Heart of the Gospel Retreat — Saturday, October 17, Gaylord

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:30 AM

Men across northern Michigan are invited to a full-day Heart of the Gospel retreat on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cooney Conference Center, Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North Street, Gaylord, MI.

The retreat is open to all men 18 and older. There is no cost to attend. Lunch and materials will be provided.

Heart of the Gospel is a ready-to-use men’s retreat developed by the Knights of Columbus in collaboration with Fr. John Riccardo and ACTS XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly introduced the program as the Order’s answer to a long-standing request from Knights: a retreat councils can offer without the burden of finding speakers or building an agenda from scratch.

Supreme describes the experience this way:

When you hear the name Jesus, what comes to mind — gentle and kind, or triumphant and unconquerable? Heart of the Gospel reveals both: Jesus as compassionate healer and mighty warrior who battles sin, Satan, and death itself to rescue the one he loves: YOU.

Led by Fr. John Riccardo through dynamic video presentations, the day walks men through the heart of the Gospel message and invites them to embrace Christ’s mission more fully. The retreat includes five main formation talks, fraternal discussion, and time for prayer. Many men know the story of the Gospel. Far fewer have experienced its power.

“The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.” — Romans 1:16

What men can expect

  • Encounter the Gospel in a new and compelling way

  • Deepen their relationship with Jesus

  • Build Christ-centered brotherhood with other men

  • Gain clarity about God’s purpose and mission for their lives

You do not have to be a Knight of Columbus to attend. The retreat is offered for the men of the parish and diocese. Watching the videos alone is not the same as hearing them with brothers, praying together, and sharing the day in person.

Event details

Date and time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Cooney Conference Center, Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North Street, Gaylord, MI

Who: All men 18 and older

Cost: No cost to attend; lunch and materials provided

Registration

Email Seth Peters at s.peters@mikofc.org to register.

Learn more about the program from Supreme at kofc.org/gospel.

Brother Knights: please share this invitation in your councils, parishes, and Cor groups. Bring a friend. Northern Michigan has an open door on October 17 — come encounter the Heart of the Gospel.