Fraternal Leader Advisory

October 2026

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Featured

FLA Live: October Edition – Fraternal Webinar Series

Join us on Thursday, October 22 at 8:00 PM ET for the next episode of our monthly FLA Live! webinar series, which is all about using new initiatives to jumpstart your council, and will feature Warriors to Lourdes, The Cristero Centennial and Cross Catholic Outreach. Learn how your council can use FORMED to structure its next faith formation series. And don’t miss the amazing work being done by this month’s Council Spotlights!

Free Access to “For Greater Glory” Film

Host a free showing of For Greater Glory at your parish hall: Receive free access to this PG-rated film and host a movie night for council members, families and the entire parish. The links to request free access and an accompanying discussion guide will be available soon – additional information will be provided.
Pray the Cristero Centennial Novena: Share this 9-day digital novena, which tells the story of each of the nine Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs and calls upon their intercession. Anyone can register to receive the daily prayers directly by email. Sign up and share.

New Family of the Month Form

All Family of the Month (FOM) entries should be submitted using the new Family of the Month Form. This form should be used to submit FOM entries going forward, not the Fraternal Program Report Form #10784. We are aware of issues affecting the online #10784 form and are working to resolve them.

2026 Financial Protection Survey

Please encourage your council members to complete the survey. This is their chance to update their information so we can better bring them the financial protection they deserve. Complete the survey.

Promoting this at your next council meeting and sending a simple email reminder from you to your council can go a long way toward making sure your brother Knights complete the survey.

Every Knight who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for a Knights of Columbus RTIC® cooler, with several chances to win!*

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Only current members of Knights of Columbus who respond to the survey are eligible. KofC employees and agents will be excluded from the drawing. The cooler giveaway starts September 1st and ends December 11th, 2026. Winners are selected by random drawing. Odds of winning are approximately one in five thousand. Winners will be notified on December 16th, 2026. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn

Life Fest 2027 – Tickets on Sale Now

Join us on Friday, January 22, 2027 for Life Fest 2027 at the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitution Hall, just one block away from the National Mall. This new location will make it even easier for pro-lifers to attend and make it to the March for Life afterwards, which will begin on the National Mall after Life Fest concludes. We hope to see you there!

Space is limited in Constitution Hall, and we anticipate many groups will take advantage of its accessibility to the National Mall and public transportation. Tickets are now available.

Officers Online Access

Officers and Program Personnel that were in a role for the 2025-2026 Fraternal Year that had access to Officers Online will continue to have access to Officers Online under the same Username, as long as they are in an officer role with access.

To clarify the status of your account, please use the ACCOUNT ASSISTANT link under the SIGN IN button. If you know your Username, but can’t remember your password, use the PASSWORD RESET option in the same location. For further assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800-380-9995

Incentives & Events

Join & Serve Challenge

To continue our efforts in expanding our charitable impact and extending the invitation to more Catholic men, Membership Growth and Programs have teamed up once again to bring you a new challenge this fall - the Join & Serve Challenge!

To qualify councils must fulfill their entire membership quota by November 30^th and participate in the Food for Families program (min. $500 or 1,000 lb donated).

Your Prize Includes

8 custom embroidered KofC aprons
8 custom embroidered KofC baseball hats
Plus, a bragging rights competition – councils who submit photos of their gear in action will be entered in for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to Knights Gear!

Full details on the incentive and prize can be found here.

New promotional material can be found on the Supply Store in the Food for Families folder and in the Asset Library!

* For insurance jurisdictions only. Other restrictions apply.

Free Access to “For Greater Glory” Film

In commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the Cristero War, we are pleased to provide you with new resources to share the story of the Mexican Martyrs, nine of whom were members of the Knights of Columbus. We invite you to take two important actions to introduce these Saints who gave their lives for Christ and the Church to your council, prospective Knights, families and parishioners:

1. Host a free showing of For Greater Glory at your parish hall: Receive free access to this PG-rated film and host a movie night for council members, families and the entire parish. Make a special effort to invite parishioners and Catholic men who may be interested in joining your council. Use our discussion guide following the film. The links to request free access and to view the discussion guide will be available soon – additional information will be provided.

2. Pray the Cristero Centennial Novena: Share this 9-day digital novena, which tells the story of each of the nine Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs and calls upon their intercession. Anyone can register to receive the daily prayers directly by email. Additional resources are available on Supplies Online. Sign up and share.

Life Fest 2027 – Tickets on Sale Now

Space is limited in Constitution Hall, and we anticipate many groups will take advantage of its accessibility to the National Mall and public transportation. Tickets are now available.

Training & Webinars

FLA Live: October Episode – Fraternal Webinar Series

Click on the button to register, learn this month’s topics, and submit any questions.

Reminder: Monthly Council Spotlight

Each month, as part of our FLA Live! Fraternal Webinar Series, we feature a council that is excelling in membership growth, programs, evangelization, faith formation or building a strong brotherhood of men. For our December episode, we want to feature your councils' Advent and Christmas stories! If your council has a heartfelt story, successful membership drive, or token program please email fraternaltraining@kofc.org for a chance to be interviewed and featured!

Training for Council and District Leaders

Visit kofc.org/training to locate online training for state, council, district and assembly officers. These training sessions are available on demand, and the average length is only 30 minutes! Suggested Training by Officer Role is a great place to get started.

Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries can find targeted training on the Council Officer Training page.
Training to assist District Deputies in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities can be found on the District and State Officer Training page.

Fraternal Webinar Archives

Missed a fraternal webinar? Visit our archive of fraternal webinars to view them on-demand.

Plan for Advent and Christmas Activities

The fall season is a great time to plan Christmas activities! Begin your council preparations for Advent and Christmas with the helpful video found on the Programs and Engagement training page.

Training for Member Management and Member Billing

View the short training videos on how to get the most out of Member Management and Member Billing on officers online.

Programs

Gospel of Life

October is Respect Life Month! Bring together a group of parishioners to learn about the pro-life encyclical Evangelium Vitae using the Gospel of Life Study Guide. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also provides free, easy-to-use materials each year to help dioceses, parishes, schools, and your council highlight the gift of human life.

Imitating Saint Juan Diego

Bring Our Lady of Guadalupe to every family in your parish through the Imitating Saint Juan Diego program. Visit the Faith Program Resources page to see the available resources including family rosary booklets, consecration prayers to Our Lady of Guadalupe and posters explaining the Secrets of Her Image. Dec. 9th, St. Juan Diego´s feast day, and Dec. 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe´s feast day, are featured dates for this program. Replica statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe are also available on Supplies Online.

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest

The Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest invites children to create original artwork that reflects the message of keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. Councils should reach out to CCD programs, Catholic schools, and parish youth groups to invite participation and build excitement. Teachers can incorporate the contest into art or religion classes, while pastors can help spread the word. Councils can also host a Posada/Journey to the Inn as a way to celebrate the program.

Spiritual Reflection – Heart of the Gospel

Heart of the Gospel is a new option for councils to carry out the Spiritual Reflection program. Councils can lead brother Knights and the men of their parish through a dynamic, ready-to-use retreat focused on the core of the Gospel, presented in 7 videos by Fr. John Riccardo. Find out more at kofc.org/gospel.

New Family of the Month Form

Forms & Resources

Annual Council Audit

The Council Annual Audit was due on August 15. If your council has not submitted yours, the new Annual Council Audit Report (#1295) is now live on Officers Online. Use the Annual Council Audit Worksheet (#1295A) to prepare the information to complete and submit your report.

Officers Online Access

Council EFF Director Submission Form

If a NEW Council EFF Director has been appointed for the 2026-2027 fraternal year, please submit this EFF Director Form online to ensure all Cor communications are received. The form may be completed by either by the Grand Knight or the new appointee. This form supplements your council personnel report #365 as there is not a space to include the EFF Director on the #365 at this time.

It’s that time of year again: 2026 Financial Protection Survey

The Financial Protection Survey has been sent to members!

Please encourage your council members to complete the survey. This is their chance to update their information so we can better bring them the financial protection they deserve. Complete the survey.

Promoting this at your next council meeting and sending a simple email reminder from you to your council can go a long way toward making sure your brother Knights complete the survey.

Every Knight who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for a Knights of Columbus RTIC® cooler, with several chances to win!*

Tip: Want to earn the Founders' Award? Your council members’ participation in the survey can be helpful, as it can lead them to meet with their field agent. To earn the Founders’ Award, a number equal to 10% of Associate members on the July 1 council roster must meet individually with a field agent for a financial review (minimum of five and maximum of fifteen).

Star Award Changes

Changes to the Star Council Award

The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and council programs and activities. Some of the requirements have changed. They include:

Administrative

In order to ensure that a council has fulfilled all administrative requirements, they must submit the online Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728), Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185), Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and Annual Audit (#1295).

Training for the Annual Council Audit Report can be accessed here.

Columbian Award

The requirements for the Columbian Award have changed significantly. Award requirements can be found here:

Training for the 2026-27 Columbian Award can be accessed here.

Founders’ Award

To earn the Founders’ Award, a number equal to 10% of Associate members on the July 1 council roster must meet individually with a field agent for a financial review (minimum of five and maximum of fifteen). A financial review with an insurance agent is a personalized check-in to evaluate your current financial protection, identify gaps or changes in your needs, and ensure your insurance and long-term financial strategies still align with your goals, family, and future plans.

Training for the 2026-27 Founders’ Award can be accessed here.

For a list of all the requirements to earn the Star Council Award, go to kofc.org/star.

Changes to the Star District Award

Some of the requirements for the Star District Award have changed. They include:

At least two councils in the district earn the Star Council Award. Districts with one council are not eligible.
Every council in district must submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728), Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185), Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and Annual Audit (#1295).

For a list of all requirements to earn the Star District Award, go to kofc.org/star.

Grand Knight

Highlights for Grand Knights

Confirm that your council has submitted the Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185, due July 1), Service Program Personnel Report (#365, due July 1), and Annual Council Audit Report (#1295, due August 15). If not, do so immediately.
Ensure all the eligible officers and directors of your council have access to Officers Online.
Appoint an Evangelization and Faith Formation (EFF) Director to support Cor in your council this fraternal year. Please submit your (returning or newly appointed) EFF Director as soon as possible, using this Council EFF Director Submission Form. This form supplements your council personnel report #365 as there is not a space to include the EFF Director on the #365 at this time.
Meet regularly with your Pastor to discuss how your council can serve the parish and community. This is a great time to begin discussions about how the council can assist him during the Christmas season.
Appoint a committee to work with the Financial Secretary on updating member contact information. It is essential that a council have a valid phone number and email address for every member on the roster. Use personal contacts, parish directories, internet searches, etc. to help gather the information.
If you have not already done so, formalize a plan to earn the Star Council Award.
If your council’s accounting period ends June 30, then November 15 is the deadline to submit the proper IRS Form 990 (US Councils only). Ensure that this paperwork is filed.

EFF Director

Highlights for EFF Directors

Check out the newly revised website for Cor Leaders: How to Lead Cor
- Now easier to find all Cor forms: Stay Connected
- New step-by-step guidance for starting up Cor: Startup Steps
- New hub on essential elements to lead Cor: Leading Cor 101
If a NEW Council EFF Director has been appointed for the 2026-2027 fraternal year, please submit this EFF Director Form online (either by the Grand Knight or the new appointee) to ensure all Cor communications are received.

Do you have a plan to promote Cor this fraternal year? Review the updated How to Promote Cor resource for practical ideas and tools.
Consider offering a retreat for the men of your parish. Our new, ready-to-use Heart of the Gospel retreat provides everything needed to offer a powerful experience right at your parish. Check it out at: kofc.org/gospel.
- Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey about the Heart of the Gospel retreat: Heart of the Gospel Feedback Survey

District Deputy

Highlights for District Deputies

Conduct a quarterly district meeting with council leaders to get a quick status report, discuss best practices and struggles, and provide support where needed.
Verify your councils have submitted the Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185), Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and Annual Council Audit Report (#1295). These are the minimum requirements for a healthy and sustainable council.
A one-page guide outlining the Affiliate List Submission Process, and an Affiliate Template for submission, are available on the Leadership Resources page of the kofc.org website.
Review the requirements for Star District and work with your state leaders on strategies to earn this award.
Make sure grand knights have been receiving emails from the Supreme Council. If not, they may be unsubscribed! Urge them to subscribe to the Fraternal Leader Advisory, which will also add their names to other important email lists.
Review the resources available on the Ceremonials webpage. You will find invitations to on demand exemplifications, as well as information on protocol and conducting council meetings, exemplifications, and the installation of officers.

Financial Secretary

Highlights for Financial Secretaries

If your council accounting period ends June 30, then November 15 is the deadline to ensure that your council submits the proper IRS Form 990 (US Councils only). Ensure that this paperwork is filed.
A one-page guide outlining the Affiliate List Submission Process, and an Affiliate Template for submission, are available on the Leadership Resources page of the kofc.org website.
Review the Fraternal Excellence Guide (#11619) for the latest information on council operations and the role of Financial Secretary.

Patriotic Degree

Highlights for Patriotic Degree

The next District Master and Assembly quarterly training will be on October 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET: Working in UNITY With the Councils Attached to Your Assembly
Vice Supreme Masters, District Masters, Faithful Navigators, and ALL Assembly and Council Officers, District Deputies, and Jurisdictional and State Officers are invited to this meeting.
The registration link is: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1773007&tp_key=6f85a4af2e
District Masters can email any questions to: Michael J. Porter, Fourth Degree Director of Training: MJPKNIGHT9282@AOL.COM

Featured Officer Announcements:

October 22 at 8:00 PM ET - FLA Live: October episode – Register Now
Membership Growth and Programs have teamed up to bring the Join & Serve Challenge Learn more
Encourage your council members to complete the 2026 Financial Protection Survey.
Join us at Life Fest on Friday, January 22, 2027 – Tickets are now available.
Pray the Cristero Centennial Novena Sign up and share.
Officers Online Access – check your access for the 2026-2027 fraternal year – Infographic

Employment Opportunities

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Mission Department has fantastic job opportunities. Visit our website to find one that matches your skills and goals.

Fraternal Leader Advisory

FLA Live: October Edition – Fraternal Webinar Series

Free Access to “For Greater Glory” Film

New Family of the Month Form

2026 Financial Protection Survey

Life Fest 2027 – Tickets on Sale Now

Officers Online Access

Join & Serve Challenge

Free Access to “For Greater Glory” Film

Life Fest 2027 – Tickets on Sale Now

FLA Live: October Episode – Fraternal Webinar Series

Reminder: Monthly Council Spotlight

Training for Council and District Leaders

Fraternal Webinar Archives

Plan for Advent and Christmas Activities

Training for Member Management and Member Billing

Gospel of Life

Imitating Saint Juan Diego

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest

Spiritual Reflection – Heart of the Gospel

New Family of the Month Form

Annual Council Audit

Officers Online Access

Council EFF Director Submission Form

It’s that time of year again: 2026 Financial Protection Survey

Changes to the Star Council Award

Administrative

Columbian Award

Founders’ Award

Changes to the Star District Award

Highlights for Grand Knights

Highlights for EFF Directors

Highlights for District Deputies

Highlights for Financial Secretaries

Highlights for Patriotic Degree

Featured Officer Announcements:

Employment Opportunities

Important Links

Fraternal Operations

Training & Webinars

Celebrate McGivney

Forms

Programs

Membership Benefits

Merchandise & Supplies

Ceremonials

Inviting Men to Join

Engage Your Members

Thank you for your service to the Order.

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