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Ultreya! Cursillo returns to Arizona

On the Net: http://www.azdiocese.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/316

Cursillo (kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word that means "a little course." A Cursillo begins with a three-day weekend experience during which participants "live what is fundamental to being a Christian" in a Christian community where prayer support, love, and joy are emphasized. A Cursillo weekend enlivens people to the reality of Christ's love and presence in a way that leads to greater action in witness to Christ, both within the Church and in the world at large. A Cursillo weekend is a blend of seriousness and light-heartedness. It is made up of spiritual experiences and talks by lay persons and clergy, intended to equip one with the basics needed to do Christ's work in the world. Cursillo is for adult Christians and is meant to be shared as a learning and growing experience attained through worship, study, reflection, and fellowship. One "makes" a Cursillo only once, but it will be built upon throughout life.

What is Cursillo for? Cursillo is a movement of the church. Its purpose is to help those in the Episcopal Church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. It helps to renew and deepen their Christian commitment and ministry, and encourages them to bring others to Christ.

Who should go to Cursillo? Episcopalians in good standing who are leading an active Christian life and are a living witness to their love for Christ. Cursillo presumes that those who attend are already well-grounded in the faith. It is not intended to be a conversion experience, but an enriching and deepening of what is already there.

Where is it held? Cursillos are normally held in parish churches with large facilities. Although furnishings might not be exactly like a first-class hotel, a spirit of fellowship makes them adequate. There is good food, and every care is taken to make everyone as comfortable as possible. Separate weekends are held for men and women.

What can I expect? Cursillo lasts from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. During the first night until the following morning, a time of silence is observed. This is a means of moving from the busy world of work and family into the spirit of the weekend. Thereafter, the basic teachings of Christ are discussed and shared in an atmosphere of worship, music, joy, and laughter.

What is the Fourth Day? A Cursillo weekend is a preparation for the"Fourth Day," a term applied to the spiritual journey each person will experience during the remainder of this life, to begin on Sunday. Without an active, committed Fourth Day, the Cursillo is not complete.

What is the Cost? The cost of the weekend is $100. If this will present a problem, please discuss it openly with your sponsor. Scholarships and other financial help are available.

How does one get invited to a Weekend?

• The applicant is an active Episcopalian in good standing.
• The application is signed by an Episcopal clergyperson who knows the individual.
• The sponsor has explained the required commitment to Group Reunion and Ultreya participation.
• The sponsor participates in Group Reunion and Ultreya.
• The application has been reviewed and approved by the Spiritual Director of the Secretariat.
• Invitations are issued according to the date the application was received. An applicant whose spouse has attended Cursillo is given special consideration.
• A waiting list is maintained for late applications and those previously invited who were unable to attend.
• Special exceptions will considered on a case-by-case basis and invitations issued only if approved and space is available.

How do I sign up?

Applications are available to sponsors through parish offices or a Governing Board member. A married couple's applications should be submitted at the same time so that they may attend weekends as closely as possible together. Every applicant must have two sponsors: your parish priest and a lay sponsor who has already attended a weekend. Both must sign the application form. Sponsors are responsible for getting the application completed, signed, and mailed to:

Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Arizona
c/o Janet Kaiser
10065 E. Calle de Cielo Circle
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Thank you for your interest in Cursillo. As your weekend approaches, you will receive more information. Your sponsor will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Click here for a Word document application.

Because Cursillo is licensed by the Roman Catholic Church specifically for developing Episcopal lay leadership and ministry, we ask that only members of the Episcopal church be invited. Lutherans, Methodists, and Roman Catholics have their own movements of this kind. If you believe there is a special circumstance that should result in an exception to this policy, please contact the Governing Board c/o Janet Kaiser at (480) 767-5070 before you invite a non-Episcopalian to apply.

You have offered to be a sponsor for a person attending a Cursillo weekend. Sponsors should know their candidates well enough that they feel comfortable talking with them about their relationship with God and God's church.

Cursillo is not a one-time weekend retreat. It is the start of a journey and it is a method of teaching people to understand what is basic to being a Christian, while training them to return to their environments able to live out a personal vocation and act as leaven in society.

This is the beginning of your candidate's life in a new relationship with God. You have important responsibilities to your candidate and to the Cursillo community. The following is provided to give you some minimum requirements for sponsorship and some practical suggestions for sponsoring candidates.

If you feel you do not have the time or desire to proceed with sponsorship at this time, please realize that it will happen in God's time. It is better to wait for God than to sponsor a candidate without the necessary support.

Questions to ask yourself

• Is my candidate searching for a deeper relationship with Christ?
• Does my candidate have the potential to see Christ in others?
• Does my candidate possess depth of personality and exhibit self-control?
• Is my candidate reasonably informed on church matters, current events, social conditions?
• Is my candidate generous with his or her time in helping others?
• How active is my candidate in parish, social, and civic life?
• Do others in my Cursillo community agree that my candidate will grow from the Cursillo experience?
• Is my candidate willing to be part of my Group Reunion or another group of believers to whom s/he is accountable for living the Christian life?
• Are there other Cursillistas in the area available for 4th Day activities?
• Has Cursillo been discussed with my candidate's spouse?
• Has the spouse made Cursillo or is s/he interested in doing so now?
• Will you, as sponsor, support your candidate in 4th Day activities following the weekend?

Here are some specifics:

Palanca and its importance. A palanca letter is one that is sent to the candidates and team members, informing them of the prayers and sacrifices that you are offering to God on their behalf. The palanca letter may be sent to explain what type of palanca is being offered, but the letter is not the palanca, the action is. As a sponsor you are also expected to solicit notes of love and support from the candidate's spouse, family, friends, and community.

Before the weekend. Check with your candidate to ensure their family responsibilities are covered, such as child care, meal preparation, or transportation. Help with or arrange any necessary assistance.

During the weekend. Drive your candidate to the Cursillo site on Thursday evening. Follow up with planned assistance, checking in with your candidate's family-prepare a meal, offer transportation or after-school care-making sure they are okay.

Candlelight or Mananitas. Join the community on Saturday evening or Sunday morning to show support.

Clausura. Plan to attend, and if not, make arrangements to have someone from your community there in your place.

Fourth Day. Take your candidate to the Fourth Day Celebration or make arrangements for someone from your community to do so.

Group Reunion. Arrange for your candidate to be in a Group Reunion, preferably before the weekend, and definitely after the weekend.

Ultreya. Bring your candidate to an Ultreya.

Responsible sponsorship is a large part of what enables the Cursillo Movement to build up the church through the development of mature Christian leaders. Unless you assume these responsibilities, the applicant cannot be allowed to make a Cursillo.

For more information about the upcoming weekends, please contact azcursillo@yahoo.com.