Sunday, July 15, 2012

Cursillo and an Ultreya

Many women in the DRG have attended the 3-day renewal weekend known as Cursillo. They wuold say that the experience has enriched their ministry and life in Christ. There is much misconception about this movement from those who haven't participated. Some think it's too 'Holy Roller' or exclusive or a secret society. Really, it is not any of these things. It is yet another way to draw closer to Christ and learn how to live out your ministry.
The word 'cursillo' means little course and in a nutshell that's what Cursillo is: a short course in Christianity. According to the National Episcopal Cursillo website:
"The purpose of Cursillo is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders...all of us need to be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us. The goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church: to bring all to Christ through informed, trained leaders who set out with the support of others having a similar commitment. Cursillo helps to renew and deepen Christian commitment. Cursillo is one of many renewal movements...
Cursillo is patterned on Jesus' own example. He searched out and called a small group of potential leaders (pre-Cursillo); He trained them by word and example and inspired them with a vision (Three-Day Weekend); He linked them together and sent them out into the world to bring the world to Him (Fourth Day)."
The 3-day weekend is the tool for training Christian leaders by reminding participants of their call, as baptized members of the Body of Christ, to share the Good News in all their environments (family, work, and everywhere) by living a life filled with piety (spiritual aids) and study (of all sorts), then acting with God's direction.
Just as important as the 3-day weekend is what happens after the weekend-the Fourth Day (or rest of your life). Small groups form to meet regularly and hold one another accountable in their Walk with Christ. There are also large group gatherings called "Ultreyas" where many people who have attended a Cursillo weekend or who are interested in learning about Cursillo come together for a fun couple of hours of music, a lay talk and clergy response.

Cursillo in the DRG has been inactive since about 2006. But-wait:
Join the Cursillo community on Saturday, July 28 at the Cathedral for a potluck lunch at noon and Ultreya at 1pm, complete with music and inspirational talks and friends! This Ultreya is the first step in what the Acting Secretariat hopes will be a renewal of Cursillo. The theme for this Ultreya will be “Here I Am, Send Me!” If you have questions, contact Colin Kelly at Trinity on the Hill (505-662-5170) or Ken and Cindy Davis at the Cathedral.
The Acting Secretariat is trying to create a list of as many Cursillistas as possible, so if you are a  Cursillistas email your contact info, so you can be contacted for other events, like the Back to the Mountain weekend being planned for this fall. Even if you cannot attend the Ultreya, please join us in prayer for the renewal of Cursillo. Feel free to use the announcement in your church bulletin. We look forward to seeing you at the Ultreya!!

Check out the other events on the What's Happening page of this blog, too-like:
Celebration of the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
July 23, 6:30PM at San Gabriel