Cursillo so Hard to Explain

From Our Lay Directors:

De Colores Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

When googling “Cursillo Movement”, this is what comes up.

The Cursillo Movement is a 3-day Catholic retreat or “short course in Christianity” (Cursillo de Cristiandad), designed to deepen faith and train laypeople to bring Christian values into their daily environments. Originating in 1940’s Spain, it focuses on friendship. Prayer, and talks by priest and laypeople, aiming to foster a personal encounter with Christ.

When asked by someone (a potential candidate), what a Cursillo is, what do you tell them? Do you find yourself tongue tied and hesitate, not knowing what to say? Or you know what you want to say, just not how you want to put it into words?

I tell them something like this; It’s a good way to grow your relationship with Christ. The weekend consists of some talks and discussion, down time for yourself, good food and music. You can participate as much or as little as you want, but you may get more out of the weekend if you choose to participate a little more. The weekend is for you, no one else. It’s a chance to grow closer to God! Then, if they ask, I go on to tell them how it starts Thursday evening and ends Sunday early evening and so on. But unless they ask more questions, I just make sure they know I’m available to answer any other questions and can get them more information if they’d like.

Whether you pray for your friend (and potential candidate) before you ask them, or after they ask you about a weekend does not matter. The important thing is giving them to God and asking His guidance along the way.

First and foremost be the light of Christ to everyone you meet. Be the Priest, Prophet and King you were baptized to be! By doing so, by being God’s hands, feet, voice, ears and heart you will attract those looking for Christ in their own life. And these people become friends and potential Cursillo candidates.

Easter Blessings!

Karen Fritsch kittyrg1967@gmail.com Troy Peebles tpeebles1007@gmail.com