The purpose of the Movement is to create small groups that can evangelize
their environments with the Gospel of Christ. The purpose of the Method is to
help persons live the Christian life of Piety, Study and Prayer.
On one level,
Cursillo is a three day course in Christian Living ("Cursillo" is a
Spanish word meaning short course). On a deeper level, it is the beginning of
a renewed apostolic vision. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but
presents an orthodox, proven method through which one's spirituality may be
developed, lived and shared.
The Aim is to
concentrate on the person and teachings of Christ. Moreover, it provides a
means to continue the Christian Life in a secular and often hostile world. The
three day weekend begins on a Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday
night. During the three days, those attending live in community, listening to
talks given by priests, and lay men and women. Each talk is followed by group
discussions.
The priests who are
the spiritual advisors, and the lay men and women who make up the team, spend
weeks working and praying together in preparation for the weekend. The talks
are: Ideals, Grace, Faith, Piety, Study, Sacraments, Action, Obstacles to a
Life of Grace, Leaders, Environments, Christian Community in Action, Group
Reunion, and The Fourth Day.
During the three
day exercises, the teachings of Christ are discussed in a climate of joy, and
with songs of praise. Unlike a spiritual retreat, a Cursillo can be made only
once. The basic atmosphere differs greatly from the individual solitude of a
retreat.
To attend Cursillo,
you must be at least twenty-one years old and be a confirmed Episcopalian in
good standing. Also, your parish priest must approve your application. There
is also a cost involved for the Cursillo; however, some financial aid is
available.
Cursillo will
change your life. Several members of St. Peter's have attended in the past.
Unfortunately, we do not have an active reunion or group at this time.
Please contact
Steve Powell at 972-542-4097 (email: stevepowellactor@yahoo.com)
for more information as to the times of the Cursillos and the importance of
Cursillo in your Spiritual Walk.