Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Cursillo?
- What are Ultreya's?
- What are Group Reunions?
- What is meant by "Fourth Day"?
- What is the cost of a Cursillo weekend?
- How does one sign up for a Cursillo weekend?
- What are Area Reps and how can I find out who my Area Rep is?
- How long do I need to wait before I can return to be on a Cursillo team?
- What do I need to know about being on a team?
What is Cursillo?
Cursillo (pronounced cur-see-yo) is short for Cursillo de Christendad, which is Spanish for "a small course in Christianity." The Cursillo movement, which originated in Spain, is a powerful instrument of renewal in the Church. It begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. During these three days, those attending listen to talks given by priests and layperson, celebrate Eucharist and share in the fellowship of Jesus Christ and each other. Cursillo deals primarily with a growth in knowledge, in awareness and in love of God, neighbor and world. Even though they follow the same format, each Cursillo weekend is unique because the team and participants all have different life experiences. Therefore, it is difficult to explain exactly what your weekend experience will be like. We can only tell you that it will be a spirit-filled three days in which your relationship with Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit will be enriched. For more information, download this brochure.
What are Ultreya's?
Ultreya's are parish or area wide gatherings of those who have made Cursillo. Ultreya is a Spanish word meaning encouragement and the gatherings do just that - bring together those who have made Cursillo to be renewed and encouraged in their spiritual journey.
Group Reunion is a "reunion of friends" who has made Cursillo. They meet regularly to give one another spiritual support and apostolic encouragement. It is only when a relationship is developed in which people feel free to share their lives with each other that the full impact of group reunion will take place. Group reunions are extremely important to continue the spirit of fellowship found on the Cursillo weekend.
What is meant by "Fourth Day"?
"Fourth Day" is an expression meaning the rest of one's life. The Cursillo weekend neither pretends to be nor is it able to give a complete Christian formation. Cursillo provides a "method" to continue the Cursillo experience beyond the three days with follow-up activities such as Group Reunions and Ultreya's. Your continued spiritual journey is referred to as the "Fourth Day."
What is the cost of a Cursillo weekend in Quincy?
The cost for the three days is $130.00. This covers three nights lodging and eight meals at the Our Lady of Angels Spirituality Center of Quincy University.
How does one sign up for a Cursillo weekend?
It is necessary to have a sponsor in order to attend a Cursillo weekend. This is important for returning to the parish community afterward. In the case of married couples, the husband must attend before the wife. This is done so couples are on the same level, and because, like it or not, some men are less likely to attend without prompting from their wives. Speak to your pastor or your regional or area Cursillo representative. In most cases, someone who has made a Cursillo will come looking for you because the desire to share the joy and beauty of the weekend is something they want to share.
What are Area Reps and how can I find out who my Area Rep is?
Each parish or town is eligible to have one area representative and one assistant that is chosen by the local Ultreya and submitted to the Board for approval. The Area Representative acts as a liaison between the parish or area and the Board. They are encouraged to attend all Board meetings when possible. In their local communities, they should be in contact with their pastors and keep an active list of who has made Cursillo and who is in Group Reunion. It is also the responsibility of the Area Representatives to maintain contact with sponsors when they have candidates to help answer any questions and to handle post-Cursillo activities, ultreya's and assist in getting Cursillistas in Group Reunions. The Area Representative also maintains a supply of both candidate and team applications and Cursillo brochures. Review listing of Area Reps
How long do I need to wait before I can return to be on a Cursillo team?
You can submit a team application upon completion of your initial Cursillo weekend but be aware that you will need to wait one year before your name will become available. This one year wait period is to give you ample time to grow in your spirituality after your initial Cursillo experience.
What do I need to know about being on a Cursillo team?
The call to be on a team implies the need for a good deal of dedication and commitment -- commitment to the rector or rectora, to the team, to the candidates, to the Cursillo Movement and most of all to Christ. Those commitments require us to attend the team meetings, possibly prepare a talk, pray for a fellow team member, critique the rollistas with love, to help the rector/rectora and the assistants, and to be open to the candidates and their needs on the weekend. When we say “yes” to being an auxiliary, we are also saying “yes” to the possibility that we would be willing to be a rollista, an assistant rector or rectora and even a rector or rectora in the future. These are the natural steps that one can expect when asked to be on a team.
In order for Cursillo and us to continue to grow we need to be open to these steps and be aware that our “yes” to team membership implies that we are committing to our future roles in the Cursillo Movement whatever they may be.