What is Cursillo?
Cursillo is a “short course” in Christian living. In our Baptismal Covenant, we make a commitment to proclaim by word and example the Good News in Christ, and to seek and serve Christ in all persons. Cursillo helps us to fulfill our Christian commitment.
Visit the Cursillo website at www.cursillodiopa.org
The Movement
Cursillo started in Mallorca, Spain by the Roman Catholic Church. It was developed by laymen under the leadership of their bishop as a way of “christianizing” their environment. From Spain, Cursillo spread to the United States, to the Episcopal Church, and to other Christian traditions.
The Weekend
Most persons who are part of Cursillo start by attending a three day program called “The Weekend”. It is a “retreat” only in the sense that the group attempts to limit the influence of the outside world. The word “advance” would probably be more descriptive.
The Cursillo weekend is a deeply moving experience in which we ask ourselves: What am I doing here? What does God want of me? What does Christ see in me? What do I see in Christ? What is Christ saying to me?
The Fourth Day
The Cursillo weekend is not an end to itself. It is a starting point that lasts the rest of your life. The Fourth Day includes:
Rule of Life – “walking the walk,” a personal spiritual journey including piety, study, and apostolic action
Group Reunion – a small group who meet weekly and who hold each other accountable for their spiritual journey
Ultreya – a periodic “reunion of reunions” that provides support and builds community by sharing communal experiences
Spiritual Direction – seeking out skilled lay persons or clergy for spiritual direction to provide help in deepening our union with Christ
Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ.
The Most Rev. Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has said:
“Cursillo is about drawing people into a deeper union with Christ, so that they can go forth with Christ in all sorts of ways that boggle the imagination but reveal the mystery of reconciliation. May we be faithful to that ministry… may it be an instrument of disciple-making, formation and transformation in the service of God’s project—the reconciliation of all things to Christ.”
