(Cur-SEE'-yo) - Spanish word meaning "short course"
Short for "A Short Course in Christian Living"
 

WHAT IS CURSILLO?

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 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 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 1950'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 has been active in the Diocese of Massachusetts for over twenty years and operates under the direction of the Bishop.
 

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.
    

WHO MAY TAKE PART?

Cursillo is open to all adults, 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.

For teenagers, the Diocese has an active Happening! program. Check it out!
 

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.
  

WHERE ARE CURSILLO ACTIVITIES HELD IN THE DIOCESE OF MASSACHUSETTS?

Episcopal Cursillo has activities and support throughout the entire diocese. Cursillo weekends are typically given at the Marist Center in Framingham. Transportion to and from the center will be provided.
 

IS THERE A COST?

No. There is no cost for the weekend. The cost ($160.00) which includes 3 nights lodging, meals, Bible and materials necessary for the weekend is a GIFT from the Cursillo Community to each candidate.
 

HOW DO I APPLY?

Every participant has a sponsor, who has attended a Cursillo weekend. This sponsor will assist you in preparation for the weekend and, more importantly, assist you after the weekend. If you know someone in your parish who has attended a Cursillo weekend, ask them to tell you more and how to get started. Pray about it, and if you conclude that you should go, submit an application that your sponsor will provide.
    Within the Diocese of Massachusetts, if you don't know of anyone in your parish who has attended a Cursillo weekend, ask your Rector, get in touch with one of our contacts, or send a note to: M. E. C., P.O. Box 2077, Acton, MA 01720-6077.

[The above text is largely from Scotty Ward of the Diocese of Washington.]