CURSILLO


A Short Course in Christian Living

 

is a program for spiritual growth. Detailed information about Cursillo can be found below. Those who have participated in the Cursillo weekend meet monthly on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. for prayer, praise, and renewal. The meeting places are normally announced at the 10:30 Service. If you are interested in participating this year or would like further information, contact Jane Sanders or Margaret Jarboe via the church office at 301-863-8551.

 


WHAT IS CURSILLO?

Cursillo (pronounced kur-SEE-yo) Is a Spanish word meaning “short course".  It Is short for "A short course In Christian living" -- the three day weekend mentioned below.

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 Christian 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 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. 1.) GROUP MEETINGS (Reunions) that are held frequently when several people gather together for mutual encouragement and support through PRAYER, STUDY, and ACTION. 2.) 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 each 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 to allow them to share theirs with you.
* to make a genuine effort to discover where you are and where 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 WASHINGTON?

Episcopal Cursillo has activities and support throughout the entire diocese and in all neighboring dioceses, Cursillo weekends are given at various retreat centers in reasonably close proximity to metropolitan Washington, D.C. Transportation to and from the retreat center will be provided.

 

IS THERE A COST?

Yes.  The cost for the weekend is approximately $120.00 per participant, $30 of which is a non-refundable application fee.  The cost includes three nights lodging, meals, a bible, 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 must have a sponsor, who has previously made a Cursillo weekend.  This sponsor will assist you in preparation for the weekend, and more importantly, assist you af ter the weekend.  If you know of someone in your parish who has attended a Cursillo, ask them to tell you more, and bow to get started.  Pray about it, and if you conclude that you should go submit an application that your sponsor may provide.

If you don't know of anyone in your parish who has attended Cursillo, ask your Rector or contact the Bishop's office at Church House.


 Last Updated: November 12, 2006

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