The heart of a Knight lives for Jesus Christ. It is marked by courage and virtue. In the heart lies true conversion, the foundation of a relationship with God. Faithfulness, courage, and virtue begin with the heart and are the inspiration for the Cor Meeting. The word ‘cor’ is Latin for heart and the root of the word courage. Courage is a defining quality of a Knight, enabling him to boldly live for Christ and proclaim the Gospel, the true charity of evangelization.
The Cor Meeting exists to form and strengthen Catholic men in faith and virtue as missionary disciples by drawing them into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, formation, and fraternity. The goal of each Cor Meeting is to provide the opportunity for men to encounter Christ (to be evangelized), to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood, and to prepare them for the courageous mission of evangelization. Prayer, Formation, and Fraternity all begin with the heart and direct the heart in relationship to God and each other in true charity.
The goals of each Cor Meeting is (are) to provide the opportunity for Catholic men:
• to encounter Christ
• to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood
• to share their faith, as brothers, and bring souls to Jesus Christ.
The Cor Meeting is for any man in the parish. Each Cor Meeting should last ideally 60 - 90 minutes. Each Cor Meeting consists of the following Key Elements: Prayer, Formation, and Fraternity. Cor Meetings should be simple.
Three Key Elements
Prayer: Prayer is the “lifting of our minds and hearts to God.” Through prayer we strengthen our relationship with God as disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ and grow in our knowledge of Him. Shared time in prayer will help men focus their minds and hearts on God, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and keep God at the center of all they are and do. (Examples: Rosary, Lectio Divina, Holy Hour, Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Formation: The aim of Catholic formation is to be like Christ, taking on his character and virtue, life of pray-er, and his mission. The Cor Meeting brings men together to sharpen each other in friendship and fraternity. This formation should include time hearing, studying, and applying the truths of the Catholic faith to daily life. (Examples: Faith-inspired talks by clergy or others, reading a spiritual reflection, Into the Breach Video Se-ries, Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge, Bible Study, small group discussion)
Fraternity: The Cor Meeting brings men together as a band of brothers to strengthen each other in friend-ship and fraternity. The aim of fraternal time should be to create an enjoyable environment that strengthens true friendships. (Examples: Social events, BBQ, bonfire, intentional conversation, and shared meals i.e. do-nuts and coffee or pizza and beverages.)
Example of a Cor Meeting
While all three of the key elements must be present in each Cor meeting, the ratio may change depending on the needs of your men. Each meeting welcomes newcomers, begins in prayer, centers on the main con-tent of the key elements, encourages attendance and participation in council meetings and programs, shares the next Cor Meeting time, and closes in prayer.
Cor Meeting - Fraternity Centered (60 min.) Cor Meeting - Formation Centered (90 min.)
1. Fraternity: Pizza (or donuts and coffee if in AM) 1. Formation: Into the Breach Video & Discussion
2. Formation: 15 min. faith-inspired talk by Chaplain 2. Prayer: 30 min. of Eucharistic Adoration
3. Prayer: Request intentions and pray Rosary 3. Fraternity: Sharing a meal
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