Cursillo Retreat brings new evangelizers into the fields

Men from various parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen recently attended a Cursillo Weekend, Oct. 17, in the Loyola Retreat Center, Morristown. The purpose of Cursillo is to live the fundamental tenants of being Catholic by the power of the Holy Spirit and to learn to share in small groups, both during the Cursillo weekend and afterwards.  

The primary benefit of a Cursillo weekend is found afterwards, as new “Cursillistas” (those who lived a Cursillo weekend) form small friendship groups that fortify on a regular basis their individual growth in three core areas of our faith journeys: piety, study and action as a Christian leader and disciple.

The Cursillo Movement is a vital part of the “New Evangelization” called upon by Pope Saint John Paul ll, which requires all of us to proclaim the Good News.  Bishop James F. Checchio, has referred to the Cursillo “as a blessing for one to grow in their own faith and share one’s faith in Jesus Christ.”  During a Cursillo weekend, those attending live, pray, and work together while listening to various talks by priests, deacons and lay people.  Each talk is followed by a small group style discussion period.

Men and women who attend Cursillo weekends leave fully inspired, gain a new direction for evangelization in their environments and develop a strong follow up to the weekend itself.  The Cursillo is often referred to as the “Leaven” of Christian growth and awareness in one’s natural environment.   Those looking to strengthen and maximize their spiritual growth and relationship with Christ will benefit greatly by living a three-day Cursillo weekend.

The Diocese of Metuchen will host other Cursillo weekends in the year ahead.  Please email: [email protected] for further information.

Contributed by Bill Grippo, diocesan coordinator, Metuchen Cursillo Movement.