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Home > Explore Our Ministries > Discipleship > Cursillo |
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| CURSILLO |
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| What is Cursillo?
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Cursillo is a Spanish word that means a "little course". The
Cursillo (a short course in Christian living) is an international movement for strengthening adult
leadership in the church and for other environments.
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| The Cursillo Method
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The Cursillo Method includes;
(a) a three-day weekend in which a team of laity and priests present the fundamental
principles of Christian living (piety, study and action);
(b) ongoing weekly, bi-weekly or monthly small group meetings in which members make
themselves mutually accountable for living these principles; and
(c) occasional larger meetings, called Ultreya, for sharing, witnessing and
encouragement.
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| The Weekend
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First comes the Cursillo weekend. This lasts from Thursday evening
through Sunday afternoon. Most weekends are either Men's or Women's events, however, the first
Co-ed weekend in our Diocese was held in February of 2006. A person attends one such weekend as
a "Candidate". Amanda and Kirk Somdal of Prince of Peace, were candidates on that first Co-ed
weekend.
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| What did they think of it?
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Amanda and Kirk were excited to go. "We loved it, even
though I had some challenges with the 'signer' at first", Amanda said... At their table they
became the "unofficial" leaders.
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| Weekend Teams
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Future weekends can be attended as a team member. You
are then called a Cursillista. Amanda and Kirk are now participating in team workshops in
preparation for the next Men's and Women's weekends.
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| What happens on a Cursillo Weekend?
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Cursillo is a blend of seriousness and light-heartedness,
of spiritual experiences, and talks by laypersons and clergy.
Candidates listen to talks while in small table groups.
Discussion ensues after each of five talks a day, which can be broken down into three main
divisions.
A. What is fundamental to being a Christian?
B. How do I live the life of grace?
C. How do I structure my Christian life?
Community building is an important aspect, as is.fun music and good food.
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| Who goes to Cursillo?
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Those who wish to confirm their commitment to the Lord
Jesus Christ. It is also intended to equip one with the basics needed to do Christ's work in
the world. Both new and old Christians attend.
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| What to do?
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If interested, contact the POP Cursillo Coordinator
Sig Petersen, the church office 818-346-6968 or any of the POP clergy, who will redirect you.
If you wish to participate in a Cursillo weekend, you will have a sponsor to help you with all
the details.
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| What will it cost?
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The weekend has been paid for you by those who have gone
before you. You will be given an opportunity to do the same while on the weekend.
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| Group Reunion
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After the 3-day weekend (the rest of your life is called
the Fourth Day), you will be invited to a continuing program, as well as the formation of an
ongoing support system.
Group Reunions (small groups meeting regularly) gives us a vital link with other Christians to
provide support for our own Christian life and growth.
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| Ultreya
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The third part of the Cursillo Method is the Ultreya. Here
the smaller group reunions join together into a larger gathering, perhaps every few moths. The
Ultreyas are held to inspire both new candidates and old Cursillistas, to persevere in our Fourth
Day. A witness talk, sharing, music and a potluck are usual ingrediants of the Ultreya.
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| POP Cursillistas
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As of the end of 2006, POP has a total of 36 folks who have
already attended a Cursillo weekend.
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