Cursillo

(From April, 2001 Nativity Tidings newsletter)

(This is the second installment of a multi-part series on Cursillo. Part of the information comes from a brochure and part comes from members of our congregation who have participated.)

What happens at Cursillo?  

Cursillo is a three-day weekend held at DaySpring Conference Center in Ellenton. It begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday. During the three days, participants hear a variety of talks (15 in number) given by lay persons and clergy who have spent time working together, planning and preparing for the weekend.  

Nativity’s Lynn James says the schedule works well. “The three days are needed the way it unfolds,” she said. “I had my Cursillo  near Columbia, SC and it was more than I  anticipated. It was stimulating and motivating and exciting. It still is,” Lynn added.

A Cursillo weekend is not a retreat, with fasting or extended periods of silence. Rather, it is an experience in Christian education, where participants have an opportunity to meet clergy and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith.  

Lois Johnson, who sponsored Jo Davidsmeyer in February, called Cursillo a short course in Christianity. “You have quiet time the first night and then it gets very active,” she explained. “And once you've done it, you’re not finished. It keeps going. There are lots of surprises during the weekend.”

Shared prayer, worship, study, music, fellowship, laughter and tears all work together to create a loving atmosphere where one can feel the reality of God's free and unconditional love. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated daily.  

Sue Kow said the shared prayer in small groups was very important. “But the after part is more important than the weekend,” she said.

Raymond Kow agreed. “It's a very moving experience,” he said. “I have lots of great memories from when we went through it in Ohio.”  

Ros Hall attended a Cursillo weekend at DaySpring and loved it, “It was secluded and nice and quiet,” she said. “In one way it was like a Girl Scout camp for adults. But it was definitely a mountain top experience.”