What is Cursillo?

Cursillo is a Spanish word that means "short course" and is pronounced "kur-SEE-yo." The movement began in the Roman Catholic church in Spain during the late 1940s with the intention of building faith and renewing the Church. It has since grown into a worldwide movement which has taken root within a number of denominations. Cursillo seeks to foster, develop and sustain Christian leaders and to encourage apostleship. The movement tries to provide participants with tools to live the Christian life more fully, with a resulting impact on the world.

Following a three-day, live-in weekend that includes a series of talks, discussion, worship and fellowship, the Cursillo Movement stresses ongoing spiritual development through gathering with the wider community, meeting in small groups and engaging in spiritual direction.

The Ottawa Anglican Cursillo Movement began in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa in 1981 with significant help from the existing Roman Catholic Cursillo Movement. Since then, more than 100 weekends have been held, attended by more than 2,500 men and women from across the Diocese and beyond. The OACM functions as part of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and operates under the direct authority of the Bishop of Ottawa, who is himself a member of the Cursillo Community.

The administrative responsibilities of the movement are carried out by the OACM Secretariat, a committee of lay people and clergy. A network of parish representatives carries out the work of the Movement locally, and events are organized by groups of committed volunteers. The Movement is governed by its Constitution and By-laws, and major decisions are confirmed by the community at our annual general meeting.

The OACM publishes the Rainbow newsletter four times per year to keep in touch with its members. Members are encouraged to submit news, event notices and articles to Bob Campbell.

Finances and volunteers

The OACM is a registered charitable organization that depends completely on voluntary donations of time and money to carry out its activities. It receives no funding from the Diocese, nor are there any paid staff members.

The initial Cursillo weekend, along with the cost of food and accommodation, is offered as a gift from those who have attended previous Cursillo weekends. Participants are invited at the end of the weekend to make a similar gift to fund ongoing OACM expenses and future weekends.

If you'd like to make a tax-creditable donation on-line click here

Alternatively you can send any tax-creditable donations to the OACM Treasurer:

The Treasurer
Ottawa Anglican Cursillo Movement
Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
71 Bronson Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6G6

If you are interested in volunteering to help the OACM in any way, please contact any member of Secretariat.