CURSILLOS IN CHRISTIANITY
In today's world can Christianity
penetrate the many areas of secular life? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it transform the world in a way that is
more fruitful than the past and in keeping with the times? The Cursillo Movement thinks so. It proposes no new type of spirituality,
but simply a method through which one's spirituality may be developed, lived and shared in any area of human life where
there are Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner. The method is introduced by a short course
- Cursillo.
THE CURSILLO WEEKEND
Cursillo (kur-see-yo) is the Spanish
word meaning "short course". Thus, Cursillos in Christianity means Short Courses in Christianity. The retreat phase
begins on Thursday evening and the Cursillo begins on Friday and ends on Sunday. During those three days those attending live
and work together listening to talks given by priests and laity. They also share the Eucharist and pray together.
The titles of the talks indicate their content: Ideal, Habitual Grace, Layperson in the Church, Actual Grace, Piety, Study,
Sacraments, Action, Obstacles of Grace, Leaders, Study of Environments, Life in Grace, Christianity in Action, Cursillista
Beyond Cursillo, and Total Security. Each talk is followed by a discussion period.
THE FORTH DAY
The "after" activity of the
Cursillo is known as the "Forth Day".
During this time, perseverance is important just as it is in any method
of renewal. In the Cursillo Movement the community spirit is continued after the three days through the "Friendship Group
Reunion" and "Ultreya". These are available as a means of personal growth in living what is fundamental for
being a Christan and for encouraging one another in proclaiming the best news of the best reality that God in Christ loves
us.
THE THREE ENCOUNTERS
A Cursillo is an encounter with
self, Christ, and others. That sounds too simple but it's not. If that is understood then the power, beauty, and joy of
the Cursillo Movement will be understood.
Attend one!!
EVANGELIZING OF ENVIRONMENTS
Correctly applied the Cursillo
Movement can have very positive results in the spiritual revitalization of the person and in turn, the world, The Christ-likeness
in a few good people is contagious. The transference of Christ's values to others in one's family, neighborhood, workplace,
school, business, environment, etc., is the evangelizing of environments the Cursillo promotes. The goal of the Cursillo is
that Christ be the prime influence in society. So it is said that primary goals of the Cursillo Movement are to develop a
consciousness of the uniqueness, originality and creativity of the person and their mission to be leaders in the work of Christian
renewal, and to sustain them as they provide a Christian leaven in their environments, society and in the world. This evangelizing
of environments is what the Cursillo Movement is all about.
If your are interested in making a weekend, or would like to join us at a small group reunion or Ultreya,
contact any of the Secretariat members. We'll make it happen!