GET INVOLVED
Cursillo
WHAT IS CURSILLO?
Cursillo (pronounced "cur-SEE-oh") 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 Christians 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. 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.
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 East Tennessee in the 1980's and operates under the direction of the Bishop.
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 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 or how 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.
Cursillo is probably not advisable for those who have not already committed themselves to Jesus or for those undergoing serious doubts regarding faith. The Cursillo movement is not designed to promote a basic commitment to Christ and the Gospel. Rather, it is designed to help those who are already committed to enhance that commitment and to bring their lives into line with the Gospels and to live the gospels on a daily basis within a community of committed Christians.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A CURSILLO WEEKEND?
You will need a Sponsor (someone who has previously attended a Cursillo Weekend and a 4th Day Workshop, and who has been actively involved in the Cursillo Movement for at least six months). You will need to submit an application. A potential Sponsor will have an application.
WHEN MUST MY APPLICATION BE RECEIVED?
The date varies, depending upon the weekend. However, as a general rule, applications should be received from four to six weeks before the weekend you wish to attend.
WHAT IS THE WEEKEND LIKE? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Talk to your Sponsor about the Cursillo Weekend. There are no secrets, but lots of "surprises". Ask your potential Sponsor or someone you know who has attended a Cursillo Weekend to take you to an Ultreya (see below). This will give you some of the flavor of a weekend.
Cursillo Weekends begin on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Plan to arrive on time and relax! You will need to do nothing else except participate in the Weekend! The Weekend will end late Sunday afternoon. Expect to be home after dinner Sunday evening.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE WEEKEND?
Bring comfortable clothing appropriate to the season. Dress is typically casual. Bedding, washcloths and towels will be provided. If you like to sleep with two pillows, bring an extra one.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE WEEKEND?
Each individual who returns from the weekend 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.
HOW IS CURSILLO INVOLVED IN EVANGELISM?
The Epistle of James tells us that, "Faith without works is useless." So, as members of the Cursillo movement we are called to share Christ's love with those around us.
For Information On Upcoming Weekends
In East Tennessee, Contact Carl Swann
246-2285
cswann@chartertn.net
