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). 

1. Know Your Role

As an EFF Director, you and your team hold a vital role within the Knights of Columbus. You are at the heart of a cultural renewal—ensuring that prayer, formation and fraternity are woven into the very fabric of the Order. In doing so, you help fulfill the founding vision of Blessed McGivney by making it a lived reality throughout all your council’s activities. Remember that the council meeting is a fantastic opportunity to make these connections and to share the mission and vision of Cor with your brother Knights. 

It is important to understand your role and the roles of the leaders who support you. To that end, clear and actionable role descriptions have been developed to guide EFF Directors and clergy support at each level. Please take a moment to review these key documents:

​View EFF Role Overview and Support

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View EFF State Leadership Responsibilities

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View EFF Council Leadership Responsibilities

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View Clergy Support Opportunities

2. Build Your EFF Team

You’re not meant to lead alone or to carry every responsibility on your own. Prayerfully consider which men in your parish—including those who aren’t Knights—might be a good fit to help lead and grow Cor. Don’t hesitate to ask. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple, personal invitation.

As outlined in the council’s role description, consider assembling a team around these potential roles. Choose the ones that best align with your needs and your men’s unique skills and talents: 

• Communication/Outreach
• Hospitality Coordinator       
• Fraternity/Engagement Leader       
• Formation Leader       
• Prayer Leader       
• Spiritual Advisor/Chaplain 

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. 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.

• Holy Rosary and Holy Rosary Program – October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary 
• Prayers for the Intercession of the Angels and Saints  
• Angelus & Other Prayers to Blessed Virgin Mary
• Magnificat Advent Companion 2025

Formation: Becoming like Christ

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

• Eucharist Cor Session Guide – NEW Cor material
• Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Cor Session Guide – NEW Cor material
• Advent Video Reflections – Weekly Advent reflections by Dr. Jonathan Reyes
• Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge – Discuss October/November/December’s reflections and challenges
• Eternal Rest or Advent with Tim Gray on FORMED. Get access to your free FORMED subscription HERE.
• Use the new Cor Formation Content Guide to review other formation options

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.

• October Idea: Along with the Holy Rosary, October is dedicated to Guardian Angels. Can you recall a time when you strongly felt your Guardian Angel was protecting you?
• November Idea: As we honor All Saints and All Souls Day, we’re invited to reflect on those who have gone before us. What saint do you most relate to or admire?  A possible activity this month is to visit a local cemetery and pray for the souls in purgatory.
• December Idea: What is your favorite Advent or Christmas tradition, and how does your tradition help you draw closer to Christ? 

1. Submit the EFF Director Submission Form

Grand Knights: If you haven't submitted this short form for your EFF Director, please do so now: Council EFF Director Submission Form

• This form is the only way we can identify Council EFF Directors and ensure they receive all communication and support from both Supreme and State teams.
• The Council EFF Director position is not listed on Form #365 so this separate form must be submitted each fraternal year—even if the same person continues in the role.
• Once submitted, the Council EFF Director will automatically begin receiving:   
• Quarterly Newsletter Cor Central: Cor updates and resources.
• Onboarding Emails: A 6–8 week series of emails with practical tips and planning tools to help successfully run Cor. 

2. Report Q1 Cor Progress

Fraternal Year '25-'26 Quarter 1 closed on September 30. Please submit your Cor Quarterly Report Form.

• This form is vital in tracking the progress of Cor across the Order and in identifying how best we can support you and your parish.

3. Connect with Your State EFF Director

Your State EFF Director is here to support you and connecting with him early on is helpful for a successful year. His contact information will be included in the onboarding emails. You can also reach out to your state leadership for his name and email.

Be sure to reach out to:

• Introduce yourself​
• Ask questions and seek guidance
• Establish a regular communication routine   

Mission Flows from Identity

Before mission comes identity. A missionary mindset begins with encountering Jesus. Before we can go out, we must first be drawn into real friendship with him, transformed by his love, and rooted in the truth that I am his disciple.

From this identity, mission flows naturally. We do not share the Gospel simply because it’s an obligation, but because Christ has captured our hearts—and his love is too good to keep to ourselves.

Within Cor, we cannot assume that every man has truly responded to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Part of our mission is to help one another move from “knowing about” Christ to truly “knowing” him through prayer, sacraments, and personal relationship.



As we live out this identity, our words and actions will lead others to him.

Ask yourself:

• Am I living from my identity as a disciple of Christ?
• Do I create opportunities for men to encounter Jesus personally, not just mechanically?

A missionary mindset flows from here—disciples who know they belong to Christ, and from that belonging, are sent to share him with their family, friends and community.

“One of the Grand Knights said that he’s so happy that his council sponsored Cor because being involved in Cor, for the first time in 20 years, he’s been able to go home and tell his wife he loved her.” – Daniel, Kansas Watch Short Testimony

“I love the idea of calling it Cor. I think it provides so many different opportunities to understand the heart of who we are - made in the image and likeness of God.” – Deacon Mark, Iowa Watch Short Testimony

“Having the opportunity to help bring Cor to our 50 some councils in New Hampshire has been, so far, one of the best joys in my life.” – Brian, New Hampshire Watch Short Testimony  

Help us share the impact of Cor. Send us your Cor Testimony.

Cor Website:

Our Faith - Cor | Knights of Columbus 

Our Faith - How to Lead Cor | Knights of Columbus

Cor Training Videos and Webinars:

Cor Training Videos

Cor Webinars & Online Events

Cor Startup Resources:

Starting Cor in 3 Steps Brochure

Working with Your Pastor

Cor Startup Guide

Cor Startup Check List

Cor Reference Guide

Cor Formation Content Guide

Cor FAQ

Cor Parish Resources:

Cor Brochure

Cor Communication Strategy

Cor Parish Invitation Script

Cor Bulletin Announcement

Cor Interest Survey

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 stickers, pop-up banner and tablecloth.

Order Resources at Shop Catholic Info:

Guide to Praying the Rosary 

Prayer Time 

Lectio Divina Trifold 

Eucharist Cor Session Guide

Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel Cor Session Guide 

Let Us Know How It’s Going: Cor Quarterly Report & Cor Testimonies

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