Diocesan Renewal Program Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ!
What is
Cursillo?
Cursillo is a movement of the church. Its purpose is to help
those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The
leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure
activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean
power over others, but influence on others; all of us need to be aware that we can exert a
positive influence on those around us.
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 does Cursillo do?
It helps to renew and deepen Christian commitment. Cursillo is one of many renewal
movements. Many people have said Cursillo provides an important learning experience which
causes many to feel like newly made Christians with a purpose and with support.
What is the Cursillo Movement About?
Cursillo is patterned on Jesus' own example. He searched out and called a small group of
potential leaders (pre-Cursillo); He trained them by word and example and inspired them
with a vision (Cursillo Three-Day Weekend); He linked them together and sent them out into
the world to bring the world to Him (post-Cursillo or the Fourth Day).
Pre-Cursillo
During this period, sponsors (i.e. those individuals that have been to the three-day
Cursillo weekend and are living the Fourth Day) identify those Episcopalians who are
leading an active Christian life and are a living witness to their love for Christ,
recommending their candidacy. It is also the period that selected candidates are informed
of what to expect at the three-day weekend and assisted in appropriate preparations.
The Three-Day Weekend
The Cursillo weekend brings together a diverse group of Episcopalians to share the
richness of many modes of worship and to broaden each one's appreciation for our Church.
Lay people conduct the weekend with two or three members of the clergy functioning as
spiritual advisors. Cursillo presumes that those who attend are already well grounded in
the faith. It is not intended to be a conversion experience but an enriching and deepening
of what is already there. It often provides new insights into our faith as well as
fostering ministry among lay people.
The weekend begins Thursday evening spent in the Chapel with meditations, discussions, and
Compline. Then blessed silence is kept until after the worship on Friday morning. After
breakfast participants are assigned to table groups for the weekend. The three days are
filled with talks and group discussions with emphasis on the doctrine of Grace, the
Sacraments, and the great Cursillo tripod: Piety, Study, and Action. Plus there is
fellowship, singing, good food, and time for privacy, meditation, prayer, and walks.
Eucharist is celebrated each day.
Post-Cursillo or Fourth Day
The Cursillo weekend is not an end to itself. It is a starting point that lasts the rest
of your life. It is a springboard to a long-range practice of the Baptismal Covenant in
the life of the Church called the Fourth Day. The Fourth Day is composed of three major
elements:
The Group Reunion
the heart of Cursillo, is a small group of friends (usually 3-5) who meet weekly, and who
hold each other accountable for their spiritual journey.
They report on their piety, their study, and their apostolic action. A bonding develops
that institutes a strong support group for life.
The Ultreya
which is usually held monthly, is a "reunion of the reunions". It provides
support and builds community by allowing the sharing of communal experiences.
Spiritual Direction
is an important element of the Cursillo Movement. It is a commitment to seek out skilled
lay persons or cleric for spiritual direction to provide help in deepening their union
with Christ.
Are there Cursillo Secrets?
You may have been told by some who have attended the weekend that they cannot tell you
what Cursillo is all about or what goes on during a Cursillo weekend. This is not correct.
Everything that goes on during the weekend may be told to anyone. Cursillo literature is
available to anyone who wishes to read or purchase the materials.
For information contact your parish representative
St. George's Parish Representative: Majorie Lightbourne
. . . 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
Cursillo Movement In The Bahamas
Message from Sharon Farquharson
Lay Director
It was November 22, 1998 when the new slate
of officers for the Cursillo Secretariat were commissioned by His Grace, Archbishop Gomez,
an association which was fully supported by the Cursillo Community. New situations can
sometimes present challenges. This can be particularly evident whenever a new leadership
position is undertaken. The Lay directorship of Cursillo is no different. I truly believe,
however, that acknowledging God in all that I do will enhance my leadership ability. Plans
are already being formulated to revive the Servant Community, Parish Representatives and
revitalization of our very own 4th day publication. We are constantly reminded that
communication is a major problem in the movement. It is anticipation that this
publication, together with the printed media and Radio, the activities for the movement
will be adequately filtered by the community.
The reestablishment of the servant community
is a vital link and every effort will be made to ensure that it continues to function.
This aspect of the movement allows for the growth of the movement. Its format allows
members to learn more about the fundamentals of the movement. Introducing the co-ed
weekend to the Island of Exuma will be a first for the secretariat. The Cursillo is
requested to keep the coordinator, Mr. Reg Grant, the Rector / Rectora, and the entire
team in their prayers. This is a new venture but we are all reminded that with God's help
we can achieve this task. As Lay Director, I wish to thank all of those Cursillistas who
have shown their support during these first few months of leading the movement. It is my
prayer that you will continue to undergird me with palanca and I know that with God's help
the remaining months will be fruitful
