Fraternal Leader Advisory
Breaking News | Reminders | Resources | Recommendations
Volume 14 | October 15, 2020
Important Links
Beatification of Father Michael McGivney
Register! Extending Fr. McGivney's Invitation
The Order that Fr. McGivney invited men to join 138 years ago is the same one we’re inviting men to be a part of today – an organization that cares for the most vulnerable, that cares about Catholic families. Join us tonight, Oct 15 at 8:00 PM EDT to learn more about how sharing Father McGivney’s story can help grow your council.
Celebrate the Beatification of Fr. Michael J. McGivney
Everything you need to know about the Beatification of Father McGivney can be found at kofc.org/beatification! Watch a brief video that shows everything offered on the site including a new council resource page to ensure your council has everything it needs to celebrate the beatification throughout the year! Resources to read, watch, pray, act and order will be added regularly, including new, full-color banners. Click here to order now!
Orderwide Exemplification
Sunday, November 1, will be an Orderwide Exemplification Day to celebrate the beatification of Fr. McGivney. All state and local councils are encouraged to participate in this event either virtually or in-person as your jurisdiction allows, see more information below. The Supreme Council will also host virtual degrees on November 1. Invitations to send to your prospects are available to download in English, Spanish, and French.
NOTE: Councils must file a form 100 for all candidates who complete an online exemplification. For clarification on the difference between the On-Demand Ceremony and Online Membership (Online Join), click here.
Fraternal Operations
Election 2020
Each election provides an opportunity for American citizens to make their voices heard. Every vote counts! Election laws differ in each state, and additional changes have recently been made to adjust to the challenges presented by the pandemic. As we near Election Day on November 3, you are invited to use the tools we created to help you plan and stay safe.
UPDATE 2019-2020 Council Awards Delivery
United States and Canadian Star Council Awards for the 2019-2020 Fraternal Year shipped to district deputies at the end of September.

Remaining council awards (Columbian, Fr. McGivney, Founders and Combination Awards) will continue to ship throughout the month of October. Adjusted awards (including adjusted Star Council Awards) will begin to be shipped after initial award orders are complete. In almost all instances, council award shipments will be received by their respective district deputies.

General agents will receive awards if a council earned the Founder's Award only. Any award appeals should be submitted by the state deputy to fraternalmission@kofc.org.
Membership Growth
Best Practices for In-Person Exemplifications
Conducting degrees and initiating men into the Order is not new for any of us. It is one of the most gratifying things we do as leaders in the Knights of Columbus. And while COVID-19 has introduced some new variables into the equation, many time-honored best practices have not changed. Click here to download best practices for conducting in-person exemplifications while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.
Free First Year Membership
We are offering FREE Online Membership in commemoration of the upcoming beatification of our beloved founder Fr. Michael J. McGivney on October 31. Please promote this gift of free first-year membership to all potential members between now and December 31, 2020. Interested prospects should simply visit kofc.org/joinus, complete the membership application and enter promo code MCGIVNEY2020.
Blessed Michael J. McGivney Medallion
To celebrate the beatification of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, commemorative medallions* will be awarded to every recruiter who recruits 5 or more members during the 2020-2021 fraternal year.

*Only recruiters from insurance jurisdictions are eligible for the Blessed Michael J. McGivney Medallion incentive.
Evangelization and Faith Formation
Coats for Kids Update
As your council and community prepare for winter, here are some important updates about the 2020-2021 Coats for Kids program. 

While every council has the freedom to use their own coats for the program, the Supreme Council has worked hard to simplify this process for councils and provide the highest quality coat for the cost. We have compared many styles, colors and qualities of coat and chose a style to ensure that you and your council members are proud of the coats that are distributed to children. Every coat in this year’s line-up, has a zero-degree rating. For more info on the program, please visit kofc.org/coats or access the Coats for Kids FAQ’s here. 
Faith: Marian Prayer Program
Knights step into the breach by joining their prayers through Our Lady in support of persecuted Christians. To learn more info on this program, visit kofc.org/marianprogram.
Family: Food for Families
Knights step into the breach by ensuring as few as possible go to bed hungry through the Food for Families Program which supports food pantries, food banks, and soup kitchens in local communities. For more info on this program, visit kofc.org/food.
For more information about this month's highlighted programs click here.
District Deputy Corner
  • INCENTIVE: Any DD in the US and Canada whose district recruits at least 12 new members between October 1 and December 31 will earn a $250 gift card. Click here to learn more and track your progress.
  • Conduct a quarterly district meeting with council leaders to get a quick status report, discuss best practices and struggles, and provide support where needed.
  • Verify your councils have submitted forms 185, 365 and 1295. These are the minimum requirements for a healthy and sustainable council. Watch this video for training on how to complete these forms online.
Grand Knight Corner
  • Check your council’s Safe Environment compliance on Officer’s Online. All councils are required to be Safe Environment compliant. The purpose of the program is to ensure that brother Knights are trained to safeguard children and other vulnerable persons by recognizing the signs of possible abuse. The Council Information Guide provides complete details.
  • Contact your Pastor to discuss how the council can assist him during the Christmas season. Watch Six Steps to Success When Communicating with Your Pastor.
Financial Secretary Corner
  • Review the updated Leadership Resources for the latest information on council operations and the role of Financial Secretaries.
  • Review this short video on submitting / updating forms online.
Share your council plans for programming this fraternal year!
Thank you for your service to the Order. If you have any questions or suggestions during your term, please email fraternalmission@kofc.org
This e-mail was sent to supreme directors, state deputies, state membership directors, state program directors, state faith directors, state family directors, state community directors, state life directors, district deputies, grand knights, financial secretaries, council membership directors, council program directors, and council faith, family, community and life directors in the United States, Canada, and Philippines.
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