Why Cor ?
Cor upholds both Blessed McGivney’s vision and the mission of the Knights of Columbus. Its essence is not new; it is central to who we are as Knights. Cor helps us focus more intentionally on what we were founded upon as a Catholic fraternal order. Cor is a regular gathering of men that uses a flexible framework of prayer, formation and fraternity to foster Christ-centered brotherhood and help men grow closer to Jesus.
Today, many men are more isolated, disconnected and lonely than ever before. Studies show that many have no close friendships. Yet, God designed us for community. We are not meant to walk the journey of faith alone. Cor is structured to help men intentionally and regularly come together to build authentic brotherhood. These gatherings are not just about deepening our knowledge of faith — they’re about strengthening our interior lives and bond as brothers, encouraging each other to live the life God has called us to. Alongside their brothers in Christ, men strive to better live out their vocation by becoming holier sons, husbands, fathers and members of their communities.
Mission
To help focus men on Jesus by building Christ-centered brotherhood through a flexible framework of prayer, formation, and fraternity.
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.
Key Elements of Cor
Prayer
Through prayer, we encounter Christ and nourish our faith and relationship with him. We must first know Jesus and receive from him before we can share him with our families and communities.
Shared time in prayer will help men focus on their relationship with God and give depth and life to formation and brotherhood. Prayer readies the heart and mind to receive and process formation in its varied forms. Like all relationships, prayer requires commitment and consistency.
Formation
As disciples of Christ, the goal of Catholic formation is to become like Christ, taking on his character and virtue, his life of prayer, and his mission. He is the model of holiness.
Formation is life-long and requires an intentional commitment to the depths of our faith and demands of discipleship. Formation without prayer and fraternity becomes simply academic, not relationship-forming.
Fraternity
Fraternity is not just superficially hanging out; it is a true brotherhood centered on Christ. This type of brotherhood has depth and trust, where men as authentic and virtuous friends sharpen one another and accompany each other as disciples of Christ. It fosters a sense of duty to one another — we are our brother’s keeper.
Brotherhood made up of Christ-centered friendships is necessary for men to grow in holiness, as leaders and as missionary disciples. Like prayer and formation, fraternity must be intentional and requires proximity, consistency and the shared mission of holiness in vocation and evangelization.