The Tribune

ON SATURDAY, the Cursillo community invites the young and old to the 2014 Retreat to be held at St Christopher in Lyford Cay, beginning at 9 am though to 1 pm.

Cursillo (meaning “a short course”) is one method of renewal of the church. It came about from the Spanish Roman Catholic Church. The purpose of the Cursillo Movement is to convert Christians to a deeper relationship with God and to help them to understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. This leadership may be in their work situations, in their family and social lives, in their leisure activities or within the institutional church.

The Cursillo is known to be transformative and among the best experiences one can have in one’s spiritual journey. At this retreat you will learn of their Calendar of Events for 2014.

Those already in the Cursillo movement have committed to group reunions. Small groups meet regularly for bonding, fellowship and encouragement. Such persons are encouraged to attract potential candidates to group with them.

They ought to identify potential candidates and assist in sponsoring them to a weekend.

Speaking in regards to the three-day Cursillo weekend, members of the movement said during this time and period, a team of lay persons and spiritual advisors will give a series of talks covering the basis of Christianity.

Away from the everyday pressures of life, the participants form a Christian community, learning, praying, sharing, singing and living together. During this time apart they also learn about Cursillo’s special two-part support system for Christian leaders.

“It’s a live-in weekend. You will sleep in comfortable rooms and beds. You are to bring comfortable clothes and one outfit of ‘Sunday-go-to-church-clothes’ along with your toiletries. And of course an attitude of joy and co-operation. You will be well taken care of with three hot meals per day and snacks,” members said.

The total cost of the weekend is 150.00 dollars per candidate (assistance can be provided, on request, through sponsors and the church community.) Efforts will be made to give assistance where there might be financial concerns.

After the three day weekend, Cursillo members said the fourth day begins, which is the start of the rest of your life.

“Friends ought to form small groups (called group reunions) for mutual encouragement and support. Area meetings (called Ultreyas) with others who have made Cursillo, or friends you can interest, are held at least quarterly. The three day weekend, which may be life transforming, fulfils its purpose best when people return to their round of work, family, and parish activities, but now supported by fellow Christians in this specific framework of meetings,” Cursillo members stated.