What is Cursillo?
Cursillo is a worldwide movement of the Christian Church which seeks to make it possible to live out what is fundamental to being a Christian. Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning short course. In this case it is a short course in Christian living. As a movement, it had its origin on the island of Majorca, Spain, in the late 1940's as a means for reviving commitment in the Roman Catholic Church. Its method has been adapted by a number of denominations throughout the world.
Who may take part?
The Anglican Cursillo Three Days is open to all practising Anglicans through a sponsorship program. Traditionally separate weekends are held for men and women as it has been found that people are less inhibited in same gender groups, but more recently some Dioceses have begun to run mixed gender weekends, which are equally transformative and blessed by the Holy Spirit.
What can I expect?
A shared experience within a small group in a unique Christian community; a way of spiritual renewal through teaching, sacraments, devotions and ministry in an atmosphere of fellowship and trust. There is nothing dull about Cursillo! It is a joyous workshop in the fundamentals of the Christian faith. It involves a series of talks and discussions that are interspersed with prayer, singing, sharing, times of reflection, times of laughter and perhaps a few tears. Meditations, the Eucharist and devotional periods are also an integral part of the Three Days. Some of the topics covered by the talks are Grace, Faith, Piety, [What is my] Ideal, Sacraments, the lay person as the Church in the world, Leaders and the Christian life.
The Typical Cursillo Three Days
is attended by 20-30 people, including both the candidates and the serving team. The candidates are people from all walks of life. Many are eager for the experience, while others are initially just curious. Some, perhaps, are even apprehensive. Cursillo tries to meet each individual's needs during the Three Days. The team are Christians who have already experienced a Cursillo Three Days and who will share with you in all the weekend activities.
How do I apply?
Each person who attends the Three Days needs to have a sponsor. Your sponsor provides encouragement and assistance in practical matters such as travel arrangements before the weekend and ongoing support following it. You might like to talk with someone who is already involved with Cursillo and who may be willing to sponsor you, or speak with your Parish Priest about it, or contact your Diocesan Secretariat for assistance in this regard. They will also advise you how to obtain an application form and the procedure to follow for its completion.
Each diocese has its own annual program for Cursillo weekends, the dates for which can be found on the Events Tab.
After the Three Days - What next?
The Cursillo weekend is not an end in itself. It is a starting point that lasts the rest of your life, a springboard to a long-term practice of the Baptismal Covenant in the life of the Church and of the world. Cursillo calls this the Fourth Day, which is composed of three major elements:
Group Reunion
The heart of the Cursillo is a small group of friends (usually 3-5) who meet weekly and who hold each other accountable for their spiritual journey. They report on their piety, their study and their apostolic action.
Ultreya
Usually held monthly and is a reunion of the reunions. It provides support and builds community by allowing the sharing of communal experiences.
Spiritual Direction
An important element of the Cursillo Movement. It is a commitment to seek out skilled lay persons or clergy to provide help to people in deepening their union with Christ.
Further information may be obtained from the contacts listed on the About Pages
A Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians
But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ.