Are you considering participation in an ACTS retreat?

[maryjk]

Before the retreat starts, you really only know who the main leaders are. However, once the retreat begins, you are introduced to everybody on the team. **The remarkable thing is the months of planning in advance of the retreat that takes place, including the hours spent in prayer and contemplation by virtually everyone on the team. **In addition to the team, there are outside speakers that come in, and typically you don’t know who those will be until they appear, unless of course they are also team members.

So, at the beginning of the retreat, on Friday night, all members of the team, and speakers that are present, are introduced to the participants? On Friday night, the participates know that there are as many team members as there are participates.

Oh and remarkable in what way? Most retreats need lots of planning and prayers. Same with anything worthwhile.

Sorry, but an ACTS retreat sounds like many other retreats I have heard of. And very similar to Cursillo.

 

[TX_Knight]

I personally think that the CRHP model is better because it doesn’t cost anything to the participants and is held at the parish level, rather than going outside of the parish. It also doesn’t require taking a weekday off from work, so it is more accessable. . . . I also don’t feel that the process at the retreat has been kept secret, though obviously who-said-what should be kept confidential since it involves individual witnessing.

Good points. I sure don’t remember anything in the Bible saying Jesus charged people to come pray with him. Jesus also didn’t keep his preachings secret.

 

[TX_Knight]

Sorry, but an ACTS retreat sounds like many other retreats I have heard of. And very similar to Cursillo.

The wording on the ACTS website changed within the past couple of months, but its previous wording said the the ACTS’ founders “broke away from” the Cursillo. The words “broke away” are no longer used on the website, but I still have to wonder – why wasn’t Cursillo good enough for them? Which ties into my questions about why the attendees treat non-attendees as if they are not as good as attendees and why the retreats are so secretive.

 

[maryjk]

The wording on the ACTS website changed within the past couple of months, but its previous wording said the the ACTS’ founders “broke away from” the Cursillo. The words “broke away” are no longer used on the website, but I still have to wonder – why wasn’t Cursillo good enough for them? Which ties into my questions about why the attendees treat non-attendees as if they are not as good as attendees and why the retreats are so secretive.

I am not a fan of Cursillo. The reasons are just too numerous to list.

The fact that ACTS broke away from Cursillo, but didn’t seem to change much, doesn’t bode well. At least not for me.

 

[ajaxbogs]

After reviewing their website, I’d say they look pretty solid in the Faith. Sure you can find “bad apples” in any ministry. If I let the MANY “bad apples” who called themselves Catholic influence me, I would have never converted.

ACTS is a cult? That’s a real stretch. I’ve attended Cursillo and there are some things (terminology, follow -up meetings, etc.) that are unique to it and I’m sure ACTS is similar. Cursillo was AWESOME in building my faith! De Colores!

Now would the Holy Spirit reserve the gifts only for those who have attended some particular retreat. The teaching of the Church is that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit flow to ALL the baptized, and more clearly with the graces received in the rest of the Sacraments…

Don’t see this attitude in any of my ACTS research. Sure Holy Spirit comes to all the baptized but why have the last four popes encouraged a “new baptism” in the Holy Spirit (separate from the Sacraments)? Also numerous Saints, clergy, and holy people have published prayers invoking Holy Spirit in greater measure. There is always more, not just with Holy Spirit, but more we can get from God as we pursue and trust Him.

“And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another (in) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts,” Eph 5:18,19

 

[jenkiedad]

So, at the beginning of the retreat, on Friday night, all members of the team, and speakers that are present, are introduced to the participants? On Friday night, the participates know that there are as many team members as there are participates.

Oh and remarkable in what way? Most retreats need lots of planning and prayers. Same with anything worthwhile.

Sorry, but an ACTS retreat sounds like many other retreats I have heard of. And very similar to Cursillo.

Suit yourself. However, an ACTS retreats typically starts on a Thursday night and goes through Sunday morning, so there is definitely a bigger time committment. Also, an ACTS retreat is typically held “off site” and you are told to leave your cell phone behind. I’m sure there are many positive benefits to other retreats, but that doesn’t mean they are the same or that you will get exactly the same thing out of each. Probably wouldn’t hurt to try either one.

 

[maryjk]

Suit yourself. However, an ACTS retreats typically starts on a Thursday night and goes through Sunday morning, so there is definitely a bigger time committment.

VBS lasts a week. Talk about a time commitment.

Also, an ACTS retreat is typically held “off site” and you are told to leave your cell phone behind.

Again like Cursillo. Are you also asked to leave your watch behind?

I’m sure there are many positive benefits to other retreats, but that doesn’t mean they are the same or that you will get exactly the same thing out of each. Probably wouldn’t hurt to try either one.

Actually, we have talked quite extensively about why it would “hurt” to attend a Cursillo weekend. Since it sounds very similar to ACTS, I am pretty sure that the same holds true for an ACTS weekend.

 

[jenkiedad]

VBS lasts a week. Talk about a time commitment.Again like Cursillo. Are you also asked to leave your watch behind?
Actually, we have talked quite extensively about why it would “hurt” to attend a Cursillo weekend. Since it sounds very similar to ACTS, I am pretty sure that the same holds true for an ACTS weekend.

I thought that Vacation Bible School is only around 6 hours or less and you get to go home in the evening?

As I recall, yes you are correct, I do believe we were asked to leave our watches behind at our ACTS Retreat.

 

[maryjk]

I thought that Vacation Bible School is only around 6 hours or less and you get to go home in the evening?

Yes, the children (and teachers) “get” to go home at night. Of course teachers also drive their own cars, so they also have transportation. Something that isn’t allowed for a Cursillo weekend. How about an ACTS retreat? Are the participants allowed to drive themselves? Could they, if they wanted, go home at night?

As I recall, yes you are correct, I do believe we were asked to leave our watches behind at our ACTS Retreat.

I don’t see that as a thumbs up. In fact, it is one more thing that is just like Cursillo. The more you say, the more it sounds like a weak spin off from Cursillo. If you are keeping most everything the same, why spin off??

 

[jenkiedad]

Yes, the children (and teachers) “get” to go home at night. Of course teachers also drive their own cars, so they also have transportation. Something that isn’t allowed for a Cursillo weekend. How about an ACTS retreat? Are the participants allowed to drive themselves? Could they, if they wanted, go home at night?

At an ACTS retreat, everybody goes in a bus, although some of the team members bring their cars. No you couldn’t go home at night, because the retreat has night activities. Does Cursillo?

I

don’t see that as a thumbs up. In fact, it is one more thing that is just like Cursillo. The more you say, the more it sounds like a weak spin off from Cursillo. If you are keeping most everything the same, why spin off??

The verbiage on the Cursillo web site implies that the emphasis for their program is the development of leaders. If that is correct, then that is not a significant emphasis of ACTS. Obviously, you are a devotee of Cursillo and think it is the greatest thing since “sliced bread”. So be it. To each his or her own. However, you really cannot make a determination unless you’ve actually attended an ACTS retreat.

 

[maryjk]

At an ACTS retreat, everybody goes in a bus, although some of the team members bring their cars. No you couldn’t go home at night, because the retreat has night activities. Does Cursillo?

No sleep? Wow. And no, Cursillo is the same. You don’t drive, and you can’t leave.

The verbiage on the Cursillo web site implies that the emphasis for their program is the development of leaders. If that is correct, then that is not a significant emphasis of ACTS. Obviously, you are a devotee of Cursillo and think it is the greatest thing since “sliced bread”. So be it. To each his or her own. However, you really cannot make a determination unless you’ve actually attended an ACTS retreat.

Um, no. I am not a devotee of Cursillo. Quite the opposite.

I am not a fan of Cursillo. The reasons are just too numerous to list.

The fact that ACTS broke away from Cursillo, but didn’t seem to change much, doesn’t bode well. At least not for me.

 

[Allegra]

Good points. I sure don’t remember anything in the Bible saying Jesus charged people to come pray with him. Jesus also didn’t keep his preachings secret.

The team members who give witnesses aren’t preaching. They are speaking about how their faith has developed and effected their personal lives. The aspects of the retreat that instruct the attendees on prayer, reconcilliation, etc are done by a priest, or at least they were in my parish. Since the witnesses are sharing information about their personal lives, it would be inappropriate to share it outside of the retreat with others. There isn’t anything secretive about the process or what goes on at the retreat though.

 

[Allegra]

VBS lasts a week. Talk about a time commitment.Again like Cursillo. Are you also asked to leave your watch behind?
Actually, we have talked quite extensively about why it would “hurt” to attend a Cursillo weekend. Since it sounds very similar to ACTS, I am pretty sure that the same holds true for an ACTS weekend.

No offense, but concern about talking on your cell and knowing what time it is seem like pretty petty reasons to accuse a retreat of being harmful. They had the same rules at the summer camp I used to attend. The idea was to leave the world behind and focus on the experience. Obviously, family members are given a phone number to call in case of an emergency.

 

[maryjk]

No offense, but concern about talking on your cell and knowing what time it is seem like pretty petty reasons to accuse a retreat of being harmful. They had the same rules at the summer camp I used to attend. The idea was to leave the world behind and focus on the experience. Obviously, family members are given a phone number to call in case of an emergency.

Being asked to not use your cell phone is totally different than being told to leave your cell phone at home. Since you also leave your car at home, you are the the mercy of the retreat leaders.

Some might think their plan is to cut you off from everything you know. Doing that would leave you more open to ideas that you might otherwise might not welcome.

 

[Allegra]

Being asked to not use your cell phone is totally different than being told to leave your cell phone at home. Since you also leave your car at home, you are the the mercy of the retreat leaders.

Some might think their plan is to cut you off from everything you know. Doing that would leave you more open to ideas that you might otherwise might not welcome.

Leaving your cell phone at home completely removes the temptation to look at it at every opportunity. Yes. I think the idea is to shut out the world for a weekend and fully participate in the program without worrying about what Aunt Edna is posting on facebook or Junior calling to ask where his shoes are. The idea is to remove distractions, not engage in whatever brainwashing you think is going on. If you are able to be brainwashed against your faith in one weekend retreat, you haven’t got much of a brain to begin with. Again, I haven’t attended ACTS before, but I’ve attended several camps and retreats through the years and going without a phone and a watch is a pretty standard request.

 

[maryjk]

Leaving your cell phone at home completely removes the temptation to look at it at every opportunity. Yes. I think the idea is to shut out the world for a weekend and fully participate in the program without worrying about what Aunt Edna is posting on facebook or Junior calling to ask where his shoes are. The idea is to remove distractions, not engage in whatever brainwashing you think is going on. If you are able to be brainwashed against your faith in one weekend retreat, you haven’t got much of a brain to begin with. Again, I haven’t attended ACTS before, but I’ve attended several camps and retreats through the years and going without a phone and a watch is a pretty standard request.

I also haven’t attended an ACTS retreat. Nor a Cursillo.

But I have done extensive research on Cursillo. (Search CAF and you will find the 500 post thread where we talk about it.)

Your explanation works for why they don’t want you to carry your cellphone or have it with you every second of the day.

It doesn’t explain why you need to leave it at home.

 

[jenkiedad]

I also haven’t attended an ACTS retreat. Nor a Cursillo.

But I have done extensive research on Cursillo. (Search CAF and you will find the 500 post thread where we talk about it.)

Is it your intent to disuade anyone from going on either an ACTS Retreat or Cursillo Retreat? Or are you just trying to rationalize why you do not want to go on one of these retreats? Just from reviewing your posts, it appears as if you have some sort of agenda.

Worrying about not having a watch or cell phone for a few days seems so trivial. I am sure that if you really could not live without your watch or cell phone, you could keep these in your room, so that when the day’s activities are finally over, you could get your information fix for the day. From my experience, nobody searches you to make sure you aren’t carrying or taking these items, it is just a simple request. The retreat leaders obviously don’t want to hear a cell phone ring or a watch beeping during the presentations or quiet time.

 

[maryjk]

Is it your intent to disuade anyone from going on either an ACTS Retreat or Cursillo Retreat? Or are you just trying to rationalize why you do not want to go on one of these retreats? Just from reviewing your posts, it appears as if you have some sort of agenda.

My intent is to have anyone considering a Cursillo or ACTS weekend, to be fully informed about what happens there.

Worrying about not having a watch or cell phone for a few days seems so trivial. ** I am sure that if you really could not live without your watch or cell phone, you could keep these in your room, so that when the day’s activities are finally over, you could get your information fix for the day. ** From my experience, nobody searches you to make sure you aren’t carrying or taking these items, it is just a simple request. The retreat leaders obviously don’t want to hear a cell phone ring or a watch beeping during the presentations or quiet time.

Actually, I was told that watches and cell phones were not ALLOWED. That in addition to being asked to leave them at home, you would be asked if you brought them when you arrived. So I either leave them at home or I lie.

And it isn’t an information fix. My watch simply shows me the time. My phone is how my family communicates with me. Until very recently, my phone didn’t do anything but take and receive calls.

If you read through the other thread, you will find that there were people that wanted to leave. But they couldn’t. They weren’t allowed to have a car, so they couldn’t drive themselves. They didn’t have a phone to call for a ride. And when they asked that someone else do so, it took hours for the ride to materialize.

 

[angieAugustina]

ok ok everybody…
it is unfortunate that certain individuals have experienced hurtful or negative things that they attribute as results of others who attend an event or join a group. However, can we agree that retreats, Church groups (Altar Society, K of C, etc.) and let’s face it, even praying the rosary are not even necessary to be a good practicing Catholic? there are 5 Precepts we are called to follow, the Creed and a handful of dogmas. Jesus Himself plainly laid it out for us in the Great Commandment.
So, if you’ve got doubts about something Catholic, besides the above, YOU DON’T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE. you may keep your minor children from it, and by all means your right to do so should never be curtailed. the forum is the appropriate place to lend your voice and opinion. not sure it is ever good for the soul to succumb to the temptation of communicating such vitriol as i have seen here on this subject.
no, i am not perfect–by any means! i rely on His mercy. But we have to keep in kind that the Church Jesus established is more a hospital for souls of sinners, than a stage for saints to perform on. Pray for those you feel are going astray (including me!) and i will lift up in prayer all who have contributed to this thread. btw i will be praying in Adoration, in Community, keeping in mind solid Theology of Scripture and the Fathers of the Church, as loving Service to His children here in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen!

 

[Allegra]

ok ok everybody…
it is unfortunate that certain individuals have experienced hurtful or negative things that they attribute as results of others who attend an event or join a group. However, can we agree that retreats, Church groups (Altar Society, K of C, etc.) and let’s face it, even praying the rosary are not even necessary to be a good practicing Catholic? there are 5 Precepts we are called to follow, the Creed and a handful of dogmas. Jesus Himself plainly laid it out for us in the Great Commandment.
So, if you’ve got doubts about something Catholic, besides the above, YOU DON’T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE. you may keep your minor children from it, and by all means your right to do so should never be curtailed. the forum is the appropriate place to lend your voice and opinion. not sure it is ever good for the soul to succumb to the temptation of communicating such vitriol as i have seen here on this subject.
no, i am not perfect–by any means! i rely on His mercy. But we have to keep in kind that the Church Jesus established is more a hospital for souls of sinners, than a stage for saints to perform on. Pray for those you feel are going astray (including me!) and i will lift up in prayer all who have contributed to this thread. btw i will be praying in Adoration, in Community, keeping in mind solid Theology of Scripture and the Fathers of the Church, as loving Service to His children here in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen!

I don’t think that anyone was suggesting that Catholics must attend retreats.