Church of the Apostles

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED ABOUT CURSILLO?

The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer asks the question "What is the duty of all Christians?" This is the appropriate place to begin an explanation of the Cursillo Movement.

WHAT IS THE DUTY OF ALL CHRISTIANS?
The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God" (BCP, p.856)

WHAT IS CURSILLO?
A method for carrying out our Christian duty.

WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF THAT METHOD?
To become more effective in apostolic action.

WHAT IS APOSTOLIC ACTION?
Actions that bring Christ to others and spread God's kingdom.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF CURSILLO?
To restore all people to unity with God and each other through Christ.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP OF CURSILLO TO THE CHURCH?
A movement within the church that--under the direction of the diocesan bishop--utilizes a particular strategy.

WHAT IS THAT STRATEGY?
The use of pre-Cursillo, the Three-day Weekend, and the Fourth Day.

WHAT IS THE PRE-CURSILLO?
The identification of Episcopalians who are witnessing to their love for Christ and their invitation to a Three-day Weekend.

WHAT IS THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND?
A focus on Christian fundamentals and explanation of the Cursillo method. It is the springboard to living the Fourth Day.

WHAT IS THE FOURTH DAY?
The practice of living out one's Baptismal Covenant for a lifetime. Fourth day activities--including the Group Reunion, Ultreya, and spiritual direction--reinforce that practice.

WHAT IS THE GROUP REUNION?
A small group of friends who meet weekly and hold each other accountable for their spiritual journey. All participants report on their study of God's Word and how they are incorporating it in their daily lives and behavior. These friends often develop into a strong spiritual support group for life.

WHAT IS THE ULTREYA?
A "reunion of reunions" that usually takes place monthly and is an opportunity to build community by sharing the experience of living with Jesus. Individuals talk about how their witness is changing the people and institutions with whom they come in contact.

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
The process whereby skilled laypersons or clergy guide individuals in their spiritual lives and help them deepen their union with Christ.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND?
The weekend brings together a group of Episcopalians to share worship and broaden their appreciation for the Church. Lay people conduct the events with two or three clergy who function as spiritual advisors. They present a series of 15 talks that emphasize--i.e. godliness, study and action. Table groups discuss and respond to the talks. During the weekend, participants celebrate the Eucharist daily, use the Daily Offices, and have time for prayer, confession, and spiritual direction. They also fellowship together, sing, and enjoy good food. Leaders never ask participants to do anything with which they feel uncomfortable.

WHAT IS CURSILLO'S ORIGIN?
The Spanish Roman Catholic Church. Teams from the Roman Catholic Church introduced Cursillo to the Episcopal Church in the 1970's, and it has continued to grow. The Episcopal Center for Renewal sponsors Cursillo. For more information contact the Center (214-351-9330) or go to www.episcopalrenewalcenter.com. Or contact Marilyn Marsh at 214-563-2998 or Fr. Rob at 972-462-0234. The next Cursillo Weekends are January 31 -February 3 and March 27-30. IT IS THE SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME AND YOU WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. Please consider attending a Three-Day Weekend soon.