Cursillo began in Spain as an instrument of spiritual renewal.This is why there are lots of little catch Spanish words used such as De Colores which means "all the colours".
The word Cursillo means "short course in Christianity". The weekend is highly structured, a well thought out method of providing participants with an opportunity to reflect on their own faith while suggesting new insights as to where they ought to be. It is a joint effort of lay and clergy seeking to develop and renew Christian church leaders.
Cursillo is:
Cursillo includes a three-day weekend which begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday. During these three days, talks are given by lay persons and clergy who have spent time working together carefully planning and preparing for the Weekend. Cursillo is not a retreat! It is an opportunity to meet clergy and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith. It provides this opportunity through shared prayer, worship, study, fellowship and laughter to experience the reality of the gift of God's love freely and unconditionally given. Why do men and women attend separate weekends? The advantages of having separate weekends is to provide an opportunity for men to have fellowship with men and women with women. This creates an atmosphere of sharing which we don't usually get to experience. By having separate weekends, it also gives couples with children an opportunity to participate.
Who should attend a Cursillo?
Anyone seeking to strengthen their faith or who is serious about becoming a Christian leader will benefit from a Cursillo weekend. What is an Ultreya? An Ultreya is an opportunity for people who have attended a cursillo weekend to come together (usually held once a month) for singing, prayer, sharing, and fellowship. What have other Presbyterians said about Cursillo? "I recommend the Cursillo movement as a lay program to renew Christian commitment and provide a sense of the reality of community within the church." Rev. John Congram Moderator of the 123rd General Assembly Editor, The Presbyterian Record "Cursillo is a short course in practical Christian living. It is a very intentional and intensive 72-hour experience for men one weekend and women another. It renews, strengthens and redirects one's whole understanding of Christian living. It opens up clearer ways of approaching, upbuilding and commissioning each other with caring support." Rev. Jack McIntosh, Missionary of the PCC working with the Korean Christian Church in Japan. For me, Cursillo was an unforgettable and wonderful experience of the grace of God and Christian fellowship. The benefits affect my home, work and church life in a new and more exciting way." F.W. Woolford, Elder St. Mark's Church, Don Mills, Ontario "My cursillo weekend was a very meaningful time. I was one of ten Presbyterians invited to share in a Catholic weekend to find out whether Cursillo would be a good program to start in the Presbyterian Church. I strongly support the program and believe that Cursillo has encouraged many men and women to support and work within their own congregation. It is exciting to see people grow in their faith and feel free to talk about their faith journey. Cursillo is a very caring and supportive community." Wilma Welsh, Administrator International Ministries, Presbyterian Church in Canada
What is an Ultreya? An Ultreya is an opportunity for people who have attended a cursillo weekend to come together (usually held once a month) for singing, prayer, sharing, and fellowship.
What have other Presbyterians said about Cursillo? "I recommend the Cursillo movement as a lay program to renew Christian commitment and provide a sense of the reality of community within the church."
Rev. Jack McIntosh, Missionary of the PCC working with the Korean Christian Church in Japan.
