Together in Christ
for the Greater Glory of God
for the Greater Glory of God
A short course in Christianity
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning a short course. It is an abbreviated form of Cursillo de Cristiandad (short course to prepare Christians). It is not a theoretical course, nor is it a retreat. It is first and foremost an experience; it must be lived. It is a faith enrichment occurence, which brings with it the discovery of the basis of Christianity and its fundamental significance to one's life.
Originating in Spain in the 1940's, Cursillo has become an ongoing worldwide spiritual renewal sanctioned and encouraged by the Vatican that is intended to strengthen the Church through the development of Christian disciples. Its approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."
The Cursillo experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the Church. The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, daily Mass and Holy Communion. The Cursillo community, made up of those who have already attended a Cursillo short course, support the 72-hour experience with prayer, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Cursillo short course typically begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.
During and after the three days, Cursillistas (those that have experienced Cursillo) are encouraged to meet regularly in small groups. Meeting weekly at Holy Family, the members of these "reunion" groups challenge and support one another in faithful living as it applies to the tripod of Cursillo: piety, study and action. Monthly during the academic year, these groups also come together at Ultreya, a reunion of reunion groups, to support and encourage each other. Ultreya means "Onward"; it is an ancient greeting used to encourage pilgrims as they passed each other on the road. Ultreya at Holy Family generally consists of a Mass with virtuous homily, followed by a gathering for a spiritual talk given by a lay person, group prayer and sharing, fellowship, singing, snacks, and joy in the Lord.
Cursillistas (over 200 and growing at Holy Family) seek to Christianize their environments of family, job, and community and engage in the ministry of their parish congregation. The three-day Cursillo experience and follow-up groups educate, strengthen and renew Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in the mission of His Church.
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning a short course. It is an abbreviated form of Cursillo de Cristiandad (short course to prepare Christians). It is not a theoretical course, nor is it a retreat. It is first and foremost an experience; it must be lived. It is a faith enrichment occurence, which brings with it the discovery of the basis of Christianity and its fundamental significance to one's life.
Originating in Spain in the 1940's, Cursillo has become an ongoing worldwide spiritual renewal sanctioned and encouraged by the Vatican that is intended to strengthen the Church through the development of Christian disciples. Its approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."
The Cursillo experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the Church. The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, daily Mass and Holy Communion. The Cursillo community, made up of those who have already attended a Cursillo short course, support the 72-hour experience with prayer, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Cursillo short course typically begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.
During and after the three days, Cursillistas (those that have experienced Cursillo) are encouraged to meet regularly in small groups. Meeting weekly at Holy Family, the members of these "reunion" groups challenge and support one another in faithful living as it applies to the tripod of Cursillo: piety, study and action. Monthly during the academic year, these groups also come together at Ultreya, a reunion of reunion groups, to support and encourage each other. Ultreya means "Onward"; it is an ancient greeting used to encourage pilgrims as they passed each other on the road. Ultreya at Holy Family generally consists of a Mass with virtuous homily, followed by a gathering for a spiritual talk given by a lay person, group prayer and sharing, fellowship, singing, snacks, and joy in the Lord.
Cursillistas (over 200 and growing at Holy Family) seek to Christianize their environments of family, job, and community and engage in the ministry of their parish congregation. The three-day Cursillo experience and follow-up groups educate, strengthen and renew Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in the mission of His Church.
Cursillos de Cristiandad, that is the word, purified through experience, affirmed by its fruits, that today travels with citizenship papers throughout the world... Whether some methods become obsolete, whether new manifestations of the Spirit arise, the permanent task of the layman will continue to be the infusion of Christianity into life through the encounter and personal friendship with God and in communion with his brothers.
(Pope Paul VI)
Listen to Podcast
The Good Catholic Life: Cursillo
The Good Catholic Life: Cursillo
Fr. Martin Hyatt and Paul Blanchette of Saint Basil's talk with Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines on Boston 1060AM about Cursillo; its origins, its aims and its fruits; and just what a Cursillo weekend and thereafter is all about.
