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By Fr. Jonathan D. Kalisch, O.P.
Director of Chaplains and Spiritual Development
Advent and the Christmas season are special times when the spiritual and pastoral engagements of our brother Knights often radiate throughout their communities. Whether it is raising funds and distributing coats through Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids, preparing holiday groceries for the poor and elderly, decorating around the church, assisting with posada celebrations, manning the parking lots, or ushering on Christmas Eve, brother Knights invariably take an active part in the life of their parishes during these days.
The flurry of council activity is fitting when we recall that Blessed Michael McGivney received the graces and charisms of his priestly office — which would sustain his “love of the heart of Jesus” for the remaining 13 years of his life — on Dec. 22, 1877. Speaking of St. Joseph’s disposition to trust, Pope Francis reminded us in Patris Corde, “God always finds a way” (5).
The creative courage at the heart of all fatherhood is brightly on display amid the on-going tragedy of the Russian war in Ukraine. Our brother Knights, with the help of your donations, provide coats, hugs and scholarships to orphans of the war and host Christmas dinners for mothers and children whose fathers have died. May these examples spur us on to meet the real needs around us and to intercede for the true peace that only Christ can bring. Wishing you a fruitful Advent preparation and a blessed Christmas season! Vivat Jesus!
| | December Monthly Challenge | | |
This month, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori challenges Knights to spend some time reflecting on the four last things — death, judgment, heaven and hell — to better prepare themselves for eternity.
| | Blessed Michael McGivney's Corner | | |
On December 22, 1877, Archbishop (later Cardinal) James Gibbons ordained Michael McGivney in Baltimore’s Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just three days later, on Christmas, Father McGivney offered his first public Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, accompanied by his widowed mother and siblings. This occasion marked the start of his priestly life, initially as a vicar at St. Mary’s, New Haven’s first Catholic parish. Years later, God also called Father McGivney’s two younger brothers to His service. You can read this article from the July/August 2025 issue of Columbia to learn more about the “Fathers McGivney” and the pastoral gifts that run in their family.
| | Christmas in the Shadow of War | | |
During this Christmas season, fear, loss and mourning weigh heavily in Ukraine. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Knights of Columbus have worked to bring peace and comfort to those affected. Councils across Ukraine organized Christmas dinners for widows and orphans last year, offering companionship to those who can no longer spend the day with their loved ones. Knights also marked the Feast of St. Nicholas by giving children candies, coats and moments of joy. Even amid the war, the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program continues to flourish in Ukraine – supported in part by brother Knights from Canada and Poland, who delivered winter jackets for Ukrainian children.
Learn more about the Order’s ongoing efforts in Ukraine and how to support the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, visit kofc.org/ukraine.
| | Bethlehem — the Heart of Salvation History | | |
During his recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the Knights of Columbus leadership, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop Lori visited the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem — the place where our salvation began and which today is torn by war. “We are here as lovers of the Word of God, pilgrims of hope who put all our trust in the Word,” said the supreme chaplain. “In this sacred place, so much at the heart of salvation history, let us pray to find ways, in God’s grace, to extend the light and love of Christ to those who suffer so terribly.” Read Archbishop Lori’s full homily here.
| | Dec. 9 — Feast of St. Juan Diego | | |
This month we also honor St. Juan Diego, the simple yet courageous messenger of Our Lady of Guadalupe. His deep faith and obedience remind us of the power of trust in God’s guidance. As chaplains and Knights of Columbus, we can help promote devotion to St. Juan Diego through the new Faith in Action program Imitating Saint Juan Diego. This December, you can encourage your council to take part in this initiative. by:
- Organizing a traveling image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the parish and council.
- Hosting a prayer service in honor of St. Juan Diego or Our Lady of Guadalupe, such as a votive Mass or rosary.
- Distributing prayer cards or resources about St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
All necessary resources can be downloaded here.
| | Dec. 12 — Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | | |
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe,reminds us of God’s closeness to the poor and the vulnerable. We encourage your council to participate in the new initiative, Holy Hour for Life with Our Lady of Guadalupe, which invites councils to organize Eucharistic adoration and to ask for Our Lady of Guadalupe’s intercession for the cause of Life. Today we especially need her help to protect the lives of the unborn and to support couples struggling with infertility. More information and resources are available here.
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Encourage your council to join brother Knights in prayer and reflection as we prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Starting with the Feast of Christ the King, weekly videos have been released on Facebook and YouTube to guide Knights through the Advent season. These videos may also serve as discussion starters for council or Cor meetings.
As councils' Advent and Christmas programs in support of the parish during this busy time of year are underway, chaplains are encouraged to be present and to remind members to keep Christ at the center — so that these activities become evangelizing moments in preparation for Christmas. For additional program ideas, consider:
| | Dec. 31 — Feast of the Holy Family | | |
To help families live out the joy of Christ, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori has composed a prayer of consecration to the Holy Family. In this prayer, we ask for the aid of Jesus, the perfect son; Mary, the perfect mother; and Joseph, a model for every father. Councils will help guide their parish and community in understanding and offering this prayer. The Consecration to the Holy Family is not just a single event but a commitment to a way of life — one in which each person is called to be a beacon of God’s love through his Church.
Additional family resources are available, including the video series Into the Breach and Into the Breach: The Mission of the Family.
| | Jan. 23 — March for Life and Life Fest | | |
The 2026 March for Life will take place Jan. 23 in Washington, D.C., beginning with a rally on the National Mall followed by a peaceful march to the U.S. Capitol. The largest annual human rights demonstration in the world, the March for Life draws tens of thousands of people from across the country to celebrate life and take a stand against legalized abortion. For more details, visit marchforlife.org. You can read about last year’s march here or watch some of the highlights.
The Knights of Columbus will once again partner with the Sisters of Life to host Life Fest 2026 in D.C. on the morning of Jan. 23, prior to the March for Life. This dynamic event will include a morning rally and Mass, speakers, music and more. Tickets and more information are available now at lifefestrally.com. Members of the clergy are invited to participate in Life Fest, with opportunities to hear confession and concelebrate Mass. For more information and to register, visit here. Click here to read about last year’s Life Fest or watch this video to learn more.
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On Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Leo XIV will close the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope. This holy year has reminded us of the enduring hope found in Christ and has challenged us to bring that hope to the world.
Upcoming Jubilee events include:
Let us give thanks for the graces of the Jubilee and pray for lasting fruit in our lives and in the Church.
| | Thank you for your service to the Order. If you have any questions or suggestions during your term, please email chaplains@kofc.org | | |
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