Cursillo

“It must be lived and experienced!”

The term, Cursillo, comes from the Spanish origin of the movement in the late 30s, early 40s. It is defined as a “short course in Christianity.” The Cursillo experience is comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God’s grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. The Cursillo begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends. The three-day Cursillo experience and follow-up groups strengthen and renew Catholic people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in mission to the world. Often there are fellow parishioners who participate in the weekend as speakers and/or kitchen team.

Who Can Attend a Cursillo?

Must be at least 18 years of age; a Catholic in good standing and able to receive the Sacraments; invited and sponsored by another Cursillista and have the approval of the Pastor. If you are married, it is highly recommended that both spouses make their Cursillo. The only other requirement: bring an open mind and an open heart with you to the weekend at Mount Claret Retreat Center. One last thing – no one is too well informed or too spiritual to make a Cursillo. There are priests and religious who make their Cursillo, as well as, lay teachers of the faith. There are people who know very little and those who know a great deal. No matter, your knowledge of the faith or your spirituality, Cursillo is for you.

How do I find a Sponsor to become a Cursillista?

By contacting the Parish Representatives – Mick and Melissa Kapanicas @ KapanicasGroup@gmail.com to help you find someone who has experienced the Cursillo weekend and can support you through the application process and making your weekend.

Contact Melissa for more information about making a Cursillo weekend. She will help you obtain the required application, sponsor forms and signatures. The cost for the weekend retreat is $150 (paid to Cursillo Movement) and is due at check-in for the weekend.

There is a required orientation prior to the weekend for both men and women. It is held on the Wednesday, two weeks prior to the Men’s weekend at the Cursillo Center at 7:00pm. Candidates will receive a letter in the mail confirming the weekend.

Note:

• $150 for the weekend – includes meals and lodging; the actual cost for a candidate to attend Cursillo is around $350 for the weekend. The Phoenix Cursillo Movement picks up the remaining balance for each candidate.

• Candidates must be practicing Catholics who have been baptized, received Eucharist, and made first reconciliation and confirmation. Cursillo is a retreat experience which brings the candidate into a deeper relationship with Christ through active participation and community.

What is an Ultreya?

It is a time for Cursillistas and non-Cursillistas to gather to encourage and support one another in faith; share our lives in friendship as we live out Christianity within our community. The Ultreya schedule is on the Phoenix Cursillo website with dates and locations. Ultreyas are a great way to stay connected and continue growing on your spiritual journey.

How can I donate to the Cursillo Movement?

Please pray about making a one-time or regular donation to the Phoenix Cursillo/ Movement. Expenses have gone up over the years and the economy has decreased the financial support. If you’d like to setup an online donation visit: http://www.phoenixcursillo.com/donations.html.

You can also mail a check to:

Diocese of Phoenix Cursillo Movement
Mt. Claret Retreat Center
4633 N 54th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018

Please check out the Diocese of Phoenix Cursillo Movement website to checkout calendar of upcoming Cursillo weekends in the Phoenix area; to learn more about moving yourself closer to God; and, to move the world closer to God’s kingdom.

For more information contact our Cursillo Movement Parish Representatives.