Action Steps
- If you are planning a day of reflection or weekend retreat of your own with your pastor, obtain his permission and recommendations on conducting the Spiritual Reflection Program.
- Prior to the Spiritual Reflection, use the sample press release as a model to create and distribute a tailored release to local media.
- Build public interest for the event! Promote the Spiritual Reflection in your parish and larger community through a variety of efforts:
- Prominently display promotional posters (which can be ordered through Supplies Online)
- Bulletin announcements
- Pulpit announcements
- Posting on your council and parish website / social media pages
- On the day of the event, wear Knights of Columbus-branded apparel and have the council membership director set up a table with brochures and membership documents (including Prospect Cards #921A). Do not forget that this event is a recruiting opportunity!
- Enlist a fellow Knight or community member to photograph the event.
- To gain credit for your program, complete the associated reporting forms and submit them to the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Mission. Remember to retain copies for your council records.
- Immediately after your event is finished, complete the Faith Report Form (Forthcoming)
- At the end of the fraternal year, complete your Columbian Award Application (#SP-7)
Guidelines for the Spiritual Reflection Program
- The definition of a “reflection” is broad but should be a day-long event at minimum and could possibly encompass an entire weekend.
- Councils can attend religious retreats and days of reflection organized by other groups. However, if they are attending a reflection and not planning it themselves, council attendance should be significant with at least 10 percent of the council or a minimum of 10 members participating.
- Reflections and retreats can be held at the council level but councils could also collaborate with other councils in the area to host a Spiritual Reflection.
- If planning a retreat for the council, consider holding it on church property and have volunteers pack lunch or provide their own meals to defer costs.
- Be creative! Make a pilgrimage to a nearby basilica, monastery or convent. Celebrate Mass with the religious or your chaplain/pastor.
- It is strongly encouraged that councils incorporate Mass within their program, celebrating the liturgy with your chaplain/pastor. Also, incorporate opportunities for other sacramental and liturgical activities such confession, Eucharistic adoration, a rosary or all of these.
Guidelines
- The definition of a “reflection” is broad but should be a day-long event at minimum and could possibly encompass an entire weekend.
- Councils can attend religious retreats and days of reflection organized by other groups. However, if they are attending a reflection and not planning it themselves, council attendance should be significant with at least 10 percent of the council or a minimum of 10 members participating.
- Reflections and retreats can be held at the council level but councils could also collaborate with other councils in the area to host a Spiritual Reflection.
- If planning a retreat for the council, consider holding it on church property and have volunteers pack lunch or provide their own meals to defer costs.
- Be creative! Make a pilgrimage to a nearby basilica, monastery or convent. Celebrate Mass with the religious or your chaplain/pastor.
- It is strongly encouraged that councils incorporate Mass within their program, celebrating the liturgy with your chaplain/pastor. Also, incorporate opportunities for other sacramental and liturgical activities such confession, Eucharistic adoration, a rosary or all of these.
