Cursillo

(From March, 2001 Nativity Tidings newsletter)

This is the first of a three-part series on Cursillo. Part of the information comes from a brochure and part comes from members of our congregation who have participated. The first part covers what is Cursillo and who can go to Cursillo.

Cur-SEE-yo is a Spanish word meaning short course, or in this case, a short course in Christian living. As Father Gerry added, "Cursillo started in Spain in 1948 in the Roman Catholic church. Many of the terms have a Spanish origin.

Cursillo is:

	an opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality.
	an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and now we can serve Him.
	an experience of living in a loving and caring Christian community.
	a continuing community that gives support and encouragement empowering the renewed Christians to persevere in carrying out their Baptismal vows.

Father Gerry continued, 'During the three-day weekend, there is a series of talks, called rollos, on various topics. There are some testimonies and they give newcomers, called pilgrims, an opportunity to hear and then discuss these talks. The fourth is the rest of your life."

"During the fourth day, you are supposed to make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ," June Carol Hines explained. "Some times people come into our lives for a reason and it's our mission to bring them to Christ." "Cursillo has increased my walk with God. We never know when we may influence others.''

Mary Reilly agreed. "It has meant quite a lot to me," she said.

Millie Bennett added, "It is a weekend filled with Christian experiences and an outpouring of love that just continues. I never knew I had so many friends."

Read Part Two of this series