Novena for Life | Knights of Columbus

Overview

The protection of life is a sustained prayer intention of the Church, and in particular of the Knights of Columbus. Knights remain firmly committed to defending the right to life of every human being – from the moment of conception to natural death. To commemorate and bolster this important cause,councils will promote a novena, nine days of sustained prayer, to build up a culture of life in our parishes, homes and wider community. For Novena for Life program resources, visit www.kofc.org/novenaforlife.

Action Steps

Identify a program chairman to oversee all action steps and delegate tasks, as needed. If coordinating with the parish, confirm pastor approval with grand knight, and then set up subsequent parish ministry collaboration meetings.
Set a date for the novena. Consider incorporating it as part of the council’s participation in a 40 Days for Life campaign, the USCCB’s 9 Days for Life in January, or the March 25 Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child. You can also schedule it to precede a major feast day or pro-life event.
Plan the schedule, events, and activities for the novena. Requirements for the nine days are broad and should be molded to suit your parish and community.
Keep the following recommendations in mind when planning your Novena for Life:
- Anchor the beginning and end of the nine days with public church services like a Mass or rosary
- Consider organizing a social activity during the novena for the parish to come together and celebrate life
- Involve members of many parish organizations, especially the parish school and religious education leaders, in promoting and participating in the novena and services
- Invite members of local culture of life groups to join in your novena and services
Contact your grand knight, financial secretary, or program director to order prayer card resources through Supplies Online via Officers Online and distribute them to members of the parish. Have these prayer cards available the week prior to the start of the novena, at the opening church service and at all associated activities. Also place a good supply of prayer cards in your church and council hall.
Prior the start of the novena, use the sample News Release (#10726) as a model to create and distribute a tailored release to local media.
Build public interest for the event! Promote the Novena for Life in your parish and larger community through a variety of efforts:
- Prominently display promotional posters
- Bulletin announcements
- Pulpit announcements
- Posting on your council and parish website / social media pages
To gain credit for your program, complete the associated reporting forms.
• Immediately after your program is finished, complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784)
• At the end of the fraternal year, complete the Columbian Award Application (#SP-7)

Resources

#10725- Vertical Poster

#10724- Horizontal Poster

#4237- Gospel of Life Prayer Card

#10726- News Release

Program resources can be ordered by your grand knight, financial secretary and/or program director on Supplies Online via Officers Online.

Novena for Life Guidesheet

Overview

Action Steps

Resources

Related Links