Last updated: Thursday, March 11, 2010

CURSILLOS IN CHRISTIANITY

OF THE

DIOCESE OF

GREEN BAY WISCONSIN

Cursillos In Christianity

In today’s world can Christianity penetrate the many areas of secular life? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it transform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past and in keeping with the times? The Cursillo Movement thinks so. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but simply a method through which one’s spirituality may be developed, lived and shared in any area of human life where there are Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner. The method is introduced by a little course.

The Cursillo is an encounter with Christ. Correctly applied and overseen, the Cursillo Movement can have very positive results in the spiritual revitalization of the world. The Christ-likeness in a few good people is contagious. The transference of Christ’s values to others in one’s family, school, place of business, etc., is the Christianizing of environments the Cursillo promotes. The goal of the movement is that Christ be the prime influence in society. So it is said that the PRIMARY OBJECTIVES of the Cursillo Movement are to develop in adult Christians a consciousness of their power and mission to become leaders in the work of Christian renewal, and to sustain them as they provide a Christian leaven in civic, social and economic life. This “Christianizing of environments” is what the Cursillo Movement is all about.

Format Of The Exercises

Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning “little” or “short course.” It begins on a Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday night. During those three days those attending live and work together listening to talks given by priests, religious and laity. They share the Eucharist and pray together.

The titles of the talks indicate their content: Ideal, Grace, Laity, Piety, Study, the Sacraments, Action, Obstacles to a life of Grace, Leaders, Evangelization of the Environment, Christian Life, Christian Community, and Group Reunion. Each talk is followed by a discussion period.

The Fourth Day

The “after” activity of the Cursillo is known as the “fourth day.” During this time perseverance is important just as it is in any method of renewal. In the Cursillo Movement the community spirit is continued after the three days through the “ultreya” or reunions of the community. These are available on a regular basis as a means of growth in understanding and zeal within the Christian community. Reunions of smaller groups of friends are also available in order for them to encourage one another is spiritual improvement and the Christian apostolate.

Encounter With Christ

A cursillo is an encounter with Christ. That sounds too simple but it’s not. Think about it. A real meeting with Christ. If that is understood then the power, beauty and joy of the Cursillo Movement will be understood. Interested? Attend one!

For more information contact:

Cursillos in Christianity

P.O. Box 184

Little Chute, WI 54140

Or:

Jim Newhouse Phone: (920) 788-1921

email: jimkris77@new.rr.com

Bob Varick Phone: (920) 733-0899

email: bvarick@new.rr.com

For technical website questions or comments contact:

Ryan P. Van Camp

Phone: (920) 779-9226

email: rpvancamp@yahoo.com