On this episode of The Drew Mariani Show, Drew sat down with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to talk about the Knights of Columbus’ mission to help men grow in faith and virtue: Honestly, it’s a pep talk every Catholic guy needs.
Why This Matters Now
Drew kicked things off by calling out what we’re all seeing: a crisis in fatherhood and male leadership. Men are checking out of their roles at home, in church, and in society, and it’s leaving a wake of broken families and lost faith. The Knights of Columbus, however, are stepping into the gap with a game plan to form men into leaders who reflect Christ and St. Joseph.
Who Are the Knights of Columbus?
Founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney (he’s on the path to sainthood!).
-World’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization 🌍 with 2 million members.
Built on four pillars: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
Known for their insane charitable work: $190 million donated and 47 million volunteer hours logged just last year.
Patrick Kelly, the 14th Supreme Knight, laid it out: The Knights’ mission is to help men become better husbands, fathers, and citizens while building a culture of faith.
The Cor Initiative: Faith Formation for Men
Here’s the real game-changer: the COR Initiative (Latin for “heart”). 💓 It’s all about forming small groups of men in parishes for:
- Prayer
- Faith formation
- Fraternity
You don’t even have to be a Knight to join (but you’ll probably want to after). With 3,000 councils already running this program, and thousands more on deck, it’s catching fire. 🔥
Patrick explained: Men need connection. The epidemic of loneliness isn’t just hitting the elderly; it’s everywhere. Programs like this give men a chance to step away from isolation and into authentic brotherhood. 🤝
Why Dads Matter
Patrick and Drew reminded us: The father’s faith life is the #1 factor in whether kids stay Catholic into adulthood. A mom’s role is huge, but if Dad’s not living his faith, kids notice. There’s power in seeing Dad pray, serve, and lead with humility. This initiative equips men with the tools to step into that role.
Knights in Action
You’ll hear about the Knights’ jaw-dropping impact:
- Over 1 million coats donated to kids in need through their Coats for Kids program.
- Support for persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Nigeria. 🌍✝️
- Defending religious freedom globally and at home. (FYI: They helped add “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. 👏)
The local councils are the secret to success, which empower men at the grassroots level to serve their parishes and communities.
How to Join
Patrick’s invite was simple: If you want a life of meaning, step up and join the Knights. Visit kofc.org/join to find out more. Whether it’s faith, service, or authentic friendship you’re looking for, the Knights are ready to welcome you.
A Final Thought
The Knights of Columbus have stood strong for 142 years because they’re rooted in Christ and mission focused. As Patrick said, “Men want a life that matters.” The Knights are helping them find it and shaping the future of the Church and the world in the process.
TL;DR: If you’re a guy looking for purpose, meaning, and the chance to make an impact, the Knights of Columbus are where it’s at.
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