Cursillo is a movement (one method of renewal) of the church which trains and supports its members to live out their apostolic mission. Christians are introduced to Cursillo through a three day weekend. They are supported by small groups and these small groups also meet together in larger groups. This leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church. The full name for Cursillo (ker-see-yo) is Cursillo de Christiandad. "Cursillo" means "short course". The full name of the movement translates into English as "a short course in Christian Living".
A three-day Cursillo weekend helps you experience your faith and encourages a spiritual life that is filled with joy and enthusiasm. You are invited to seek an enriched relationship with God through Jesus Christ within the framework of a Christian Community.

...But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ... Ephesians 4:7, 11-12

What is the goal of Cursillo?

The goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church: to bring all to Christ. This is done when informed, trained leaders set out with the support of others having a similar commitment.

What is the Cursillo method?

There are three equally important parts:

1. Identification of potential environments or situations to be influenced by the Gospel and the identification of leaders or potential leaders within those environments.
2. The three-day Cursillo weekend.
3. And the follow-up support system which focuses attention on Christian action.

More about the first part...

In the first part of the Cursillo method, those who have already attended a three-day weekend identify various environments which need to be further Christianized, seek out potential leaders in those environments, encourage them to consider t he goals and method of Cursillo, and act as their sponsors in the movement.

...and about the second part

Away from the everyday pressures of their lives, the participants in a three-day Cursillo weekend form a Christian community, learning, praying, sharing, singing, and living together. A team of lay persons a nd clergy presents a series of talks covering the basics of Christianity and centering on the mission concepts of prayer, study, and action. During this time apart, the participants also learn about the two-part support system for Christian leaders.

...and the third part

In the third part of the Cursillo method, each individual is encouraged to live the life of grace in order to influence environments with the Gospel through the support of:

group reunion- frequent small group meetings with a few friends for mutual encouragement and support in the life of grace.

ultreya- area meetings with others who have participated in a weekend or who might be interested in doing that. Here they can share, worship, and learn, so that the Church and their own faith may be built up.

What does Cursillo do?

Provides basic training for leadership in mission
When mission is understood as the total authentic activity of the Church(prayer, study, action), then Cursillo helps prepare us to do those tasks and to take the initiative.
Helps to renew Christian commitment
Cursillo is one among many renewal movements. Many people have said that the Cursillo weekend provides an important learning experience which supplements those lessons learned years ago in catechism or confirmation class.
The teaching and care given on a Cursillo weekend cause many to feel like newly made Christians with a purpose and with support.

What is expected of participants?

A commitment to work toward transforming environments with the Gospel of Christ and
A commitment to find support in that endeavor through regular group reunion and ultreya.

Purpose & History of Cursillo

The founders were dedicated to helping Christians to know Christ better. The intention, then and now, is to give laity a renewed spirituality and clearer understanding of how Christ can work through them.

Cursillo originated in the Catholic faith in Majorca, Spain in the 1940's as a method of reviving Christian commitment. It spread rapidly through out Spain, Europe, South America, and in the 1960's to the United States. Today Cursillo is active worldwide.

The Cursillo Weekend

The Cursillo takes place at Bishop Mason Retreat Center or at Camp Crucis from Thursday evening through Sunday evening. A team of committed Christian lay workers plus 2 to 3 spiritual directors (ordained clergy) who have already been on a Cursillo, will share ideas and experiences through a series of planned activities including talks, music, sacraments and devotions. The emphasis of the weekend is on:

• The meaning of grace and the sacraments
• The need for prayer
• Ways of living our life in union with Christ

Each person attending Cursillo has a sponsor -- someone who has previously attended a Cursillo. Your sponsor will answer your questions and support you before, during and after your weekend.

Weekends are held several times a year. Applications are taken several months in advance. A filled-out application is all it takes for 8 meals and a great weekend.

Cursillo in our Church

Despite a common basic structure, each Cursillo is unique. If you find people reluctant to talk about their weekend, many will say that Cursillo cannot be explained -- it must be experienced. What is special and significant to one person may not be to another -- it depends on where you are in your spiritual walk. Just as Jesus accepts us where we are, Cursillo has something to offer no matter where we are in our faith. Each person chooses moments that are special to them within the context of their own Cursillo.

Most people choose to continue in Cursillo-related activities after their weekend. Some choose not to -- and there is no pressure to participate. Cursillo is a vehicle for Christian growth (though not the only vehicle). Many people have been touched in a special way by this experience. We hope you will accept Cursillo as a gift from sponsors and other who desire to share God's love.