The Cursillo Weekend

The initial Cursillo experience is a short course in Christian living, presented over a three-day, live-in weekend. Cursillo weekends (Thursday evening to late Sunday afternoon) are held several times each year, normally in the spring and fall. Separate weekends are held for women and men.

Members of each weekend's organizing team, both lay people and clergy, have been selected prayerfully and under the guidelines of the Diocesan Screening in Faith program.

The format for the weekend includes a series of talks given by lay people and clergy on the fundamentals of the Christian life, as well as discussion, worship and fellowship. The content and the sequence of the talks is intended to lead participants into a closer encounter with themselves, others and God. Each weekend also focuses on a theme chosen from scripture.

Attending a Weekend

All baptized Christian adults who are interested in a learning and growing experience are welcome to apply to attend a Cursillo weekend. While the teaching and worship follow the Anglican tradition, the weekend is open to those from other denominations.

Everyone attending a weekend is sponsored by a member of the Cursillo community, someone who helps make arrangements for attending the weekend and provides practical and prayer support before, during and after the weekend. The sponsor is responsible for introducing new Cursillo members to the wider Cursillo community. The parish priest must also support each registration. For questions about sponsoring or registration, contact the OACM Pre-Cursillo Coordinator.

It is important to remember that this not a quiet retreat, but a dynamic, "working weekend." Participants should be in good physical, emotional and mental health. While the experience can often be dramatic and healing, Cursillo is not intended as a venue for counseling. Any questions as to whether or not attending a weekend is the right thing for someone at this time should be discussed with either a sponsor or a priest.

An application form can be downloaded from this site. It includes sections to be completed and signed by clergy, the participant and the sponsor. Please note that applications are for upcoming weekends rather than specific dates. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

After the weekend

The weekend is intended to be a beginning rather than an end. The Movement strives to provide ongoing means support for the individual Christian, following a method by which Christian leaders are developed and equipped to serve God in their personal environments. Those who have taken part in a weekend are strongly encouraged to continue their journey by gathering with the wider community (Ultreyas), meeting in small groups (group reunion) and engaging in spiritual direction.

Cursillo is intended to develop leadership and community which will in turn build up the parish church. The Cursillo community is intended to complement the parish community, not replace it. However, the Cursillo community does provide follow-up support specifically for its members through regular events held throughout the Diocese and through the establishment of small groups for individual support. In addition to Ultreyas, those events include the Day of Deeper Understanding, the Cursillo Leaders Workshop and social events.