There are no long periods of silence and there is very little solitude.
An
training exercise.
An Oakland Cursillo Weekend IS basic Christianity.
The power, beauty and joy of the Oakland
Cursillo Weekend are found as
we encounter Christ in ourselves and in each other.
Each
- A time to discuss your faith
- A chance to discover your unique gifts from
God
- An examination of conscience that fosters new
spiritual growth
- Discovering together that we are on a journey
to become more like Christ
- A way to impact your community and to bring
the presence of Christ to all you meet
History and Purpose
The Cursillo Movement started when a group of priests and laymen in
Majorca
something had to be done to assist it. From 1943 to 1947 they formulated
a "method" to help renew the Church. They called it a "short
course" or
"short experience" in the basic teachings of Jesus, as lived with
other
Christians. They also developed an ongoing program for after the three-
days, so that the initial enthusiasm would continue.
Cursillo was deemed an official Movement of the Catholic Church in the
early sixties and was introduced into the Bay Area in 1961. It is approved
by the Bishop of Oakland.
What Can I Expect During The Cursillo Weekend?
Approximately twenty to thirty men or women meet from Thursday
evening until Sunday evening with a team, consisting of a priest and thirty-
five laypeople. There are talks, discussions, sharing, singing, joking,
laughter and prayer.
During the three days, fifteen talks are given, ten by laypeople and five
by the priest. The talks emphasize the true meaning of Grace, the
Sacraments, the Mass, the nature and need for prayer, living one's daily
life in union with God and introducing Christ to others by word and deed.
The atmosphere of the three days is one of Joy and Grace.
The Cursillo Weekend provides us with the opportunity to grow. It is not
meant to solve problems that exist within us or the relationships we have
with others. For example, as the Cursillo Weekend begins, people are
asked to look at themselves and their own reality in a community of Love.
Cursillo is not designed to solve emotional, mental or medical problems.
Cursillo is not for everyone. The weekend and the Cursillo Movement is not
a "conversion experience" in the normal sense of the word...it is
not
intended to convert non-believers to Christianity. People attending the
Cursillo Weekend need to have a background in Christianity and accept
its basic beliefs. The Weekend is centered on the Catholic Church's
beliefs and the Catholic Sacraments. However, there are other
movements similar to Cursillo that are Protestant based, for those who
would be more comfortable in that type of Christian environment. Please
contact us if you would like help in locating one of them.
The Cursillo Weekend is intended for those who wish to deepen their
relationship with Christ.
What Happens After the Cursillo Weekend?
The Cursillo Weekend in itself is simply a beginning.
The method of Cursillo has very positive results in creating spiritual
revitalization of the Christian Community.
The influence of Christ on the individuals attending the Weekend is then
transferred to their families, friends, parishes, place of business, social
circles, etc.
The goal of the Cursillo Movement is to make Christ the prime influence
in one's life and relationships. After the Cursillo Weekend, the Cursillista,
(one who has made a Cursillo), is encouraged to expand their prayer life
and to become a more active apostle with and for Christ.
The Diocese of Oakland Cursillo Community comes together in both
large and small groups for fun and spiritually rewarding meetings on a
regular basis. This includes Masses, potlucks, scripture studies, Renewal
Weekends, socials (dances, golf tournaments, etc), but most of all, with a
lot of joy and sharing. Attendance is totally up to the Cursillista.
May you be blessed with God's wisdom as you consider this
beautiful experience.