Anglican Church of the Holy Cross Melville

Cursillo

Reaching out into the community with Christ.

" Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. " Ephesians 6:18

What is Cursillo?

Cursillo is a way of bringing Christians together and equipping them more fully, sensitively and creatively for their life with Christ in the world.

It all began in the 1940s in Majorca. This Spanish word means a short course - course in the sense of an athletes' track. Groups of young Christian men started meeting together for fellowship, going on to arrange weekends where Christians could be built up in their faith. And from these small beginnings Cursillo has now spread massively to other countries and denominations

A Cursillo weekend follows a set structure: Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon - often described as following Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Over the three days the participants are encouraged to look closely at their faith through a series of questions such as 'What am I doing here', 'What does God want of me?', 'What does Christ see in me?', 'What do I see in Christ?', 'What is Christ saying to me?'

Clergy and laity, each adding their own experience in a set framework, give a series of talks. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss what they have heard and respond in various creative ways. Prayer covers the whole weekend and beyond. There is a 24/7 vigil round the world of people praying for the participants and staff on the weekend.

On the Saturday, the evening meal is a banquet when there is a chance to dress up and relax. Then the evening reaches a prayerful climax in a Service of Light.

On the Sunday morning, the staff gather together with the participants for singing and presentations. After lunch the final talk of the day, given by the Lay Rector, outlines what happens next. The weekend is a beginning, not an end in itself. Next comes the "Fourth Day" - the rest of our lives, with many opportunities to serve God and put our faith into practice. Not forgetting the importance of meeting together - in small groups locally and then in joyful celebrations at diocesan level and a yearly national coming together.

Cursillo might not be for you, but perhaps it is for someone you know! Perhaps it is worth investigating anyway. It is supported by many clergy and bishops and has been endorsed by the Archbishop. If you are interested in attending Cursillo or would like more information pick up a leaflet from the Church or please speak to me.

Revd Debbie

You will find the Anglican WA Cursillo site here