Cursillo

Cursillo (a Spanish word meaning little course) gives church members the tools and "rules of life" to enthusiastically share the joys of knowing Christ with others in their everyday environments.

Cursillo is patterned on Jesus' own example. He searched out and called groups of potential leaders, trained them and sent them out to bring the world to Him.

The Cursillo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. During the weekend, participants engage in study, reflection, fellowship, and worship.

The Fourth Day is the period that comprises the rest of one's life living out the Baptismal Covenant in the life of the church. It is composed of three major elements: Group Reunion...a small group of friends who meet weekly and hold each other accountable for their spiritual journey; Ultreya...usually held monthly, a larger meeting for support and building of community spirit within the movement; Spiritual Direction...a commitment to seek out skilled lay persons or clerics for spiritual direction to provide help in deepening one's union with Christ.

The first Cursillo weekends were developed in the Roman Catholic Church in Majorca, Spain. Spanish airmen who were stationed at air bases in Texas in the early 1940's brought Cursillo to the United States. The first Cursillo weekend in the Episcopal Church was conducted in the early 1960's with help from Roman Catholic sponsors in the Diocese of Iowa. The first Cursillo weekend conducted in the Diocese of West Texas took place in January 1972. Since then, more than 200 Cursillo weekends have been held in this diocese with more than 6000 persons having attended.

Cursillo is open to all adult Episcopalians, men and women, married or single.

Laity and clergy alike are invited to join the fellowship. Husbands and wives may attend the same Cursillo Weekend, or may go on different weekends. Cursillo is a movement of the Church, and the Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas has the full responsibility for its conduct within this diocese. The National Cursillo Committee provides training programs, publications, and information within the copyright parameters obtained from the Catholic Church to operate Cursillo within the Episcopal Church.

Within the diocese, the Cursillo Secretariat (appointed by the bishop) and the Cursillo Servant Community (members are those who have attended a Cursillo weekend) assist the bishop. The Secretariat is composed of representatives from the seven convocations within the diocese. The Servant Community is composed of those who desire to devote their time and talents to the movement. The Secretariat is the policy body; the Servant Community conduct activities and studies, provide news and information.

Every participant has a sponsor who has attended a Cursillo weekend. This sponsor assists in preparation for the weekend and, more importantly, stays in touch with participants after the weekend. If you know someone in your parish who has attended a Cursillo weekend, ask them to tell you more and how to get started. If you do not know someone, ask your rector to find someone for you.

Contacts:

President, Secretariat: