Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge

Archbishop William Lori bestows a blessing during the Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary's Church on November 1, 2020.

Each month, Archbishop William Lori – Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus – selects a brief passage from the Gospel reading of one of the Sunday Masses of the month.

Archbishop Lori shares a brief reflection on the passage and issues a challenge for men to live for the month.

The next month, men undertaking the challenge as a group gather and share their experiences living the challenge.

The Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge is ideally suited for Cor, but can also be done in other group settings or individually.

By taking up the Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge, men take direct, concrete action to grow in their faith and help their brothers do so as well.

Our Faith

This Month's Challenge

January 2026

[T]he people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. (Gospel for Jan. 25, Mt 4:16)

Why would anyone sit in darkness? When it is dark, we ordinarily seek a source of light so that we may see — and be seen. Unless asleep, one who remains in the dark typically wishes not to be noticed. When we immerse ourselves in unrepented sin, we effectively enter into darkness. Like Adam and Eve after the fall, we hide from God. But Jesus calls us forth into the light, inviting us to repent of our sins, so that we might embrace Christ, the light of the world, who leads us to everlasting life.

Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

This month, I challenge you to make an examination of conscience every day — perhaps using A Guide to Confession, published by the Order’s Catholic Information Service (kofc.org/cis) — and to make a good confession at least once.

Questions for Reflection:

How does the daily practice of examining your conscience affect your outlook or behavior? How is a good confession akin to moving out of the darkness and into the light? In what ways can you be a better witness to the light of truth?

Printable Cor Resources

Printable Cor Resources

Instructions

To conduct the Supreme Chaplain’s Monthly Challenge:

Open with the Sign of the Cross and a brief prayer.
Re-read the Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge with the challenge that was lived during the previous month.
Open the floor for discussion on what it was like to try and live the previous month's challenge. Every month has a number of Questions for Reflection that may help facilitate discussion. Attendees who did not undertake the previous month's challenge can still participate in the discussion.
When finished with the discussion, read the Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge for the next month to prepare participants for the new challenge they will strive to live.
Close by asking if there are any intentions and end with a brief prayer.

Future Challenges