Faith

in Action
 Contents
Higher Purpose ...........................................................3 Building the Domestic Church Kiosk.........11
Faith in Action ..............................................................3 Rosary................................................................12
Program Personnel and Requirements.................4 Spiritual Reflection ........................................12
Appoint Directors...................................................4 Holy Hour..........................................................12
Service Program Personnel Report...................4 Sacramental Gifts ...........................................12
Safe Environment — Family .....................................................................13
Office of Youth Protection...............................4
Food for Families............................................13
Safe Environment Program Training and
Background Check Requirements................4 Family of the Month/Year..............................13
Program Planning .......................................................5 Keep Christ in Christmas ..............................13
Parish Pastor, Council Chaplain..........................5 Family Fully Alive ............................................14
Officers’ Planning Meeting ..................................5 Family Week.....................................................14
Before the Officers’ Planning Meeting .............5 Consecration to the Holy Family ................14
Program Portion of the Officers’ Family Prayer Night........................................15
Planning Meeting ..............................................5 Good Friday Family Promotion ...................15
After the Officers’ Planning Meeting.................6 Community ............................................................16
Program Resources....................................................6 Coats for Kids ..................................................16
Online Faith in Action Materials .........................6 Global Wheelchair Mission ..........................16
Ordering Supplies..................................................6 Habitat for Humanity......................................16
Fraternal Training Resources .............................6
Disaster Preparedness..................................16
Webinars...................................................................6
Free Throw Championship ..........................17
Program After Action .................................................7
Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest ...........17
Keeping Program Personnel Motivated...........7
Soccer/Hockey Challenge ...........................17
Submit Fraternal Programs Report
Form #10784.....................................................7 Helping Hands ................................................17
Program Awards..........................................................7 Life...........................................................................18
Columbian Award ..................................................7 March for Life...................................................18
State Council Service Program Awards ...........8 Special Olympics ............................................18
International Service Program Awards.............8 Ultrasound Initiative ......................................19
State Blessed Michael McGivney Award Christian Refugee Relief ...............................19
and Blessed Michael McGivney Medal .......8 Silver Rose........................................................19
Program Categories ...................................................9 Mass for People with Special Needs.........19
Supreme Recommended Program Matrix.......9 Pregnancy Center Support / ASAP
Featured Programs ..................................................10 (Aid and Support After Pregnancy)........20
Faith ........................................................................11 Novena for Life................................................20
RSVP ..................................................................11 Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge............21
Into the Breach................................................11 Faith in Action Monthly
Pilgrim Icon Program .....................................11 Challenge Instructions ..................................21
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 Faith in Action
Higher Purpose Faith in Action
Today, a man’s work follows him home through his This Faith in Action manual provides information for
smartphone. At the same time, he is picking up a your council to not only implement Supreme-
larger share of household responsibilities and striving recommended programs, but also to create unique
to meet the intense demands of fatherhood as kids’ programs that help men to live out their commitment
activities accelerate. Despite this, many men want to to the Catholic faith and their desire to serve family,
express their faith by working alongside peers in parish, and community.
service to others. They want to spend precious free
time with their families while also building bonds of
fraternity that last a lifetime.

As leaders and brother Knights, we are excited about

men’s desire to serve. We relish the opportunity to
continuously adapt to the demands of a changing
world and the needs of future members. We know
that demonstrating our faith through service is as
powerful as it is rewarding. This calling is a
fundamental part of the Order’s history and the
genesis for our program model, Faith In Action.

“We must all find ways to put others before

ourselves in everyday situations. Let us,
therefore, put down our phones, pause to listen,
and strive to put the needs of others – especially Built into our four program categories is the
our spouses and children – ahead of our own.” opportunity for all generations and cultures to share
– Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly faith, celebrate fraternity, and stand shoulder to
shoulder in service to our community and in defense
The Faith in Action model recognizes the changing of life from conception to natural death.
needs of men in the twenty-first century. It seeks to
balance all of their key priorities for Faith, Family, This manual fully explains the Faith in Action program
Community and Life. The simplicity of Faith in Action model, its four categories, and recommended
is that it limits the number of required programs to programs for each. Additional service program
earn the Columbian Award and, most importantly, resources and recommendations can be found at
allows councils to concentrate on implementing kofc.org/faithinaction.
quality faith-filled family programs. Our goal is for men
to lead their family in service — not leave their family The resources included in this guide and online are
for service. meant to serve as guidelines and not intended to be
prescriptive or exacting. Your council should adapt
Through the Faith in Action program model, every the information for each program to meet the needs
day, Knights all over the world are given opportunities and resources of your parish and community. By
to make a difference – whether through community conducting well-run programs, your council continues
service, raising money, or prayer. We celebrate each
the vision of our founder by assisting people in need
and every Knight for his strength, his compassion, and
and strengthening the bonds that unite our members.
his dedication to building a better world.
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 Faith in Action
Program Personnel and Submitting this report allows the directors and
chairmen to receive important information from the
Requirements Supreme and state councils.
APPOINT DIRECTORS
The grand knight should appoint his program and If there are changes to committee chairs during the
membership directors immediately after the election fraternal year, use the Member Management
of council officers. Remember that programs and application to make updates or submit the changes
membership go hand in hand. A council cannot on a new Service Program Personnel Report (#365) to
conduct successful programs without member the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal
support, and without quality faith-filled family Mission.
programs, prospective members will not be interested
in joining your council. SAFE ENVIRONMENT —
OFFICE OF YOUTH PROTECTION
The appointed program director works with the grand Certain state and council officers/chairmen are
knight to name directors or committee chairs for each required to take safe environment training and may
of the four program categories. also be required to provide authorization for
background checks.
SERVICE PROGRAM PERSONNEL REPORT
Once the directors and committee chairs are If members in certain positions are not compliant
appointed, complete and submit the Service Program within 30 days of notification, they are subject to
Personnel Report (#365) through the Member removal from those positions.
Management application in the Officers Online
section of kofc.org — no later than June 30. The As the Service Program Personnel Report (#365)
report is also found at kofc.org/forms. is being completed, ensure that all member email

ROLES TRAINING BACKGROUND ARMATUS

CHECK ADMINISTRATION
State Council
State Deputy 3 3
State Advocate 3 3
State Program Director 3 3
State Youth Director 3 3 3
State Family Director 3 3 3
State Community Director 3 3 3
State Squire Chairman 3 3 3
Subordinate Council
Grand Knight 3 3
Faithful Navigator 3
Program Director 3 3
Family Director 3 3
Community Director 3 3
Chief Counselor 3 3
Adult Counselor 3 3
Safe Environment Program Training and Background Check Requirements — Table 1

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 Faith in Action
addresses are accurate. Praesidium, the Order’s safe
environment partner, will use these email addresses
to send email notifications to the program directors
and chairs who are required to complete safe
environment training and to provide authorization for
a background check. Directors and chairs should look
for email notifications from Praesidium in their inbox
or spam folder. The emails will assign usernames and
passwords necessary to complete the required
training. They also provide the links to authorize
background checks. The Knights of Columbus pays
all costs associated with these requirements.

Email notifications are unique to each recipient and

cannot be forwarded or used by another director or
chair. These time-sensitive notifications require the
recipient to complete training and background check
authorization within 30 days of receipt.

For more information, please visit kofc.org/safe or the

Officer Desk Reference in Officers Online.
of each project. Copies of the Fraternal Programs
Program Planning Report Forms (#10784) submitted by council members
PARISH PASTOR, COUNCIL CHAPLAIN in the past, and collected by the grand knight, will
It is vitally important to discuss your tentative program be helpful for your review. Develop a brief summary
plans with your pastor and his staff. Developing of each program and be prepared to discuss the
and aligning your goals with the pastor is an important analysis during the program portion of the Officers’
and fundamental aspect of parish and community Planning Meeting.
relations.
PROGRAM PORTION OF THE OFFICERS’
OFFICERS’ PLANNING MEETING PLANNING MEETING
Council officers, the membership director, all program During the programming portion of the Officers’
directors, committee chairmen, and your council Planning Meeting, your council officers should:
chaplain, if available, should attend your planning • Review the programs that were conducted in the
meetings. Use these meetings to set the program past year
calendar, establish recruiting goals, update the ▫ Analyze each project
budget, and prepare motions for the upcoming ▫ Review and approve press releases for council
council meetings. Use the Fraternal Planner to keep activities
ahead of all required reports and program deadlines. • Decide which programs should be repeated in the
current fraternal year and which new programs
BEFORE THE OFFICERS’ PLANNING MEETING should be included
Review the programs that were conducted in the past ▫ Assign directors and chairmen responsible for
year and examine the reasons for success or failure each program
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 Faith in Action
▫ Assign tentative dates for each program and
when each program will conclude. Establish a
meeting schedule for the program committee.
▫ Consider the parish calendar and review your
plans with the pastor and his staff
▫ Set a budget for each program
▫ Prepare a list of proposed programs to present
to your council for approval
▫ Direct the public relations chair to communicate
upcoming programs to the parish and community
in a timely fashion. Use the sample announcements
available for many of the programs

AFTER THE OFFICERS’ PLANNING MEETING

If the pastor or chaplain was not in attendance, the
grand knight should arrange to brief the pastor shortly
• Order materials at least four to six weeks in advance
thereafter and obtain approval for the planned
of your program date. Materials that are needed
programs. Arrangements should also be made for sooner will be shipped in an expedited manner;
the required facilities. however, extra shipping charges will be applied
to the order.
Program Resources
ONLINE FAITH IN ACTION MATERIALS FRATERNAL TRAINING RESOURCES
Branded materials are available to help your council A variety of fraternal training resources are available
promote and conduct Supreme-recommended online at kofc.org/training. These resources include
training webinars, short videos, and other leadership
programs. Resources include guide sheets with
materials. Additionally, there’s information on
step-by-step instructions for running programs,
Regional Training Directors who offer various training
promotional posters, brochures, prayer cards, booklets,
courses in person and online. This training page is
certificates, sample news releases, and more. These frequently updated with new content.
can be found online at kofc.org/fiaresources.
Visit: kofc.org/training
ORDERING SUPPLIES
Programming and print supplies can be ordered WEBINARS
through Supplies Online, the supply-ordering portal Fraternal webinars provide current, valuable
available on Officers Online. All Knights of Columbus information on topics for effective council operation,
gifts, apparel accessories, books, religious supplies, membership recruitment, charitable initiatives, and
Coats (Coats for Kids) and liturgical items, can be program enhancements that engage members and
ordered through KnightsGear. Included below are tips build stronger councils. All Knights of Columbus
to ensure that your order is processed and shipped in members are welcome to attend these informative
time for your programs: webinars.
• All council supplies can be ordered through your
council’s grand knight or financial secretary. Once Offered approximately monthly, these interactive
logged into Officers Online, they may access the webinars allow participants to learn about exciting
link to Supplies Online and KnightsGear. new developments, ask questions, and receive
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 Faith in Action
answers in real time. Each webinar is recorded and a great mechanism for councils to help track their
archived, so fraternal leaders can participate when progress toward achieving the Columbian Award
convenient. (#SP-7).

To sign-up and see an upcoming webinar, or to view In addition to the #10784, continue to use the
the archived webinars, visit kofc.org/webinar. following applications for these programs:
RSVP Refund Application (#2863)
Program After Action Food for Families Refund (#10057)
KEEPING PROGRAM PERSONNEL MOTIVATED Ultrasound Diocesan Evaluation (#10715)
The program director and committee chair are Ultrasound Application (#10716)
responsible for keeping volunteers motivated. ASAP Grant Application (Online)
Recognition for a job well done can go a long way to
keeping morale high. Here are some suggestions: For an overview of forms, their due dates and how to
• Publish the council’s works in the parish and submit them, review the Program Forms Reference
community media forums. Refer to the Public Guide available at kofc.org/fiaresources.
Relations and Publicity Guide (#2235) for
assistance. Program Awards
• Be sure that each Knight gets full credit and COLUMBIAN AWARD
recognition for his work. An occasional personal The Columbian Award recognizes your council’s
note may mean a great deal to the recipient. performance in offering faith-filled programs in each
• Consider presenting a Certificate of Appreciation of the four Faith in Action program categories. In
(#1462) to the directors, chairmen and other order for your council to earn the Columbian Award,
individuals who were instrumental in the success it must:
of the program. • Complete at least four program credits in each of
• Listen to the suggestions of your council members the Faith in Action categories of Faith, Family,
Community and Life
and acknowledge good advice. Tell your brother
• Complete the Columbian Award Application
Knights that you appreciate their interest and will
(#SP-7) — due by June 30
consider their ideas.
• Submit the Service Program Personnel Report
• Be prepared to listen when a member has a
(#365) — due by Aug. 1
question or problem.
• Accept responsibility for your mistakes. This shows
your team that you are human and fallible.

SUBMIT FRATERNAL PROGRAMS REPORT

FORM #10784
It is a best practice to keep good records of all
programmatic activity. Do this by submitting the
Fraternal Program Report Form (#10784). This
form can only be submitted online.

The Department of Fraternal Operations collates all

of the data received and provides monthly and
quarterly reports to the state program teams. This is
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 Faith in Action
STATE COUNCIL SERVICE PROGRAM AWARDS
Each year during a jurisdiction’s convention, state
councils should recognize the best program
conducted by councils in each of the four program
categories. A subordinate council must complete and
submit the State Council Service Program Awards
Entry Form (#STSP) — one form per entry per
program, along with supporting documentation for
each entry — directly to the designated state council
program chair.

Entries are judged first and foremost on program

effectiveness. Award application content is also
extremely important in conveying the effectiveness of
the program. Submitting a quality entry will improve
your council’s chances of being selected as a state or
international winner.

Winning entries — with the endorsement of the state

deputy — are submitted to the Supreme Council for
consideration as an International Service Program
Award winner.
along with their wives, are invited to the convention
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM AWARDS as guests of the Supreme Council. Any council that is
Once the jurisdiction has chosen its winners for each in good standing is eligible and encouraged to
category, they should promptly forward the compete for this distinguished honor.
submission to the Supreme Council Department of
Fraternal Mission. Please note: there is only one entry STATE BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY AWARD
per category. The entry must include: AND BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY MEDAL
• State Council Service Program Award Entry Form At the 139th Supreme Convention a resolution
(#STSP) was passed entitled Celebrating the Beatification of
• Executive summary of the winning program Blessed Michael McGivney. This resolution instituted
prepared by the state council, highlighting why it both the State Blessed Michael McGivney Award and
was chosen as the winner Blessed Michael McGivney Medal. Each council,
• Original submission from the winning subordinate should they choose to participate, can nominate
council a KofC chaplain to be awarded the State Blessed
• Supporting documentation of the winning Michael McGivney Award at their jurisdiction’s
program convention. The winner will be considered by
Supreme to be awarded the Blessed Michael
Winning programs at the international level are McGivney Medal at the Supreme Convention. All
recognized at the annual Supreme Convention in submission forms with instructions for this award can
August. The grand knights of the winning councils, be found at kofc.org/forms.
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 Faith in Action
Program Categories
The programs highlighted here are meant to inspire
your council to put their faith into action. The goal is
for the council to conduct programs that draw men
closer to their faith, families, and communities. A well-
rounded council will have activities in each of the
following categories: Faith, Family, Community and
Life. Your council may choose to conduct one or more
of the programs in this manual, or it may develop
programs unique to the parish or community.

This manual highlights 32 recommended programs.

Your council is encouraged to implement any
program(s) that will make a difference in your parish
and community. Obtaining a minimum of 16 program
credits, including at least 4 program credits in
each category, qualifies the council to earn the
Columbian Award.

Supreme-Recommended Program Category Matrix

FAITH COMMUNITY
RSVP Coats for Kids
Into the Breach Global Wheelchair Mission
Spiritual Reflection Habitat for Humanity
Holy Hour Disaster Preparedness
Pilgrim Icon Program Free Throw Championship
Building the Domestic Church Kiosk Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest
Rosary Program Soccer/Hockey Challenge
Sacramental Gifts Helping Hands
FAMILY LIFE
Food for Families March for Life
Family of the Month/Year Special Olympics
Family Fully Alive Ultrasound Initiative
Family Prayer Night Pregnancy Center Support / ASAP (Aid and
Keep Christ in Christmas Support After Pregnancy)
Family Week Christian Refugee Relief
Consecration to the Holy Family Silver Rose
Good Friday Family Promotion Mass for People with Special Needs
Novena for Life
Faith in Action Programs — Table 2
Bold denotes Featured Programs
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 Faith in Action
Featured Programs FAITH COMMUNITY
The Supreme Council has designated certain RSVP Coats for Kids
programs as featured programs in each of the Into the Breach Global Wheelchair Mission
Spiritual Reflection Habitat for Humanity
program categories. When your council conducts
Holy Hour
a featured program and satisfies the associated
FAMILY LIFE
requirements, it will receive two credits toward that
Food for Families March for Life
program category. For a breakdown of program Family of the Month/Year Special Olympics
requirements & FAQs visit kofc.org/fiaresources. Family Fully Alive Ultrasound Initiative
Family Prayer Night Pregnancy Center Support /
ASAP (Aid and Support
After Pregnancy)
Featured Programs — Table 3

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 Faith
Our goal is to strengthen our men
and their families in the faith. When
we entered the Order, we were
reminded to constantly form
ourselves in the Catholic faith. This
formation goes beyond mere facts
or religious practice to an authentic connection with a
loving God and his son Jesus Christ. Programs in this
category are designed to draw us closer to God and
the Church in a tangible and meaningful way. These
programs arm us for the spiritual battle that our men
and families face daily. For Faith program resources,
visit kofc.org/faith.
Catholic vision of family life and inspires them
REFUND SUPPORT VOCATION PROGRAM to incorporate it into daily life. By viewing and
(RSVP) FEATURED discussing these inspirational series, and using their
Keep the faith alive by supporting our seminarians accompanying study guides, participants will be
and postulants. equipped with the wisdom and practical tools they
need to better lead themselves and their families in
Through this program, council and parish families will living out the Faith. Resources are available at
raise funds to support seminarians or religious in kofc.org/intothebreach.
formation in their areas. For every $500 given to an
individual, the Supreme Council will refund the council PILGRIM ICON PROGRAM
or assembly $100. The maximum refund a council Unite your community in a special act of prayer and
or assembly can receive is $400 per individual devotion to the saints by hosting the pilgrim icon.
supported. Though financial support is vitally
important, it is not the only aspect of the RSVP The Knights of Columbus regularly adopt a special
program. Councils are also called to provide their icon of a saint whose patronage is inspiring to Knights
“adopted” seminarian or religious with moral support and their communities. These icons travel between
and prayers for their success. For additional councils and inspire communal acts of prayer and
information visit kofc.org/rsvp. devotion. Each Knights of Columbus jurisdiction
receives several traveling pilgrim icons, which serve
INTO THE BREACH FEATURED as the centerpieces for prayer services conducted in
Form men in spirituality and the Catholic vision of churches and council meeting places throughout the
marriage and family life through highly acclaimed Order for the duration of the initiative. For additional
video series and discussion. information visit kofc.org/pilgrimicon.

Into the Breach is a call to battle for men which urges BUILDING THE DOMESTIC CHURCH KIOSK
them to embrace masculine virtues in a world at crisis. Help strengthen families as the domestic church by
The original Into the Breach video series, inspired by providing exceptional religious education materials to
the apostolic exhortation of Bishop Thomas J. all Catholics.
Olmstead, outlines the challenges faced by men of
faith in the world today. The new Into the Breach: The By making the Building the Domestic Church Kiosk
(#BDC-K) available in your parish and organizing
Mission of the Family video series presents the
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 Faith
activities based on its content, councils will educate HOLY HOUR FEATURED
and evangelize using the rich, faith-based literature Encourage deep personal encounters with Christ.
found in the Catholic Information Service (CIS) Building As Catholics, we believe in the Real Presence: that
the Domestic Church series of booklets. For $150, Jesus Christ is truly present – body, blood, soul, and
councils will receive a Building the Domestic Church divinity – in the Eucharist. As such, we are compelled
Kiosk (#BDC-K) and the first set of 225 booklets of to grow in our devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and
the most popular CIS resources, aimed at helping to share His presence with the world.
Catholics to live out the Church’s vision for our
Holy Hours feature the exposition and benediction of
families. For additional information visit kofc.org/kiosk.
the Blessed Sacrament and can also include a
reflection, communal rosary, prayers for intercession
ROSARY PROGRAM
by Blessed Michael McGivney or St. Joseph, and
Build faithful families and communities by praying other devotions as decided by the council and pastor.
the rosary. Eucharistic Processions provide an opportunity to walk
with the Blessed Sacrament through your community,
The Knights of Columbus Rosary Program encourages bringing Jesus to everyone along the route. For
councils to promote devotion to the rosary in our additional information visit kofc.org/holyhour.
families and parishes by scheduling regular rosary
prayer services on any day of the week, at any time of SACRAMENTAL GIFTS
the year, with the guidance of their pastor. Councils Support families during the most important events in
should personally invite each family of the parish and the life of the domestic church: the sacraments.
offer attending families a copy of the Knights of
Columbus Catholic Information Service’s A Scriptural The sacraments stand as the most significant events
Rosary for the Family (#319). Encourage families to in the life of the domestic church. The Knights of
read this booklet and learn how their faith can be Columbus will be there to support and embrace our
parish families at these essential moments of
strengthened through a devotion to Our Lady, while
encounter with Christ. As children and adult members
praying the rosary at home together regularly. Kits
become more integrated into the life of the church
with rosary rings, rosary prayer guides, and leader
and their parish, they should know that members
books are available for councils to order. For of the Knights of Columbus will always be present
additional information visit kofc.org/rosary. in a tangible and meaningful way. For additional
information visit kofc.org/gifts.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION FEATURED
Create annual opportunities for prayer and reflection
as a fraternity.
Under the guidance of their chaplain, councils can
attend a retreat or day of reflection together or
organize their own event for the men of their parish.
In conjunction with pastors, councils and jurisdictions
can hold low-cost retreats of their own. These events
might be open only to council members or men of the
parish – or may be open to entire families. If councils
are unable to organize these events themselves, they
could attend an existing retreat as a group. For
additional information visit kofc.org/reflection.
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 Family
The programs in this category are Council and parish families will raise funds to support
developed for families by families. their local food pantries, food banks and soup
Blessed Michael McGivney sought kitchens. For every $500 or 1,000 pounds of food
to strengthen the familial bond of donated, the Supreme Council will refund $100 back
father to mother and children to to the council — up to a maximum of $500 per council
parents. Catholics often struggle per fraternal year. Though in-kind donation of food is
with the reality that they do not have the opportunity valuable, leaders of hunger-relief organizations often
to socialize and/or pray with other faith-filled Catholic comment that financial contributions can be stretched
families. It can be a challenge to continue to ground even further and allow nonprofits to procure the exact
ourselves and raise our children in the faith. items needed by the organization and its clients. For
additional information visit kofc.org/food.
Our family programs are a response to a society that
seeks to weaken the bonds of family. Blessed Michael FAMILY OF THE MONTH/YEAR FEATURED
McGivney’s vision for family life was not only financial Promote and support the development of strong and
and material aid but also spiritual strength, as holiness
vibrant families.
is the calling of all baptized Christians. Put plainly,
the majority of our time is easily spent in secular
Each month, the council Family of the Month
circles unless we intentionally create ways to live
committee selects one parish family that models
the domestic church. These programs help us to
Christian family values and visibly lives them every
live this call. For Family program resources, visit
day. Each council establishes a committee to
kofc.org/family.
recognize a deserving Family of the Month and Family
of the Year. Each participating council also selects
FOOD FOR FAMILIES FEATURED
one of the previous twelve Family of the Month
Help end hunger in communities across North
America and around the globe. winners to represent the council/parish as the
potential international Family of the Year. The Knights
of Columbus Family of the Year is chosen by the
Supreme Council and recognized each year at
the annual Supreme Convention. For additional
information visit kofc.org/familyofthemonth.

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

Promote the true spirit of Christmas in our homes,
schools, parishes and communities.

Councils will evangelize society through their faithful

acts, celebrations and a variety of activities. The
Knights of Columbus offers multiple activities that
promote Christmas and the season of Advent in their
proper context: Journey to the Inn, Light Up for Christ,
Crèche or Advent Wreath Blessing, and the Christmas
Poster Contest. These programs are centered on the
example of the Holy Family and the Nativity of Our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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 Family
The Keep Christ in Christmas (KCIC) program
encourages councils to compel their neighbors to
shift from a preoccupation with materialism to the
light of Christ and the spirit of giving. KCIC activities
include whatever efforts best suit the parish
and community. For additional information visit
kofc.org/christmas.

FAMILY FULLY ALIVE FEATURED

The Family Fully Alive monthly devotions are concrete
ways that Knights of Columbus can support the
growth of holy and loving families in the Church.

The Family Fully Alive program asks families to invite

God into their homes and cultivates each family as a
miniature domestic church. Using the Family Fully
Alive Booklet (#10162) as a devotional guide, this
program provides monthly themes, reflections,
meditations, and group projects. Through prayer and
reflection, each family has the opportunity to grow in
holiness together. This is a flexible program that can
be started at any time of the year. Councils will order
booklets and encourage families to use the booklets.
CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
For additional information visit kofc.org/familyfullyalive.
Strengthen families and revitalize our parishes.
FAMILY WEEK
Help families place God and the Catholic faith at the To help families live out the joy of Christ, Supreme
center of their lives. Chaplain Archbishop William Lori has composed a
prayer through which families can come together to
Knights of Columbus councils will dedicate a special consecrate themselves under the protection of the
week of the year for their parish to recognize the vital Holy Family. In this prayer, we ask for the aid or
importance of families as the foundation of our intercession of the perfect son Jesus Christ, Mary the
domestic church and to promote Catholic family perfect mother, and Joseph who is a model for every
values. Activities presented in this program seek to father.
strengthen the parish community and affirm the
central importance of Catholic family life. Seeking to strengthen families and revitalize our
parishes, councils will guide their parishes and
When choosing a week, councils should consider communities to understand and offer this important
factors that might affect parishioner schedules such and impactful prayer. Preparing for the Consecration
as school vacations, holidays and other local events. to the Holy Family is not a single event. It is
Though traditionally celebrated in the summer to choosing a way of life for your family. Through
commemorate the birth and death of our founder, this consecration, each participant is consciously
Blessed Michael McGivney, this program can take choosing to be a beacon of God’s love through
place anytime during the year. For additional his Church. For additional information visit
information visit kofc.org/familyweek. kofc.org/consecration.
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 Family
FAMILY PRAYER NIGHT FEATURED understanding of our Catholic faith and the Sacred
Strengthen the bonds within our parishes and build Triduum.
faith-filled families.
Despite Good Friday’s central role in the heart of
Catholics often struggle with the reality that they do Christianity, attendance at services remains low. In an
not have the opportunity to socialize and/or pray with effort to increase parish attendance and involvement
other faith-filled Catholic families. Family Prayer Night in Good Friday services, councils will conduct a
is an opportunity for children to be exposed to regular promotional campaign to educate their parishes on
people living their faith in a casual setting. This is an the vital importance of Good Friday.
opportunity for council members, their families, and
the whole parish community to come together once a Setting an example for their community, Knights will
month for an evening of prayer, dinner and fellowship. attend Good Friday services with their families and
work with their pastors to encourage increased
Multiple groups can be formed and families are parishioner involvement at these liturgies. In
encouraged to rotate between these groups. For conjunction with these efforts, councils will also work
additional information visit kofc.org/prayernight. to educate their parishes about the plight of Christians
in the Holy Land and other areas around the world
GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY PROMOTION where Christians are persecuted for their faith. For
Bring families into more robust practice and better additional information visit kofc.org/goodfriday.

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 Community
As Knights of Columbus, we are GLOBAL WHEELCHAIR MISSION FEATURED
called to serve our family and our Change the lives of people with disabilities worldwide.
God. Our first principle is Charity,
at home with our families and in The Knights of Columbus has partnered with the
our communities. This is a critical American Wheelchair Mission and Canadian
part of our Knights of Columbus Wheelchair Foundation, which falls under the
mission. Have you ever wondered, “How can I make umbrella of the Global Wheelchair Mission, to obtain
my community better?” Individuals can do great wheelchairs at a deeply discounted price. These
things on their own but there is something bigger wheelchairs help provide aid to those who lack the
than self when Knights of Columbus members come freedom of mobility in our communities. The Global
together as one through their council and accomplish Wheelchair Mission is a perfect opportunity to put
great things. Councils that conduct these programs your Faith in Action and involve the entire community
are positively shaping their communities by through rewarding charitable work done by councils.
addressing the needs of its citizens. For Community For additional information visit kofc.org/wheelchair.
program resources, visit kofc.org/community.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FEATURED
COATS FOR KIDS FEATURED Build homes for families in need.
Provide warmth for deserving children during cold
winter months. Knights of Columbus councils work closely with
Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit Christian
Councils across North America can purchase new organization, to build homes for families in need at
winter coats for children in need at a discount and substantially reduced costs. Each year, councils
distribute them in their local communities. For throughout the Order donate a considerable number
additional information visit kofc.org/coats. of volunteer hours and dollars to this worthy cause.
For additional information visit kofc.org/habitat.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Prepare your community before disaster strikes.

Communities can be brought to a halt when disaster

occurs — from large natural disasters to local crises.
As community leaders, Knights of Columbus will
ensure that their members, families and parish
communities are prepared through a campaign that
promotes planning and education. This program
motivates councils to take a holistic approach to
emergency situations by promoting readiness for
times of crisis, assessing response capabilities, and
learning how to properly respond well ahead of a
disaster. Councils will engage their parish and
community in disaster preparedness exercises by
organizing training, fundraisers and various
awareness activities. For additional information visit
kofc.org/prepare.
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 Community
FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP school year. For additional information and to find this
Since 1972, councils have sponsored the Knights of year’s Essay Contest topic visit kofc.org/essay.
Columbus Free Throw Championship for boys and
girls between the ages of 9 and 14 to provide SOCCER/HOCKEY CHALLENGE
an athletic outlet and encourage the values of The Soccer/Hockey Challenge is a great way for
sportsmanship and healthy competition. Kids compete councils to engage in their communities with an
within their own gender and age and progress from athletic event for youth that encourages the values of
local level to district, regional and state/province sportsmanship and healthy competition. Children
competitions. Councils can sponsor a competition demonstrate the most important skill in soccer and
by ordering a Free Throw Championship Kit or hockey — shooting accuracy on goal — and compete
volunteering to host and/or support the district, to reach the international level of competition.
regional and state/province championships. For Councils are free to choose between either the
additional information and to order your Free Throw Soccer or Hockey Challenge, whichever makes the
Kit visit kofc.org/freethrow. most sense for the youth of your community. Councils
can sponsor a competition by ordering a Soccer
CATHOLIC CITIZENSHIP ESSAY CONTEST Challenge Kit or Hockey Challenge Kit, or volunteer
Encourage youth in your community to become to host and/or support the district, regional
citizens grounded in their faith through creative writing. and state/province championships. For additional
information visit kofc.org/soccer or kofc.org/hockey.
Open to all Catholic students (public, private, home, or
parochial schools) in grades 8 to 12 during the current HELPING HANDS
In the model of our founder, Blessed Michael
McGivney, councils will lead efforts to assist those
most in need. The Helping Hands program is
designed to recognize the important work many
councils already do to care for the most
disadvantaged members of our communities — the
homeless, the addicted, the elderly who may feel
isolated and abandoned, and many others. The
requirements for this program are very broad in order
to allow councils to serve their community in
whatever way is most needed. One idea is to partner
with Cross Catholic Outreach to see how you
can serve your local community. For additional
information visit kofc.org/helpinghands.

Please Note: Participating in the Helping Hands

Program does not satisfy the programming
requirements for the Food for Families Program. The
two activities are separate and cannot be double-
counted. Also, this program is intended to be broad
reaching within your community and not specific to
certain individuals. It should address the needs of
whole groups.
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 Life
The urgency of the threat to a culture areas without existing events can organize new
of life cannot be misunderstood. rallies, walks and marches on their own or by
Respect for the dignity of life coordinating with other pro-life organizations. For
demands a commitment to human additional information, visit kofc.org/march.
rights across a broad spectrum.
Both as Knights of Columbus and
as followers of Christ, “Catholics must be committed
to the defense of life in all its stages and in every
condition” (St. John Paul II, 1995).

The Knights of Columbus defends the dignity of each

human being at every stage of life. Knights work
together to build a culture of life and a civilization of
love. Your council should stand ready to assist any
pregnant woman in need, care for the elderly, aid the
handicapped, empower those with special needs to
realize their full potential, and bring attention to the
injustices of abortion, embryonic stem cell research,
euthanasia and assisted suicide. For Life program
resources, visit kofc.org/life. SPECIAL OLYMPICS FEATURED
Celebrate the intrinsic worth and dignity of every
MARCH FOR LIFE FEATURED single human being through the Special Olympics.
Show public support for the right to life.
The Knights of Columbus has a unique relationship
The Knights of Columbus encourages others to with the Special Olympics and has helped disabled
choose life through public support of the pro-life athletes train for and compete in games around the
cause. Knights can sponsor, promote, and participate world. Knights of Columbus councils have assisted
in existing local, state, provincial and national with all aspects of the Special Olympics events from
marches. They can also organize bus trips. Councils in fundraising to feeding the athletes, organizing and
judging events, and providing equipment and awards.
Without the support of the Knights, participants would
not be able to train for the events that they love.

Work with Special Olympics affiliates to determine

how best to fund, sponsor or volunteer for events
in the local community. Councils should submit
their participation in Special Olympics events
and fundraising through the online Fraternal
Programs Report Form (#10784). The more councils
participating in a jurisdiction, the larger the donation
the Supreme Council will make each year to the
respective state or provincial Special Olympics
organization in the jurisdiction. For additional
information visit kofc.org/olympics.
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 Life
ULTRASOUND INITIATIVE FEATURED Knights of Columbus are called to bring awareness
Save lives and help women choose life by giving and support to those who have suffered for their faith.
them the opportunity to view their unborn children on The Knights of Columbus Persecuted Christians Fund
ultrasound machines at pro-life pregnancy centers. provides humanitarian assistance, primarily in Iraq,
Syria, and the surrounding region. Councils will aid
this cause by collaborating with their parishes to
spread awareness and raise funds to help these
Christians and those in their care. For additional
information visit kofc.org/refugee.

SILVER ROSE
Share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and
promote respect for life by participating in this
meaningful pilgrimage.

The Silver Rose program demonstrates the unity

between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United
States, and Mexico, through a series of prayer
services promoting the dignity of all human life and
honoring Our Lady. Each year Silver Roses are
stewarded by councils along routes from Canada to
Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout
the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for
This initiative is funded by state and local councils and Knights, parishioners, and community members to
matching grants from the Supreme Council’s Culture pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of
of Life Fund. The Knights of Columbus donates funds each nation, and for the advancement of the message
to purchase ultrasound machines for qualifying of Our Lady of Guadalupe. For additional information
pregnancy centers. After the state and/or local council visit kofc.org/silverrose.
raises 50% of the cost, the Supreme Council will
provide the other 50% to complete funding for MASS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
purchase of an ultrasound. Or, if the council raises Welcome individuals or families who might not
100% of the cost of a vehicle outfitted to serve as normally feel comfortable participating in a regularly
a mobile medical unit for a pregnancy center, the scheduled Mass.
Supreme Council will provide 100% of the funds for
an ultrasound machine to be used in that vehicle. This People with special needs resulting from physical,
program has specific guidelines. Be sure to consult emotional, mental, or cognitive conditions are all
your State Life Director or the Department of Fraternal around us in society, at school, at work, and in our
Operations before beginning this program. For families. It can be challenging for these important
additional information visit kofc.org/ultrasound. members of our society to participate in church due to
physical and social barriers — or even family member
CHRISTIAN REFUGEE RELIEF anxiety. Councils will sponsor a distinct Mass for
Help save persecuted and at-risk Christians facing people with special needs. Celebrating a Mass for
genocide all over the world, particularly in the People with Special Needs can be the first of many
Middle East. steps toward integration into regular weekly or even
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 Life
daily Mass — and more deeply into all of the commemorate and bolster this important cause,
sacraments and other aspects of parish life. Holding councils will promote a novena, nine days of sustained
this Mass sends the message that all of God’s children prayer, to build up a culture of life in our parishes,
are welcome under the parish roof and that every homes, and wider community. Knights and their
person is an integral part of the parish family. For families can also come together in both public and
additional information visit kofc.org/mpsn. private acts of prayer to promote the protection of life.
For additional information visit kofc.org/novenaforlife.
PREGNANCY CENTER SUPPORT / ASAP (AID
AND SUPPORT AFTER PREGNANCY) FEATURED
Change hearts and minds about abortion by showing
that we love both mother and child before and
after birth.

Thousands of pro-life pregnancy centers operate in

jurisdictions throughout the Order. By the very nature
of our founding, Knights of Columbus are called to
care for the widow and orphan. Vulnerable unborn
children and mothers experiencing unexpected
pregnancies certainly fall within our mandate. With
our aid, pregnancy centers can offer support to help
women choose life. Councils can provide material,
financial, and other support to pro-life pregnancy
centers that help pregnant women during pregnancy
and following the birth of their newborn children. For
additional information visit kofc.org/support.

Through the ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy)

program, councils can contribute even more support
to pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes.
For every $500 a council donates to a qualifying
pregnancy resource center or maternity home (up to
maximum published seperately), the Supreme Council
will donate $100 more. Visit kofc.org/asap for
resources and to apply online.

NOVENA FOR LIFE

Lead your community in the spiritual fight to establish
a culture of life in our nations.

The protection of life is a sustained prayer intention of

the Church, and in particular of the Knights of
Columbus. Knights remain firmly committed to
defending the right to life of every human being —
from the moment of conception to natural death. To
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 Faith in Action
SUPREME CHAPLAIN’S FAITH IN ACTION MONTHLY
FAITH IN ACTION MONTHLY CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Begin with a prayer of your choosing or use the
CHALLENGE following:
Few if any organizations can unify nearly two million
• Prayer: Come Holy Spirit. We thank you for
Catholic men and coordinate their efforts to live
guiding our lives and pray that we may have
their faith in their councils, homes, parishes, and
the courage exemplified by Blessed Michael
communities. Through this challenge, all Knights of
McGivney to live our faith to the fullest through
Columbus around the world will grow in their faith and
our council, our families, and in society. May
be united with their brother Knights doing the same.
our words today give glory to your Sacred
They will be personally blessed by their efforts and
Heart and if we struggled this past month in
equally reassured not to give up if they struggle to
living our faith, help us to never stop turning to
live the challenge.
you and always try again.
2. Re-read the Faith In Action monthly challenge
The supreme chaplain’s monthly challenge is a
from the previous month
council activity in which each member of the council
• Invite the men to talk about what it was like to
is challenged to read and then fulfill the activity. The
try and live last month’s challenge from the
challenge is simple and consistent. The supreme
supreme chaplain
chaplain chooses a few lines from scripture that will
• Do not be concerned about the order that men
be heard at a Sunday Mass during the upcoming
speak in
month. He then shares a brief reflection on the
• It’s OK if there is silence in between men
scripture verses. Finally, he gives his monthly
speaking
challenge to all Knights of Columbus, and they are
• Try to make sure that others are listening when
instructed to live that challenge for the month.
one man is speaking
• It is fine if someone doesn’t want to speak
At the next month’s council meeting, during the
• The men are welcome to give encouraging
chaplain’s message, the chaplain will lead a
comments to each other
discussion about what it was like living the challenge
3. When finished, read the Faith in Action for the
for the month. If the chaplain is unable to attend the
next month
meeting, this discussion is to take place during the
4. Ask the men if there is anything they would like
grand knight’s report. The monthly challenge will be
the group to pray for and end with this prayer:
found primarily in:
• Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this
• Social media
time together with our brothers. We ask you to
• Knightline
have mercy on all those people and intentions
• Columbia Magazine
we prayed for. Give us the perseverance to live
• kofc.org/domesticchurch
next month’s Faith in Action and to remember
that we are united with our brother Knights
around the world in doing so.

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