About Cursillo
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make a friend
be a friend
bring a friend to Christ -
Take a Christian or a handful of Christians who, in the midst of their own community, show their capacity for understanding and acceptance, their sharing of life and destiny with other people, their solidarity with the efforts of all for whatever is noble and good. Let us suppose that, in addition, they radiate in an altogether simple and unaffected way their faith in values that go beyond current values, and their hope in something that is not seen and that one would not dare to imagine. Through this wordless witness these Christians stir up irresistible questions in the hearts of those who see how they live: Why are they like this? Why do they live in this way? What or who is it that inspires them? Why are they in our midst? Such a witness is already a silent proclamation of the Good News and a very powerful and effective one.
Pope Saint Paul VI
Apostolic Exhortation on Evangelization in the Modern World -
Cursillo in ChristianityIn today's world can Christianity penetrate the many areas of secular life? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it tran sform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past and in keeping with the times? The Cursillo Movement thinks so. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but simply a method through which one's spirituality may be developed, lived, and shared in any area of human life where there are Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner. The method is introduced by a short course: Cursillo.
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The Cursillo Weekend
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is the Spanish word meaning "short course". Thus, Cursillos in Christianity means Short Courses in Christianity. The Retreat Phase begins on Thursday evening and the Cursillo begins on Friday and ends on Sunday. During these three days those attending live and work together listening to talks given by priests and laity. They also share the Eucharist and pray together.
The titles of the talks indicate their content: Ideal, Habitual Grace, Laypersons in the Church, Actual Grace, Piety, Study, Sacraments, Action, Obstacles to a Life of Grace, Christianity in Action, Cursillista Beyond Cursillo, and Total Security. Each talk is followed by a discussion period. -
The Fourth Day
The "after" activity of the Cursillo is known as the "Fourth Day." During this time, perseverance is important just as it is in any method of renewal. In the Cursillo Movement the community spirit is continued after the three days through the "Friendship Group Reunion" and "Ultreya". These are available as a means of personal growth in living what is fundamental for being a Christian and for encouraging one another in proclaiming the best news of the best reality that God in Christ loves us.
Bismarck Ultreya is the first Tuesday of every month.
Dickinson Ultreya is the first Thursday of every month. -
The Three Encounters
A Cursillo is an encounter with self, Christ, and others. That sounds too simple but it's not. If that is understood then the power, beauty, and joy of the Cursillo Movement will be understood. Attend one!
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Evangelization of Environments
Correctly applied, the Cursillo Movement can have very positive results in the spiritual revitalization of the person and, in turn, the world. The Christ-likeness in a few good people is contagious. The transference of Christ's values to others in one's family, neighborhood, workplace, school, business, entertainment, etc., is the evangelization of environments the Cursillo promotes. The goal of Cursillo is that Christ be the prime influence in society. So it is said that the primary goals of the Cursillo Movement are to develop a consciousness of the uniqueness, originality, and creativity and their mission to be leaders in the work of Christian renewal, and to sustain them as they provide a Christian leaven in their environments, in society, and in the world. This evangelization of environments is what the Cursillo Movement is all about.
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What Does Cursillo Offer?
A simple method to seek and develop a Christian spirituality, mentality, activity, and community.