CURSILLOS IN CHRISTIANITY

In today's world can Christianity penetrate the many areas of secular life? 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 short course called Cursillo. 

THE CURSILLO WEEKEND

Cursillo (kur-see-yo) is the Spanish word meaning "short course". Thus, Cursillos in Christianity means Short Courses in Christianity. The retreat phase begins on Thursday evening and the Cursillo begins on Friday and ends on Sunday. During those three days those attending live and work together listening to talks given by priests and laity. They also share the Eucharist and pray together.

The titles of the talks indicate their content: Ideal, Habitual Grace, Layperson in the Church, Actual Grace, Piety, Study, Sacraments, Action, Obstacles of Grace, Leaders, Study of Environments, Life in Grace, Christianity in Action, Cursillista Beyond Cursillo, and Total Security. 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 "Friendship Group Reunion" and "Ultreya". These are available as a means of personal growth in living what is fundamental for being a Christian and for encouraging one another in proclaiming the best news of the best reality that God in Christ loves us.

THE THREE ENCOUNTERS

A Cursillo is an encounter with self, Christ, and others. That sounds too simple but it's not. If that is understood then the power, beauty, and joy of the Cursillo Movement will be understood.

 Attend one!!  

EVANGELIZING OF ENVIRONMENTS

Correctly applied the Cursillo Movement can have very positive results in the spiritual revitalization of the person and in turn, the world, The Christ-likeness in a few good people is contagious. The transference of Christ's values to others in one's family, neighborhood, workplace, school, business, environment, etc., is the evangelizing of environments the Cursillo promotes. The goal of the Cursillo is that Christ be the prime influence in society. So it is said that primary goals of the Cursillo Movement are to develop a consciousness of the uniqueness, originality and creativity of the person and their mission to be leaders in the work of Christian renewal, and to sustain them as they provide a Christian leaven in their environments, society and in the world. This evangelizing of environments is what the Cursillo Movement is all about.