Cursillo Ministry

A method to find, form, sustain, and link lay leadership for Christ and His Church.

Take a Christian or a handful of Christians who, in the midst of their own community, show their capacity for understanding and acceptance, their sharing of life and destiny with other people, their solidarity with efforts of all for whatever is noble and good. Let us suppose that, in addition, they radiate in an altogether simple and unaffected way their faith in values that go beyond current values, and their hope in something that is not seen and that one would not dare to imagine. Through this wordless witness these Christians stir up irresistible questions in the hearts of those who see how they live: Why are they like this? Why do they live in this way? What or who is it that inspires them? Why are they in our midst? Such a witness is already a silent proclamation of the Good News and a very powerful and effective one.

Cursillos in Christianity

In today's world can Christianity penetrate the many areas of secular life? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it transform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past and in keeping with the times? The Cursillo Movement thinks so. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but simply a method through which one’s spirituality may be developed, lived and shared in any area of human life where there are Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner. The method is introduced by a little course.

Format of the Exercises

Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning "little" or "short course". It begins on a Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday night. During those three days those attending live and work together listening to talks given by priests and laity. They also share the Eucharist and pray together.

The titles of the talks indicated their content: Ideal, Grace, Laity, Faith, Piety, Study, the Sacraments, Action, Obstacles to a life of Grace, Leaders, Evangelization of the Environment, Christian Life, Christian Community, and Group Reunion. Each talk is followed by a discussion period.

The Fourth Day

The "after" activity of the Cursillo is known as the "fourth day". During this time perseverance is important just as it is in any method of renewal. In the Cursillo Movement the community spirit is continued after the three days through the "ultreya" or reunions of the community. These are available weekly as a means of growth in understanding and zeal within the Christian community. Reunions of smaller groups of friends are also available in order for them to encourage one another in spiritual improvement and the Christian apostolate.

Encounter with Christ

A Cursillo is an encounter with Christ. That sounds too simple but it is not. Think about it. A real meeting with Christ. If that is understood then the power, beauty and joy of the Cursillo Movement will be understood. Interested? Attend one.

Christianizing Environments

The Cursillo is an encounter with Christ. Correctly applied and overseen the Cursillo Movement can have very positive results in the spiritual revitalization of the world. The Christ-likeness in a few good people is contagious. The transference of Christ's values to others in one's family, school, place of business, etc., is the Christianizing of environments the Cursillo promotes. The goal of the movement is that Christ be the prime influence in society. So it is said the PRIMARY OBJECTIVES of the Cursillo Movement are to develop in adult Christians a consciousness of their power and mission to become leaders in the work of Christian renewal, and to sustain them as they provide a Christian leaven in civic, social and economic life. This "Christianizing of environments" is what the Cursillo Movement is all about.

What does Cursillo Offer?

A simple method to seek and develop a Christian: Spirituality, Mentality, Activity & Community

Mt. Claret Center
4633 N. 54th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-840-5066
www.phoenixcursillo.com