(Cur-SEE'-yo) - Spanish word meaning "short course"
Short for "A Short Course in Christian Living"
WHAT IS CURSILLO?
Cursillo is:
- an opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality
- a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can
serve Him.
- an experience of living and sharing with others in a loving and
caring Christian community and realizing that this can be extended into
our own environment
- a continuing community that gives support and encouragement
empowering the renewed Christians to persevere in carrying out their
Baptismal vows
Cursillo includes a three-day weekend which begins on Thursday
evening and concludes on Sunday. During these three days, talks are
given by lay persons and clergy who have spent time working together
carefully planning and preparing for the Weekend.
The Cursillo weekend is not a retreat. There is no fasting or
extended period of silence. The weekend is an opportunity to meet clergy
and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith. It provides an
opportunity through shared prayer, worship, study, fellowship, laughter,
tears, and love to experience the reality of the gift of God's love
freely and unconditionally given. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated daily.
HOW DID CURSILLO BEGIN?
The first Cursillo Weekends were developed in the Roman Catholic
Church in Majorca, Spain. Cursillo was brought to the United States by
Spanish airmen who were stationed at air bases in Texas in the early
1940's. The first official Cursillo Weekend in the Episcopal Church (in
English) was conducted with help from Roman Catholic sponsors in the
Diocese of Iowa. Episcopal Cursillo came to the Diocese of Washington in
1982 and operates under the direction of the Bishop.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE WEEKEND?
Each individual who returns from the weekend with a renewed
commitment to work for Christ is encouraged to join in the activities of
an existing community of persons who have also experienced the weekend.
The purpose of this community is to give strength and support to each
other in order that each person might grow in faith and develop their
particular gifts of ministry. The support is provided through two methods:
- GROUP MEETINGS (Reunions) that are held frequently when
several people gather together for mutual encouragement and support
through PRAYER, STUDY, and ACTION.
- AREA MEETINGS (Ultreyas) that are meetings of larger groups
of people who have either participated in a weekend or who might be
interested in doing so. Here they share and witness to others so that
the Church and their own faith may be built up.
WHO MAY TAKE PART?
Cursillo is open to all adult Episcopalians, men and women, married
or single. Laity and clergy alike are invited to join the fellowship.
Husbands and wives may attend the same Cursillo Weekend, or they may go
on different weekends.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF PARTICIPANTS?
- To be open and willing to respond to what you experience, to share
your feelings with others, and ot allow them to share theirs with you.
- To make a genuine effort to discover where you are and where or how
you can grow in your Christian life.
- To feel secure in the knowledge that you are accepted where you are
and as you are, and to know that a specific response is not expected of you.
- To be curious enough and thirsty enough for spiritual exploration
and nourishment to acknowledge a need to commit a weekend of your life
totally to Christ.
WHERE ARE CURSILLO ACTIVITIES HELD IN THE DIOCESE OF TEXAS?
Episcopal Cursillo has activities and support throughout the entire
diocese and in all neighboring dioceses. Cursillo weekends are given at
Camp Allen, near Navasota. Transportion to and from Camp Allen should be
provided by your sponsor.
IS THERE A COST?
Yes. The cost for the weekend is approximately $150.00 per
participant, except for the campsite 3 weekends, which are $80.
The cost includes three nights lodging, meals, and materials
necessary for the weekend. Financial assistance may be available and
should be requested when the participant's application is filed.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Every participant has a sponsor, who has attended a Cursillo
weekend. This sponsor will assist you in preparation for the weekend
and, more importantly, assist you after the weekend. If you know someone
in your parish who has attended a Cursillo weekend, ask them to tell you
more and how to get started. Pray about it, and if you conclude that you
should go, submit an application that your sponsor will provide.
If you don't know of anyone in your parish who has attended Cursillo
weekend, ask your Rector.
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Thanks to Scotty Ward and the Diocese of Washington for the above material.
The Webmaster is Alan
Jackson, who my be reached via email at alan@ajackson.org.