Faith Programs Chairman
David Zentner
Into the Breach
Overview
In his apostolic exhortation Into the Breach, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted outlines the challenges faced by men of faith in the world today. Into the Breach is a call to battle for Catholic men which urges them to wholeheartedly embrace masculine virtues in a world at crisis. By reading and discussing Bishop Olmsted’s inspirational words and accompanying study guide, councils will prayerfully examine the enormous breach in the battle line that lies before them. In doing so, they will begin to devise a personal plan of spiritual battle.
A Higher Purpose
Deepen member spirituality and formation to combat crisis of religious faith in our world. Our council will institute men’s study groups to read the apostolic exhortation Into the Breach and use copies of the Into the Breach Booklet (#340) and Study Guide (#11059) as resources.
Spiritual Reflection
Overview
Many Catholic young people can attest that religious retreats are radically rejuvenating spiritual events that often leave a lasting impact on participants’ relationship to their faith. Yet, so often, retreats seem only to be open to students and youth. 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 go as a group and attend a retreat in their area to satisfy the requirement. Additionally, councils are strongly encouraged to consider visiting The Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C. as part of this program.
A Higher Purpose
Create annual opportunities for prayer and reflection together as a fraternity. Under the guidance of their chaplain, councils can attend a retreat or day of reflection together or perhaps organize their own event for the men of their parish.
Featured ProgramRefund Support Vocations Program (RSVP)
Overview
Knights of Columbus stand in solidarity with our priests and religious. Through this program, council and parish families will raise funds to support seminarians in their area. For every $500 given to an individual, the Supreme Council will refund the council or assembly $100. The maximum refund a council or assembly can receive is $400 per individual supported. Though financial support is vitally important, it is not the only aspect of the RSVP. Councils are also called to provide their “adopted” seminarian or religious aspirant with moral support and prayers for their success.
A Higher Purpose
Keep the faith alive by supporting our seminarians and postulants. As the strong right arm of the church, Knights of Columbus are committed to providing moral, financial and spiritual support to our future priests and religious at all stages of their formation.
Holy Hour
Overview
The chivalric character of the Knights of Columbus and the Church’s long tradition of spiritual combat resonate with men today – especially as threats from the world and the devil are so keenly felt. Eucharistic adoration in the form of a regularly scheduled Holy Hour is a simple, direct, and meaningful way to address these needs. It is familiar to many, easy to organize, and something everyone can participate in together regardless of age, vocation, stage of life, or membership status. Councils can organize their Holy Hours in a variety of ways and incorporate aspects such as: perpetual adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation, prayer for particular intentions and more.
A Higher Purpose
Encourage deep a personal encounter with God. Councils and pastors can work together to organize a regular Holy Hour of eucharistic adoration. A Knights of Columbus Holy Hour, prepared for the men of the parish, could include a reflection, communal rosary, prayers for intercession by Venerable Michael J. McGivney or St. Joseph, and various other aspects as decided by the council.