Cursillo

[maryjk]

IHave I made up my mind? Nope. I won’t do that until I talk to the person that invited me.

:. That’s why I’ve repeatedly suggested that you contact your diocese, as they are the best source of information regarding the Cursillo that goes on in your area.

So you think I shouldn’t talk to the person that invited me? Because that was my plan. To talk to her, ask her questions about what happens locally. We have a met set up for the weekend.

Really all I wanted here was information. But then no one wanted to talk about it. That caused more questions. But no answers came, just more questions. Then the only information I had was the negative stuff.

Then came the double talk. And more double talk.

And still there hasn’t been any real answers.

 

[cjmclark]

So you think I shouldn’t talk to the person that invited me?

Wow. I mean, wow. Did I ever say this? And does it matter what I think?

I only offered up the suggestion of talking to your diocese because you seemed bent on going full steam ahead based only on what you found here and elsewhere on the Internet. Yes, please, by all means, talk to the person who invited you. She can also give you an idea of what they do locally, which is all that really matters, isn’t it? I mean, I could have a horrible experience with it in South Carolina, and someone else could have a great experience in Texas, but none of that really applies to your local movement.

 

[onthisrock]

BTW, I asked my spiritual adviser who lives in Baltimore about Cursillo and he NEVER heard of it. With the insane warnings of sleeping on floors, people being taken to mental hospitals and not being able to drive yourself…I would agree, that not hearing anything positive is a sure sign there is nothing positive about it…And the info I know was given to me by the person in our parish who sets cursillo weekends up. I guess his true ministry is making sure people don’t get hurt. But my spiritual adviser is the most holy and educated man I know about the faith. If he never heard of it…I’d run.

 

[cjmclark]

BTW, I asked my spiritual adviser who lives in Baltimore about Cursillo and he NEVER heard of it. With the insane warnings of sleeping on floors, people being taken to mental hospitals and not being able to drive yourself…I would agree, that not hearing anything positive is a sure sign there is nothing positive about it…And the info I know was given to me by the person in our parish who sets cursillo weekends up. I guess his true ministry is making sure people don’t get hurt. But my spiritual adviser is the most holy and educated man I know about the faith. If he never heard of it…I’d run.

Nothing positive? Really? The movement is sanctioned and supported by the Church, so I find it hard to believe that there is absolutely nothing positive about it. That’s why I strongly advocate anyone who is interested speaking with their diocesan coordinator and/or (as maryjk is doing) someone who has attended locally. Rumor and word of mouth are just that. Go to the source, please.

 

[KimberlyAnn0218]

Wow. I am the original poster and am not too pleased at the direction this went.

My GUESS is that just like ANYTHING ELSE in this world, things can be done well, or they can NOT be done well. My guess is that yes, there have been some Cursillos that are “over the top.” Well meaning “tweaks” that push the limits, perhaps.

I have not gone to Cursillo, but likely WILL go this Spring. I won’t say in advance that I wll spill the beans because I may find there is rationale for not doing so. My sponsor is in her 60"s and does seem the cult-type. The dorm I will stay in is not sleeping on the floor. Not bringing my cell is concerning but over and over i am told that they have emergency phones–I CAN be contacted. In today’s world we are so attached to our phones, and devices–I think they want your committment to this. As for taking off your watch-wahoo, I don’t wear one! BUT to the person using BBT-I would say that is solid reason to need a clock. If they say no, then lookk for a Cursillo in a different venue or just don’t do it. It’s not required.

I am not a charismatic person, I am a little concerend about the emotional part of the weekend BUT I also know that should I feel things aren;t right-I can leave. Seriously people, what do you think they do? Duct tape you to the chair? My father in law went. He is as far from “out there” as you can get. Don’t let a bag full of rotten apples spoil the produce section! Maybe I will discover I am wrong, but I doubt I will be the whistle blower on a church sanctioned movement. I need to let go a little. No cell phone for a weekend and entrust my capable husband to the care of our family? Reasonable.

 

[maryjk]

Wow. I am the original poster and am not too pleased at the direction this went.

Please don’t take it personally. It happens all of the time. I just figured since people had already responded, they would already to subscribed.

My GUESS is that just like ANYTHING ELSE in this world, things can be done well, or they can NOT be done well. My guess is that yes, there have been some Cursillos that are “over the top.” Well meaning “tweaks” that push the limits, perhaps.

I simply, as I have stated many times before, wanted some questions answered.

I have not gone to Cursillo, but likely WILL go this Spring. I won’t say in advance that I wll spill the beans because I may find there is rationale for not doing so. My sponsor is in her 60"s and does seem the cult-type. The dorm I will stay in is not sleeping on the floor. Not bringing my cell is concerning but over and over i am told that they have emergency phones–I CAN be contacted. In today’s world we are so attached to our phones, and devices–I think they want your committment to this. As for taking off your watch-wahoo, I don’t wear one! BUT to the person using BBT-I would say that is solid reason to need a clock. If they say no, then lookk for a Cursillo in a different venue or just don’t do it. It’s not required.

Or maybe a person that takes medication two hours before eating might need to a watch and the schedule. Rather than someone coming by to tell you that it was time. I would imagine that most people, even those willing to give up a lot of control, would still want control over their health.

I am not a charismatic person, I am a little concerend about the emotional part of the weekend BUT I also know that should I feel things aren;t right-I can leave. Seriously people, what do you think they do? Duct tape you to the chair? My father in law went. He is as far from “out there” as you can get. Don’t let a bag full of rotten apples spoil the produce section! Maybe I will discover I am wrong, but I doubt I will be the whistle blower on a church sanctioned movement. I need to let go a little. No cell phone for a weekend and entrust my capable husband to the care of our family? Reasonable.

Actually, we have read that others take you. Which means you will be without a car. Which means that unless you are willing to make a scene, you will be staying. Are you a prisoner? Of course not. But you will be encouraged to stay. Will not having a car and having to ask for a phone sway you?

 

[DebChris]

…
I am open to the possibility of giving up a weekend and potentially giving up a little control and going outside my comfort zone to have a spiritual experience. That seems to me to be the palest shadow of an imitation of the Apostles, who left everything they knew to follow some guy who showed up claiming to be the son of God. As far as feeling “like a child,” aren’t we called to be faithful like children?

If all you really want is information, then I reiterate my earlier suggestion - call your diocese. Speak with the Cursillo coordinator. Explain that you have concerns, and they should be able to answer your questions. If they don’t satisfactorily assuage your doubts, then perhaps the weekend isn’t for you and you shouldn’t go. But just continuing on here with the “suspicions” and the 's really makes it seem (like ringil said) that you’ve already made up your mind and you’re using the fact that “a group is willing to allow majorly negative opinions to go totally unchallenged” to absolve yourself of the responsibility for making that decision.

I do think this issue was addressed earlier. We are called to be “child like,” not “childish.” A child trusts because he/she does not have control. There are many situations in life that call us to relinquish those things that tie us down. I wear a watch on a daily basis. I do understand how dependent a person can be on setting/following his/her own schedule. There is order/structure throughout a Cursillo weekend. Accommodations are made for those on restricted diets or who need to follow a medical regiment. There is space on the application for emergency contacts.
I gave the example of camping trips that I took that meant giving up my time piece and knowing that nobody could contact me while I was hiking/canoeing in the wilderness. I have been on guided retreats where the schedule is predetermined and bells notified participants of scheduled activities whether or not we wore a watch.
I also went through Basic Training when I joined the Army Reserves, a situation in which much more control is relinquished than when a person makes Cursillo. Nobody searches your luggage for contraband, as they might at an airport.

I did post a link to answer questions about what happens on a weekend and afterward.

Wow. I am the original poster and am not too pleased at the direction this went.

My GUESS is that just like ANYTHING ELSE in this world, things can be done well, or they can NOT be done well. My guess is that yes, there have been some Cursillos that are “over the top.” Well meaning “tweaks” that push the limits, perhaps.

I have not gone to Cursillo, but likely WILL go this Spring. I won’t say in advance that I wll spill the beans because I may find there is rationale for not doing so. My sponsor is in her 60"s and does seem the cult-type. The dorm I will stay in is not sleeping on the floor. Not bringing my cell is concerning but over and over i am told that they have emergency phones–I CAN be contacted. In today’s world we are so attached to our phones, and devices–I think they want your committment to this. As for taking off your watch-wahoo, I don’t wear one! BUT to the person using BBT-I would say that is solid reason to need a clock. If they say no, then lookk for a Cursillo in a different venue or just don’t do it. It’s not required.

I am not a charismatic person, I am a little concerend about the emotional part of the weekend BUT I also know that should I feel things aren;t right-I can leave. Seriously people, what do you think they do? Duct tape you to the chair? My father in law went. He is as far from “out there” as you can get. Don’t let a bag full of rotten apples spoil the produce section! Maybe I will discover I am wrong, but I doubt I will be the whistle blower on a church sanctioned movement. I need to let go a little. No cell phone for a weekend and entrust my capable husband to the care of our family? Reasonable.

One point made in the small booklet given each Cursillo participant is the difference between Cursillo and the Charismatic Renewal. They are two different movements of the Holy Spirit. Both are listed in the United States Catechism of the Catholic Church for Adults. A Cursillo is definitely not boot camp. If you don’t feel like hugging anybody, then don’t hug.
I was driven to Cursillo by my sponsor. Then again, because my car had recently been totaled, I no longer had a vehicle of my own. I do not remember being specifically told, “No, you can’t drive to the Cursillo site.” I was part of a car pool to save gas. Cursillo is not held in a secret location. I compared the relatively “luxurious” accommodations of a retreat center to the gymnasium where I slept.
While there are opportunities for sharing, nobody is coerced into sharing private details that cause discomfort. I did address the reason for gender segregation as allowing for freer self expression.
If we do not reveal everything, perhaps it is because we do not want to spoil a “surprise” element that is part of the weekend.

Kimberly–Enjoy your weekend.

 

[tafan]

Hey, I’ve never been to a Cursillo and know next to nothing about it! I am speaking to the tone of mary’s and, your posts, as well. I’ve got no dog in this fight. . . .

Sorry, if my tone mataches what I intended, it has gone from questioning, to understanding, to frustration, and now to being a little appalled.

 

[tafan]

Here is my take, for what it is worth. All issues have been asked, few have been answered directly. None of these, individually, are necessarily bad or horrible.

1. Watches: very likely it is required to turn them in upon arrival. No one will admit to this, just that everyone “simply chooses not to wear them”. Of course the same is likely true for cell phones.
2. Very possibly, no outside sun light is allowed into facility. Again, question was asked twice and not answered. All we have been told is that the facilities are well lit.
3. It seems the rule is that one is driven to the event. Possibly not enforced always, but certainly that seems to be the norm and what most people do
4. Freedom to leave at any time. Not likely at all. Oh, you will not be physically restrained. But you will have to convince someone, who likely believes you will be missing out on the best weekend of your life, to return your watch, cell phone, and give you a ride back home. At the very least it will take great being very firm about the request to leave; it likely cannot be done in private and without seeming weak. Freedom to leave, is when I am in a store, and I don’t like how I am treated, and I can just get up and walk out and go home. That does not seem to be the case. It is not too hard to figure out how item 3 came to be the norm.
5. Hugging, a lot of it is very likely. Along with that is probably a lot of overly personal greettings, encouragments, etc.
6. Lots of group singing. No idea what type of songs, but don’t get your hopes up for Chants or classic hymms (ok, that last part was pure speculation on my part, it has not been asked)
7. Possibly group sessions include such childlike activities as coloring or making pictures with markers. Again, was asked on this thread and question was ignored.
8. Very probable that bathroom breaks are only allowed at set times. This was asked, and not answered. That fact along with the idea that participants are to be treated like children (which has been admitted, and 1-5 play into that perfectly) would indicate it is very likely. Oh, and yes, I am sure, just like most teachers in school, you will be allowed to go if it is an emergency. This fact will be used to discredit the claim.
9. At the end of the event, you will likely have to sit through a larger group of Cursillo Movement “members” and family, cheering on your great accomplishment. There will be some type of public promise or public committment that will be done at this time. Again, it will be infront of maybe 100 people, very difficult to decline.
10. Very likely the whole event seems programmed to generate an emotional high, culminating at the end (An side note: not a real “free” time to be making a committment or promise of any sort). This emotional high is likely after programmed activities attempt to induce emotional highs and lows.
11. Secrecy seems to be important. It is well programmed into the event. Participants certainly accept this aspect of it in the vast majority of the cases. It is rather unique among Catholic movements IMO. The effectiveness of this part of the program seems incontrovertible. Little indication is given as to how this effectiveness is achieved. The reason behind it, ie so as not to spoil it for the next group), rings very hollow at this point.
12. The movement wants to differientiate itself from the Charismatic movement. This leads one to believe there are certainly aspects of it that seem Charismatic. Although there is no indication of talking in tongues, etc. Just a lot of reliance on emotion and external expression of faith.
13. There is conflicting evidence on this thread as to if you will be given a schedule or agenda of activities ahead of time. It seems unlikely, but one poster did say that she always knew what comes next.

The next set of items seem to be a certainty, but they can be expected from any good Catholic retreat:

1. Daily mass, except for thursday
2. Spiritual direction is available
3. Confessions are available
4. The talks and presentations are very orthodox Catholic teaching. They are likely rather basic, but there is nothing wrong with that
5. mens and women’s retreats are rightly segregated

And I will add this link cursillo.org/mtstfrancis/Witness%20PDFs/Cursillo%20Movement.pdf . Which does a good job of explaining the history, purpose, and gives a brief overview of theological thems throughout the weekend.

All of these points were put together after a careful review of this thread. Searching the internet provides several other points, but I wanted to restrict this summary to exactly what has been discussed here; so that my assumptions are only based on the answers and lack of answers we have directly experienced.

edited to add:
A couple of points I left off:

• Sleep deprivation very likely does not occur. Just long days, nothing wrong with that at all
• It seems a certainty the food is really good and abundant. I have mixed feelings about this.

 

[maryjk]

How about this?

Lets get down to basics. No back and forth. No “feelings.” Just questions. Please simply answer yes or no. After that, feel free to offer a little explanation but please don’t get into feelings. Please, don’t answer with something like “you should or should be worried about this.”

Are you allowed to keep your cell phone/watch/medications? Are you told you must give up any of those? Is this a choice. recommendation or requirement?

Do you receive little gifts? Palanca? This would include actual gifts, notes from people you don’t know, offerings made in your name, like fasting.

Do you drive/are you allowed to drive?

Does your sponsor attend with you? Meaning, is she/he there at the same location either attending the, although it isn’t a retreat, retreat or teaching/leading the same weekend you will be attending? Will you know people teaching/leading?

Are you introduced by name (and clapping) more than once? Is there a group at the end of the weekend that shows up to welcome you? There has been a lot of talk about hugging. Is that a major part of the weekend? Can you just not be a hugger?

Is your house decorated while you are gone?

Is the reason you need permission from your spouse because they want that spouse to show up at the end of the weekend?

Is the weekend geared in such a way to have very high ups and very low downs? Kind of an emotional roller coaster? Food that is high in sugar and carbs would fall under this question.

What is with the posters? Not people posting. Making, with markers on poster board, posters.

 

[maryjk]

Sorry “tafan” I posted my list of questions right after your post.

I would still love my questions answered here. But I will take these questions with me to my potential sponsor. If I continue to have questions, I will take them to my pastor.

Thank you for back me on this thread. I felt for a while that I was the only one to question this group.

 

[tafan]

Sorry “tafan” I posted my list of questions right after your post.

I would still love my questions answered here. But I will take these questions with me to my potential sponsor. If I continue to have questions, I will take them to my pastor.

Thank you for back me on this thread. I felt for a while that I was the only one to question this group.

You are welcome. Please let us know what your potential sponsor says. If not publicly, send me a PM.

God bless.

 

[DebChris]

(2) The question of natural light being allowed during the weekend was addressed early in the thread. I definitely knew when it was daylight and when it was night. Light streamed through the stained glass windows of the chapel as well as the gymnasium windows. I do not remember windows being covered in the high school where I made Cursillo. If I remember correctly, we walked outside in order to go to the cafeteria where meals were served. The Stations of the Cross were also outside.

Nobody was restricted from taking care of physical needs. All participants are adults. No permission needed.

Like Kimberly, I also do not like the negative tone this thread has taken. Rather than a genuine search for information, it appears more and more as an attempt to discredit anybody who may have something positive to say about Cursillo, and to give more credibility to the negative. Considering that it has been almost six years since I made Cursillo, do you really expect me or anybody else to remember all the details of the weekend?

Cursillo is by definition a short course in Christianity. To that end, all talks are prepared in advance and submitted to Cursillo leaders to ensure that specific points are included. After the weekend, there are opportunities to help during Cursillo weekends. It is generally recommended that a person be a Curstilista for at least a year before attending Leadership training or to act as a sponsor. Only those who have the training may give talks. I have not taken any of the leadership classes, nor have I helped with any of the weekends. Being on the service side of a Cursillo weekend would undoubtedly change a person’s perspective.

After Cursillo, curstillistas come together weekly to share progress and difficulties along their spiritual journey. While the members of a small group may have been strangers before Cursillo, we do become friends sharing a faith journey. Formation (conversion) is considered a lifelong process. We help hold each other accountable. Your sponsor will most likely be a member of your reunion group. Members within the group may change as individual circumstances change.
There is no Cursillo where I reside overseas. I find my spiritual support through HOLD (Handmaids of the Lord) which falls under Couples for Christ (CFC), and with other friends I have made here. I keep in touch with members of my stateside Cursillo group and the stateside prayer group to which I belonged through Facebook.

I have attended retreats in which I experienced a “mountain top” high. Because of this background, I did not experience the same “high” as others who made Cursillo with me. What I experienced was much more subtle.

Some individuals who make Cursillo come from a very conservative background. Another person may be comfortable in ecumenical settings. Christ meets us where we are and takes us to where He wants us to be. A common theme throughout the weekend included the words of John the Baptist. “I must decrease that He might increase.”

 

[ringil]

Here is my take, for what it is worth. All issues have been asked, few have been answered directly. None of these, individually, are necessarily bad or horrible.

1. Watches: very likely it is required to turn them in upon arrival. No one will admit to this, just that everyone “simply chooses not to wear them”. Of course the same is likely true for cell phones.
2. Very possibly, no outside sun light is allowed into facility. Again, question was asked twice and not answered. All we have been told is that the facilities are well lit.
3. It seems the rule is that one is driven to the event. Possibly not enforced always, but certainly that seems to be the norm and what most people do
4. Freedom to leave at any time. Not likely at all. Oh, you will not be physically restrained. But you will have to convince someone, who likely believes you will be missing out on the best weekend of your life, to return your watch, cell phone, and give you a ride back home. At the very least it will take great being very firm about the request to leave; it likely cannot be done in private and without seeming weak. Freedom to leave, is when I am in a store, and I don’t like how I am treated, and I can just get up and walk out and go home. That does not seem to be the case. It is not too hard to figure out how item 3 came to be the norm.
5. Hugging, a lot of it is very likely. Along with that is probably a lot of overly personal greettings, encouragments, etc.
6. Lots of group singing. No idea what type of songs, but don’t get your hopes up for Chants or classic hymms (ok, that last part was pure speculation on my part, it has not been asked)
7. Possibly group sessions include such childlike activities as coloring or making pictures with markers. Again, was asked on this thread and question was ignored.
8. Very probable that bathroom breaks are only allowed at set times. This was asked, and not answered. That fact along with the idea that participants are to be treated like children (which has been admitted, and 1-5 play into that perfectly) would indicate it is very likely. Oh, and yes, I am sure, just like most teachers in school, you will be allowed to go if it is an emergency. This fact will be used to discredit the claim.
9. At the end of the event, you will likely have to sit through a larger group of Cursillo Movement “members” and family, cheering on your great accomplishment. There will be some type of public promise or public committment that will be done at this time. Again, it will be infront of maybe 100 people, very difficult to decline.
10. Very likely the whole event seems programmed to generate an emotional high, culminating at the end (An side note: not a real “free” time to be making a committment or promise of any sort). This emotional high is likely after programmed activities attempt to induce emotional highs and lows.
11. Secrecy seems to be important. It is well programmed into the event. Participants certainly accept this aspect of it in the vast majority of the cases. It is rather unique among Catholic movements IMO. The effectiveness of this part of the program seems incontrovertible. Little indication is given as to how this effectiveness is achieved. The reason behind it, ie so as not to spoil it for the next group), rings very hollow at this point.
12. The movement wants to differientiate itself from the Charismatic movement. This leads one to believe there are certainly aspects of it that seem Charismatic. Although there is no indication of talking in tongues, etc. Just a lot of reliance on emotion and external expression of faith.
13. There is conflicting evidence on this thread as to if you will be given a schedule or agenda of activities ahead of time. It seems unlikely, but one poster did say that she always knew what comes next.

The next set of items seem to be a certainty, but they can be expected from any good Catholic retreat:

1. Daily mass, except for thursday
2. Spiritual direction is available
3. Confessions are available
4. The talks and presentations are very orthodox Catholic teaching. They are likely rather basic, but there is nothing wrong with that
5. mens and women’s retreats are rightly segregated

And I will add this link cursillo.org/mtstfrancis/Witness%20PDFs/Cursillo%20Movement.pdf . Which does a good job of explaining the history, purpose, and gives a brief overview of theological thems throughout the weekend.

All of these points were put together after a careful review of this thread. Searching the internet provides several other points, but I wanted to restrict this summary to exactly what has been discussed here; so that my assumptions are only based on the answers and lack of answers we have directly experienced.

edited to add:
A couple of points I left off:

• Sleep deprivation very likely does not occur. Just long days, nothing wrong with that at all
• It seems a certainty the food is really good and abundant. I have mixed feelings about this.

Got an agenda much? GEEZ!! Your post is pretty extreme.

 

[maryjk]

Like Kimberly, I also do not like the negative tone this thread has taken. Rather than a genuine search for information, it appears more and more as an attempt to discredit anybody who may have something positive to say about Cursillo, and to give more credibility to the negative. Considering that it has been almost six years since I made Cursillo, do you really expect me or anybody else to remember all the details of the weekend?

I have been part of this forum since '05, I have over 3000 posts. I am not a troll. I am not trying to discredit anything.

I really and truly just want information.

People say this has changed their lives. It opened their eyes. It saved their marriage. It did all of this, but they don’t remember if they felt uncomfortable at first because they had to give up their watch? They don’t remember anything at all about the weekend other than, “it was wonderful?”

 

[tafan]

(2) The question of natural light being allowed during the weekend was addressed early in the thread. I definitely knew when it was daylight and when it was night. Light streamed through the stained glass windows of the chapel as well as the gymnasium windows. I do not remember windows being covered in the high school where I made Cursillo. If I remember correctly, we walked outside in order to go to the cafeteria where meals were served. The Stations of the Cross were also outside.

Nobody was restricted from taking care of physical needs. All participants are adults. No permission needed.

Like Kimberly, I also do not like the negative tone this thread has taken. Rather than a genuine search for information, it appears more and more as an attempt to discredit anybody who may have something positive to say about Cursillo, and to give more credibility to the negative. Considering that it has been almost six years since I made Cursillo, do you really expect me or anybody else to remember all the details of the weekend?

."

DebChris, please allow me to respond.
Thankyou for your answer about the bathroom breaks and the window’s/outside lights. You do not like the negative tone this thread has taken, that is understandable. I will admit to taking a negative tone, although as I posted before; I started at skeptic, you personally stirred me more to the understanding side with your link (which I reposted BTW), and then the frustration set in.

I will give you an example. I asked specifically about the windows being covered and no outside light. You gave the simple reply “the facility was well lit” or something to that effect. Well, that was not what I asked, so I asked the question again, more explicitly to be understood and it was ignored. Never answered.

Yes, you may not remember everything, I can understand that, but you are not the only participant who has been responding and I have tried to acknowledge your contributions with appreciation. I also listed the good points I have learned about the weekends.

I could give other examples, but there is no need. The thread is not that long. I will gladly remove item 2 and item 8 from my list.

Now, maryjk gave the reason for her interest in the subject. I have not, and since I admit to starting out a skeptic, in all fairness I should.

I am at a point in my life, where daily mass, a decent prayer schedule, etc have led me to conclude moving forward may certainly not just be an individual thing. Christianity does not seem to work that way, everyone needs help. So I have been “searching” rather informally at times and rather strongly at other times, different Catholic groups which I might be interested in.

Because of an incidence in the past, where I was taken advantage of a Catholic movement (which can certainly make the point of being orthodox and supported by the Church) who I started being involved with; I tend to be very skeptical when I start looking at a group. I admitted this is probably not a good thing, but I try to be open minded as possible. What I do not do is blindly dismiss criticisms as “sour grapes” by disgruntled former members, etc. That is the mistake I made before, and found that those criticisms were either justified, or had a element of truth in them that I would have valued from understanding.

There is a Cursillo group in our parish and I have been approached about it one time. The conversation was eerily similiar to this thread. A lot of “I don’t want to spoil it for you”, “you will understand when you experience it”, etc. etc. Well, I did not pursue it further, but now this thread pops up and it seemed like an opportunity to learn something. It has been frustrating, as I said and as my above example aptly illustrates. A simple answer of “no” that does not happen with even half of what you just posted about the lights would have satisfied me completely.

I fully recogonize that the Cursillo movement has done a lot of good for some people. That doesn’t meen it fits all or fits me. The details are important. I am not an emotional person, neither enjoying it, especially with strangers, nor completely trusting myself when emotions take over.

Finally, and I cannot stress this enough. I have had detailed conversations and researched other Catholic groups and movements and have never come close to experience this type of secrecy. Not even close, and I do call it secrecy, because when question after question is dodged or left unanswered, that is the only word that seems proper.

May God Bless You always

May God Bless you always.

 

[DebChris]

To answer a few of the questions asked while I was composing my last post.

Your sponsor does not attend with you unless he/she is one of the speakers or helpers. Somebody has to take care of kitchen duty, and clean the toilets. While on weekend, it is not the participants’ responsibility. Some people do have difficulty letting go and allowing somebody else to take care of them for a change.
You may or may not know the speakers. I did meet somebody in my professional field who gave me good advice concerning certification and licensure. She became one of my professional contacts. One of the spiritual directors was a nun who had been profiled in the diocesan newspaper because of her late entry into religious life. I was able to talk to her about the “nun thoughts” I was having. Meeting these two people would be what is called a “God-incident,” rather than a coincidence.

Only hug if you want to.

It would have been nice if my apartment were decorated while I was out. As with any retreat, we return to face life as we knew it before we took time for ourselves.

The way I viewed spousal approval is the same as it is now required for deacons. A deacon’s wife plays a major supporting role in her husband’s ministry. Some spouses are uncomfortable when their husbands/wives become “spiritual.” It is a matter of avoiding marital discord.

 

[tafan]

Got an agenda much? GEEZ!! Your post is pretty extreme.

I just posted my agenda. I have tried to be open and honest on this thread since the beginning. Everything on the post was written after taking time to review the complete thread. I will retract any conclusions simply by being told clearly and strait forwardly that I am wrong.

 

[maryjk]

How about this?

Lets get down to basics. No back and forth. No “feelings.” Just questions. Please simply answer yes or no. After that, feel free to offer a little explanation but please don’t get into feelings. Please, don’t answer with something like “you should or should be worried about this.”

Are you allowed to keep your cell phone/watch/medications? Are you told you must give up any of those? Is this a choice. recommendation or requirement?
Still no answer
Do you receive little gifts? Palanca? This would include actual gifts, notes from people you don’t know, offerings made in your name, like fasting.
PM me for the answer
Do you drive/are you allowed to drive?
No answer yet.
Does your sponsor attend with you? Meaning, is she/he there at the same location either attending the, although it isn’t a retreat, retreat or teaching/leading the same weekend you will be attending? Will you know people teaching/leading?
PM me for the answer
Are you introduced by name (and clapping) more than once? Is there a group at the end of the weekend that shows up to welcome you? There has been a lot of talk about hugging. Is that a major part of the weekend? Can you just not be a hugger?
PM me for part of the answer.
Is your house decorated while you are gone?
Some say yes, some say no. Guessing this depends on where you are.
Is the reason you need permission from your spouse because they want that spouse to show up at the end of the weekend?
PM me for the answer
Is the weekend geared in such a way to have very high ups and very low downs? Kind of an emotional roller coaster? Food that is high in sugar and carbs would fall under this question.
No answer yet.
What is with the posters? Not people posting. Making, with markers on poster board, posters.
No answer yet.

We have also received answers about lighting and bathroom breaks.

Anyone want to take on the other questions here that have not been answered.

Of course, any that we don’t get an answer to, I will take to my potential sponsor and I will let you know the answers.

 

[CB_Catholic]

So you think I shouldn’t talk to the person that invited me? Because that was my plan. To talk to her, ask her questions about what happens locally. We have a met set up for the weekend.

Really all I wanted here was information. But then no one wanted to talk about it. That caused more questions. But no answers came, just more questions. Then the only information I had was the negative stuff.

Then came the double talk. And more double talk.

And still there hasn’t been any real answers.

I wrote to you and talked about Cursillo and tried to answer you and explain what goes on at the weekend, emphasizing Cursillo’s purpose of leadership development and teaching people how to bring Christ to their environment (God knows we need that), and all you did was focus on whether you were going to get hugged or love-bombed. You had no interest at all in it’s purpose, only it’s purposed infarctions–you don’t like hugs. I resent you calling my post double talk.

Personally, I think you should stay home and not spoil it for others who show up, because of your negative attitude. I think you have come to a point where you are trolling this thing and purposely being nasty and snarky and prejudicial for a reason you perhaps don’t even know yourself. I’m done with responding to you. You know, people who have made Cursillo are nice people, sincere Christians, and doing their best to serve God and his Church. They are not the mindless, overly emotional fools you are making them out to be. They don’t deserve this. A simple “No thank you, it doesn’t sound like something I would like” would have sufficed.