The Cursillo Movement in the Niagara Diocese

WHAT IS CURSILLO?

The full title of the Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is  Cursillos de Cristiandad which means, short course of Christianity.
 

• A Cursillo weekend:
• is the experience of living for three days in a community of persons who are consciously trying to live as Christians. It is quite a contrast to everyday life in the secular world.
• is a concentrated opportunity to help us recognize Christ's presence and action in our lives and in the lives of others.
• is the opportunity to share, through discussion, your thoughts and ideas with others, helping to clarify Christ’s and the Church's teaching
• begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon
• consists of  fifteen talks (some by laity, some by clergy) and worship services

There is nothing new, different or unusual about any aspect of the Cursillo weekend. What makes it special is that we experience and live Christianity in a concentrated time frame, free of the distractions of the secular world and our everyday lives

Why is a Cursillista (a person who has been to a Cursillo) so enthusiastic about the weekend?

Simply because that person has experienced the fullness of Christian living in a way not usually possible in our everyday life.

Why all the Spanish words?

Because the Cursillo Movement originated in Spain and is now international in scope, the Spanish terms have been retained as a common language to describe Cursillo.
 

Cursillo is NOT:

an encounter Group or sensitivity training

a weekend of retreat and meditation

necessary for one's salvation

Cursillo IS:
• living basic Christianity

Cursillo can be a significant and very real experience of what it is like to live in a community which is focused and centered on Jesus Christ. That is the joy that makes those who have attended Cursillo so enthusiastic for the weekend.

Next Cursillo is when?

Weekends are usually held once per year - see the "coming events" page for the dates of the next weekends.