Cor is part of a larger initiative by The Knights of Columbus called Evangelization and Faith Formation. Cor is meant to rekindle part of Blessed Michael McGivney’s original vision for the Knights—that being the formation of the faith of men of the parish. Blessed McGivney had a real zeal for the souls of people.
Cor is not an Acronym. It is Latin for “heart.” Cor comes from John Henry Newman’s motto, “Cor ad cor loquitur,” which translates to “Heart speaks to heart,” It emphasizes the importance of spiritual communication and intimacy with God and each other. Also, cor is the root of the word courage.
Cor is a Christ-centered brotherhood that intentionally and frequently gathers for three purposes: prayer, formation, and fraternity. Although it is organized by the Knights, it is open to all men of the parish. It is not intended to compete with other men’s ministries but rather to strengthen and support them. Cor gatherings can take place weekly, biweekly, but at least monthly.
In today’s world, we can get very isolated. With the technology of smartphones, apps, social media, and the internet, we are often more separated from others. A Pew Research survey found that 29% of Americans have two or fewer close friends and 8% have no close friends. The rate of loneliness felt by American adults has crept up in 2024, rising to 20% in August and September from 17% at the beginning of 2023. Cor is an environment where men can foster lasting friendships with men of faith and combat this isolation.
In the Gospel according to John, Chapter 1, Jesus saw two of John’s disciples and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi … where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
This encounter with Jesus marks the beginning of Andrew and John’s discipleship and emphasizes the importance of personal relationships, and community in contemporary discipleship. Cor encourages individuals to seek Christ, share their experiences, and actively engage in evangelization. Discipleship is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation within a supportive community. Every man needs an encounter with Christ, Cor can provide that encounter.
Cor has been established in many parishes throughout the Diocese of Norwich. A few of the first parishes include:
• The Good Shepherd Parish (Columbia and Hebron): Gather starting with the 8:30 a.m. Mass on the first Saturday of the month at St. Columba Church in Columbia.
• Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish (Coventry and Storrs): Gather at the 6 p.m. Mass on the second Tuesday of each month at St. Mary Church in Coventry.
• Guardian Angels Parish (Colchester and Lebanon): Gather at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at St. Andrew’s Church Hall in Colchester.
By Deacon Dave Imhof
Deacon Imhof ministers to the parish of Our Lady of Queen of Peace and evangelizes Connecticut Knights of Columbus.