Cursillo

[maryjk]

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.

If you would read what I posted, you would notice that I thank you for your post, for your information.

Again, I will say, all I ever wanted was information. Yes, I got snarky and I had a bad attitude. Why? Because it shouldn’t take 40 posts before anyone will tell us anything about the weekend. Everyone claims there is only one thing that happens that no one should be talking about, yet it took 40 posts to get answers. And we still don’t have answers to some of the questions. Watches and cell phones? Anyone?

At this point, I don’t care. I will meet with my friend. I will tell her that I have lots of questions. And I will see where it goes. If it goes anything like this, I won’t be attending and I will be going to our Pastor to get answers. Catholicism isn’t about secrets. Cursillo seems to be.

 

[ringil]

If you would read what I posted, you would notice that I thank you for your post, for your information.

Again, I will say, all I ever wanted was information. Yes, I got snarky and I had a bad attitude. Why? Because it shouldn’t take 40 posts before anyone will tell us anything about the weekend. Everyone claims there is only one thing that happens that no one should be talking about, yet it took 40 posts to get answers. And we still don’t have answers to some of the questions. Watches and cell phones? Anyone?

At this point, I don’t care. I will meet with my friend. I will tell her that I have lots of questions. And I will see where it goes. If it goes anything like this, I won’t be attending and I will be going to our Pastor to get answers. Catholicism isn’t about secrets. Cursillo seems to be.

Well, the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. Peter Claver have many secrets in their initiations which the knights are sworn not to share. In Opus Dei you are only supposed to go to their priests for Confession. The Conclave to elect the Pope is a little bit secret if I am not mistaken. Then we’ve got the Secret Vatican Archives. . . . … .

I’m being a little coy.

 

[maryjk]

Well, the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. Peter Claver have many secrets in their initiations which the knights are sworn not to share. In Opus Dei you are only supposed to go to their priests for Confession. The Conclave to elect the Pope is a little bit secret if I am not mistaken. Then we’ve got the Secret Vatican Archives. . . . … .

I’m being a little coy.

Thank you for the smiley. Because my first thought was, that wasn’t what I meant.

 

[KimberlyAnn0218]

I will be discussing some of these things with my sponsor. I told her I had heard some concerning things and she was quite surprised.

 

[cjmclark]

If you would read what I posted, you would notice that I thank you for your post, for your information.

Again, I will say, all I ever wanted was information. Yes, I got snarky and I had a bad attitude. Why? Because it shouldn’t take 40 posts before anyone will tell us anything about the weekend. Everyone claims there is only one thing that happens that no one should be talking about, yet it took 40 posts to get answers. And we still don’t have answers to some of the questions. Watches and cell phones? Anyone?

At this point, I don’t care. I will meet with my friend. I will tell her that I have lots of questions. And I will see where it goes. If it goes anything like this, I won’t be attending and I will be going to our Pastor to get answers. Catholicism isn’t about secrets. Cursillo seems to be.

I am glad that you are talking to your friend about it. I think you may have made a bit too much of what people will or will not say about Cursillo here, and I’m glad that you are going to speak with someone who should be able to address the details of your actual local event. I hope that she is able to answer your questions satisfactorily to help you determine whether or not it’s for you.

If it’s not, then no biggie…things like that aren’t for everyone, and there are a myriad different ways in which we can enjoy, explore, and express our faith. That’s part of what makes being Catholic fun.

 

[ringil]

Anybody want a hug??

 

[DebChris]

Perhaps the best way for me to answer the questions as they were posed was to simply say there is no sensory deprivation.
Do you need to let go of some control? A little, but not as much as many other situations. I provided a few examples. It is difficult for many people to relax and allow somebody else to take care of them for a change. Cursillo is meant to be an enjoyable weekend. There is no mind control. You will not be asked to do or share anything that makes you uncomfortable.
If you were invited to a friend’s house for the weekend, would you be worried that they might serve comfort foods? Would you think there was an insidious plot behind the food they served? Curstillistas volunteer their time and talent to plan and prepare the meals.
Would you demand a minute by minute itinerary or merely ask what do I need to bring?
My reunion group met weekly for morning breakfast at a local restaurant. Food brought from home is served at Ultreyas pot luck style.
Is your sponsor a friend that you trust? Were you given a small card that describes Cursillo and its history? If you look back to my original post, I think you will find that I provided the same basic information. I provided a link that describes Cursillo better than I.
cursillo.org/mtstfrancis/Witness%20PDFs/Cursillo%20Movement.pdf
I also referred to the United States Catechism of the Catholic Church. I apologize that I could not give the exact page, but I do not have my book overseas with me. There are several movements within the Catholic Church by which individuals experience the Holy Spirit within their lives. Cursillo is one of them. Cursillo is Spanish for Short Course. It is a lay movement that began in Spain in the 1940’s in response to a recognized need for catechesis. stisidore-yubacity.org/cursillo.htm
Accommodations vary by location depending on where the Cursillo is being held. The location is not a secret. Car pools save money and gas.

Anybody want a hug??

We all need a hug once in awhile. Americans especially tend to be touch deprived.
Some of us are very reserved.

If you make Cursillo, come with an open heart and mind. Let God be God.

 

[onthisrock]

Thank you so much for the truth of the current Cursillo movement. My father in law was actually at the FIRST cursillo in 1957 in WACO…I know it wasn’t as insane as it is now with people being taken out in ambulance stretchers due to psychological torment. Thank God the woman who was to tell me about cursillo from my church, and was going to sponsor me if I was strong enough psychologically told me of this fact along with being driven there and not being allowed to leave…you made a good point…if they won’t give you your cell phone or watch, how in the world do you leave?? My father in law, although back in 1957 enjoyed it, he did say they took them far in the outskirts, and it was tough, I actually think they blindfolded him…I’d have to check again with him…they later allowed the ladies to be taken out in the middle of nowhere. Being in separate locations. It is really popular among Mexicans like my in-laws, but as long as my spiritual adviser has NEVER heard of it, and my doctor says emphatically, "DON’T GO!! I am so glad this info came out on this thread about the lack of sunlight and all the other crazy stuff, because I would have NOT believed it, and would have gone. the deacon of my church should really knock off telling people they are NOT complete until they have gone on one of these weekends that I never even heard of on the East coast and my spiritual adviser who has been a priest over 50 years has never heard of either. thank God I got this info…Thank you!

 

[DebChris]

I lived in the Midwest when I first heard about Cursillo.
I lived on the East Coast, in the South, when I was finally invited to make a weekend.
Nobody is blindfolded or taken to a secret location.

 

[cjmclark]

Thank you so much for the truth of the current Cursillo movement. My father in law was actually at the FIRST cursillo in 1957 in WACO…I know it wasn’t as insane as it is now with people being taken out in ambulance stretchers due to psychological torment. Thank God the woman who was to tell me about cursillo from my church, and was going to sponsor me if I was strong enough psychologically told me of this fact along with being driven there and not being allowed to leave…you made a good point…if they won’t give you your cell phone or watch, how in the world do you leave?? My father in law, although back in 1957 enjoyed it, he did say they took them far in the outskirts, and it was tough, I actually think they blindfolded him…I’d have to check again with him…they later allowed the ladies to be taken out in the middle of nowhere. Being in separate locations. It is really popular among Mexicans like my in-laws, but as long as my spiritual adviser has NEVER heard of it, and my doctor says emphatically, "DON’T GO!! I am so glad this info came out on this thread about the lack of sunlight and all the other crazy stuff, because I would have NOT believed it, and would have gone. the deacon of my church should really knock off telling people they are NOT complete until they have gone on one of these weekends that I never even heard of on the East coast and my spiritual adviser who has been a priest over 50 years has never heard of either. thank God I got this info…Thank you!

:sigh:

First of all, implying a cult connection using the city of Waco is just in poor taste.

Secondly, just because a movement is not universally known doesn’t make it bad, or a cult. I spent a majority of my Catholic life with no knowledge whatsoever of Third Order groups…but that doesn’t make them a bunch of wackos.

Finally, I again urge anyone who is contemplating making a Cursillo not to weigh their decision based solely on what they hear on the Internet. Talk to someone who is familiar with your local movement. If you have questions, ask them. If you have concerns, bring them up. But don’t spread rumor and innuendo, especially if you haven’t done the research to definitively back it up. That doesn’t help anyone.

 

[DebChris]

:sigh:

First of all, implying a cult connection using the city of Waco is just in poor taste.

Secondly, just because a movement is not universally known doesn’t make it bad, or a cult. I spent a majority of my Catholic life with no knowledge whatsoever of Third Order groups…but that doesn’t make them a bunch of wackos.

Finally, I again urge anyone who is contemplating making a Cursillo not to weigh their decision based solely on what they hear on the Internet. Talk to someone who is familiar with your local movement. If you have questions, ask them. If you have concerns, bring them up. But don’t spread rumor and innuendo, especially if you haven’t done the research to definitively back it up. That doesn’t help anyone.

It is unfortunate that many of the threads in these forums tend to cast disparagements against movements that are sanctioned by the Church. The focus becomes the negative and leads people to shy away from an experience that would benefit their spiritual growth by feeding unfounded fears. Almost from the beginning, this thread started using words like cult and Stockholm syndrome. Talk about scare tactics.

My sponsor was a friend I trusted. My pastor did not hesitate to sign my application. As I signed in, I learned of his concern that I might not come because of my car accident.

 

[maryjk]

Perhaps the best way for me to answer the questions as they were posed was to simply say there is no sensory deprivation.
Do you need to let go of some control? A little, but not as much as many other situations. I provided a few examples. It is difficult for many people to relax and allow somebody else to take care of them for a change. Cursillo is meant to be an enjoyable weekend. There is no mind control. You will not be asked to do or share anything that makes you uncomfortable.
If you were invited to a friend’s house for the weekend, would you be worried that they might serve comfort foods? Would you think there was an insidious plot behind the food they served? Curstillistas volunteer their time and talent to plan and prepare the meals.
Would you demand a minute by minute itinerary or merely ask what do I need to bring?
My reunion group met weekly for morning breakfast at a local restaurant. Food brought from home is served at Ultreyas pot luck style.
Is your sponsor a friend that you trust? Were you given a small card that describes Cursillo and its history? If you look back to my original post, I think you will find that I provided the same basic information. I provided a link that describes Cursillo better than I.
cursillo.org/mtstfrancis/Witness%20PDFs/Cursillo%20Movement.pdf
I also referred to the United States Catechism of the Catholic Church. I apologize that I could not give the exact page, but I do not have my book overseas with me. There are several movements within the Catholic Church by which individuals experience the Holy Spirit within their lives. Cursillo is one of them. Cursillo is Spanish for Short Course. It is a lay movement that began in Spain in the 1940’s in response to a recognized need for catechesis. stisidore-yubacity.org/cursillo.htm
Accommodations vary by location depending on where the Cursillo is being held. The location is not a secret. Car pools save money and gas.

We all need a hug once in awhile. Americans especially tend to be touch deprived.
Some of us are very reserved.

If you make Cursillo, come with an open heart and mind. Let God be God.

DebChris, I really appreciate all of the information you give. But all you give is history and feelings here. And you have tried to compare going for this weekend to the same as gong to Disney, and now you compare it to going to a friend’s house.

What is funny, is yes, I would ask my friend what is being served. I have a food allergy severe enough that most don’t have a clue what to make for me. If I don’t ask, I don’t eat.

But what tafan was getting to, is that my friend wouldn’t serve me food for a reaction, I would hope… And tafan had been told/heard that the food is designed to encourage the emotional ups and downs.

We all agree that carpools save money, cell phones are not part of us and most could set them down for a while, watches are the same way.

Hugs given in love always make me feel better. I am sure I am like most people, hugs are generally good. But, being asked or pressured into hugging lots of people I don’t know. To watch people, who have planned their talk, to strip themselves bare and expose their innermost feelings, simply to invoke a response. That isn’t love.

The secrets still abound. But again, I look for answers this weekend.

 

[stanncie]

We all need a hug once in awhile. Americans especially tend to be touch deprived.
Some of us are very reserved.

If you make Cursillo, come with an open heart and mind. Let God be God.

You hit it on the head. I think there is a cultural divide here too. It’s very common for us Hispanics to be much more touchy feely even with people we barely know. At least in my country women kiss everyone in the cheek hello even if they are just acquaintances whether they are male or female. I hug my friends goodbye even if I see them daily.
In fact we tease Hispanics who opt to shake hands instead telling them they are becoming too American!
I don’t mind being hugged by strangers as long as the feeling is genuine and if I feel it’s appropriate. Mary, with your personality maybe Cursillo it’s not for you and that’s ok because God made us all different.
I find it just as strange when you say that you would never go somewhere unless you knew exactly what was being done with detail.

I speak for the Emaus because that is the retreat I did and I had no problem going even though I knew nothing about it. The only thing I knew is that your cellphone was kept by the organizers and that it was authentically catholic.

I trusted my pastor since he encourages everyone to go to this retreat and I trusted my fellow parishioners that had gone before me and told me it was a wonderful experience. Now i’m on the retreat team and we take around 50 women twice a year and it’s wonderful to see so many people coming to Christ or being reaffirmed on their faith. Last retreat we had a woman with a special needs child go, she was of course concerned but was able to go and enjoy the retreat fully. She was allowed greater liberty with her phone.

We keep track of people that are on meds and remind them when it’s time to take it. You are also free to leave if you don’t’ feel the experience is for you. I have not heard of anyone leaving lately in the women’s side but 'the leader of the retreat for men told me that a gentleman left on his last retreat.

I hope that you get the answers that you need from your locale and if you do go try to go with an open mind.

 

[DebChris]

DebChris, I really appreciate all of the information you give. But all you give is history and feelings here. And you have tried to compare going for this weekend to the same as gong to Disney, and now you compare it to going to a friend’s house.

What is funny, is yes, I would ask my friend what is being served. I have a food allergy severe enough that most don’t have a clue what to make for me. If I don’t ask, I don’t eat.

But what tafan was getting to, is that my friend wouldn’t serve me food for a reaction, I would hope… And tafan had been told/heard that the food is designed to encourage the emotional ups and downs.

We all agree that carpools save money, cell phones are not part of us and most could set them down for a while, watches are the same way.

Hugs given in love always make me feel better. I am sure I am like most people, hugs are generally good. But, being asked or pressured into hugging lots of people I don’t know. To watch people, who have planned their talk, to strip themselves bare and expose their innermost feelings, simply to invoke a response. That isn’t love.

The secrets still abound. But again, I look for answers this weekend.

If you have allergies, you can let them know in advance. That should not be an issue. A special meal will be served. There is no conspiracy behind the food that is served.
As stated several times, nobody forces you to hug anybody.
At this point in time, I don’t think it matters what anybody says to ensure you that Cursillo is safe and the movement is sanctioned by the Church.
What else do I have to share but my own experience which was positive?
Witnessing to what God has done in our lives is a common means of evangelization. Nobody is forced to share anything that makes them uncomfortable. As with other situations in which people may choose to share intimate details of their lives, there is an agreement to maintain confidentiality and not to reveal what another person may have shared.
Check the links and ask the person who offered to act as your sponsor about your concerns.
Nobody is forced to make Cursillo.

 

[maryjk]

You hit it on the head. I think there is a cultural divide here too. It’s very common for us Hispanics to be much more touchy feely even with people we barely know. At least in my country women kiss everyone in the cheek hello even if they are just acquaintances whether they are male or female. I hug my friends goodbye even if I see them daily.
In fact we tease Hispanics who opt to shake hands instead telling them they are becoming too American!
I don’t mind being hugged by strangers as long as the feeling is genuine and if I feel it’s appropriate. Mary, with your personality maybe Cursillo it’s not for you and that’s ok because God made us all different.
I find it just as strange when you say that you would never go somewhere unless you knew exactly what was being done with detail.

What I said was that I couldn’t go somewhere without knowing what was being served. And I also stated that I have a food allergy. Which isn’t true. It is much more than that. I have Celiac Disease. That means that even a crumb of bread could make me sick for weeks or even months.
In my position, wouldn’t you want to know what was being served?

In addition, I wasn’t the one to bring up food. Mainly because when I go anywhere, I generally bring my own food. I did wonder if I would be able to do that, simply because, although we haven’t gotten a straight answer on it, it seems that you are asked to give up your watch and cell phone and to allow others to take care of you. I would guess allowing to have someone else take care of you would include allowing them to feed you.

I speak for the Emaus because that is the retreat I did and I had no problem going even though I knew nothing about it. The only thing I knew is that your cellphone was kept by the organizers and that it was authentically catholic.

I trusted my pastor since he encourages everyone to go to this retreat and I trusted my fellow parishioners that had gone before me and told me it was a wonderful experience. Now i’m on the retreat team and we take around 50 women twice a year and it’s wonderful to see so many people coming to Christ or being reaffirmed on their faith. Last retreat we had a woman with a special needs child go, she was of course concerned but was able to go and enjoy the retreat fully. She was allowed greater liberty with her phone.

So it is a fact that you MUST give up your phone and watch?

We keep track of people that are on meds and remind them when it’s time to take it.

So it is also a fact that people attending must rely on the leaders to tell them when to take their meds? Do you hold those meds?

You are also free to leave if you don’t’ feel the experience is for you. I have not heard of anyone leaving lately in the women’s side but 'the leader of the retreat for men told me that a gentleman left on his last retreat.

So he had his car?

I hope that you get the answers that you need from your locale and if you do go try to go with an open mind.

 

[DebChris]

You hit it on the head. I think there is a cultural divide here too. It’s very common for us Hispanics to be much more touchy feely even with people we barely know. At least in my country women kiss everyone in the cheek hello even if they are just acquaintances whether they are male or female. I hug my friends goodbye even if I see them daily.
In fact we tease Hispanics who opt to shake hands instead telling them they are becoming too American!
I don’t mind being hugged by strangers as long as the feeling is genuine and if I feel it’s appropriate. …
I speak for the Emaus because that is the retreat I did and I had no problem going even though I knew nothing about it. The only thing I knew is that your cellphone was kept by the organizers and that it was authentically catholic.

I trusted my pastor since he encourages everyone to go to this retreat and I trusted my fellow parishioners that had gone before me and told me it was a wonderful experience.
We keep track of people that are on meds and remind them when it’s time to take it. You are also free to leave if you don’t’ feel the experience is for you. I have not heard of anyone leaving lately in the women’s side but 'the leader of the retreat for men told me that a gentleman left on his last retreat.

I hope that you get the answers that you need from your locale and if you do go try to go with an open mind.

I have been described as reserved. I don’t naturally walk up to strangers and hug them. By the same token, like you “I don’t mind being hugged by strangers as long as the feeling is genuine and if I feel it’s appropriate.” I’m fairly comfortable moving between cultures. Cursillo did start in Spain.
Here in the Middle East, it is common for friends to greet each other with a hug and butterfly kisses on the cheek. By the same token, we don’t offer a hand to shake unless it is first offered to us. The Sign of Peace during Mass is merely a bow to our neighbor in whom we see God. Most parishioners are Indian and Filipino. There are few Westerners.
I think the trust issue can be a big one. Like you, I trusted my friends and pastor. I trusted that I would be receiving authentic Catholic teaching.
I have been in situations in which I needed to let go of much more control than I had to relinquish while making Cursillo.

 

[maryjk]

I have been described as reserved. I don’t naturally walk up to strangers and hug them. By the same token, like you “I don’t mind being hugged by strangers as long as the feeling is genuine and if I feel it’s appropriate.” I’m fairly comfortable moving between cultures. Cursillo did start in Spain.

I have also lived in a number of different counties. Each is very different from the other. The Japanese don’t hug. At all, at least from what I saw. Even married couples greeting each other didn’t hug. Greece your hand is taken and you are pulled into a kiss on each cheek. Quite fun. England was very different from the other countries. Families, couples and children are quite free with their hugs and kisses. Strangers, not so much. If you are traveling, it is a good to know the local culture. Otherwise you might end up hugging the wrong person or shaking hands with the wrong hand.

Here in the Middle East, it is common for friends to greet each other with a hug and butterfly kisses on the cheek. By the same token, we don’t offer a hand to shake unless it is first offered to us. The Sign of Peace during Mass is merely a bow to our neighbor in whom we see God. Most parishioners are Indian and Filipino. There are few Westerners.
I think the trust issue can be a big one. Like you, I trusted my friends and pastor. I trusted that I would be receiving authentic Catholic teaching.
I have been in situations in which I needed to let go of much more control than I had to relinquish while making Cursillo.

And the above is all I am asking. What is the culture at Cursillo?

Well, that in addition to all of the other questions we had.

 

[DebChris]

I have also lived in a number of different counties. Each is very different from the other. The Japanese don’t hug. At all, at least from what I saw. Even married couples greeting each other didn’t hug. Greece your hand is taken and you are pulled into a kiss on each cheek. Quite fun. England was very different from the other countries. Families, couples and children are quite free with their hugs and kisses. Strangers, not so much. If you are traveling, it is a good to know the local culture. Otherwise you might end up hugging the wrong person or shaking hands with the wrong hand.
And the above is all I am asking. What is the culture at Cursillo?

Well, that in addition to all of the other questions we had.

The culture of Cursillo will reflect the individuals who attend. All are Catholics who want to learn more about their Faith.
“Each participant should be aware that, since prayer is such an intricate part of the Cursillo Movement, there will be other cursillistas that will be continually praying and offering up sacrifices - for the success of the Cursillo Weekend. There will be proper nourishment provided and also adequate rest periods. Those that have special needs, such as a particular diet or physical needs will be attended to properly.”
cursillo.org/mtstfrancis/Witness%20PDFs/Cursillo%20Movement.pdf
I did live in Japan as a child. My family laughed at me because I cover my mouth when I laugh, a characteristic of Japanese culture.
I have never been on a retreat, including Cursillo, in which I handed over my medicine. I have been on many retreats, including Cursillo, in which participants hug one another by the end of the retreat as a natural outgrowth of the shared experience.
Cursilistas greet one another with DeColores, the name of the song we sing on the way to meals and other times. New cursilistas are called babe chicks.
youtube.com/watch?v=5sLQbOOUY4g
drshirley.org/cursillo/DeColAnglo.html

 

[ringil]

Thank you so much for the truth of the current Cursillo movement. My father in law was actually at the FIRST cursillo in 1957 in WACO…I know it wasn’t as insane as it is now with people being taken out in ambulance stretchers due to psychological torment. Thank God the woman who was to tell me about cursillo from my church, and was going to sponsor me if I was strong enough psychologically told me of this fact along with being driven there and not being allowed to leave…you made a good point…if they won’t give you your cell phone or watch, how in the world do you leave?? My father in law, although back in 1957 enjoyed it, he did say they took them far in the outskirts, and it was tough, I actually think they blindfolded him…I’d have to check again with him…they later allowed the ladies to be taken out in the middle of nowhere. Being in separate locations. It is really popular among Mexicans like my in-laws, but as long as my spiritual adviser has NEVER heard of it, and my doctor says emphatically, "DON’T GO!! I am so glad this info came out on this thread about the lack of sunlight and all the other crazy stuff, because I would have NOT believed it, and would have gone. the deacon of my church should really knock off telling people they are NOT complete until they have gone on one of these weekends that I never even heard of on the East coast and my spiritual adviser who has been a priest over 50 years has never heard of either. thank God I got this info…Thank you!

This really gave me a good laugh with my coffee! Thanks, and I mean that sincerely.

I don’t know the reason behind your posts here but this one was pretty amusing!

lololol.

“really popular among Mexicans”. lololololol

 

[maryjk]

This really gave me a good laugh with my coffee! Thanks, and I mean that sincerely.

I don’t know the reason behind your posts here but this one was pretty amusing!

lololol.

“really popular among Mexicans”. lololololol

They are definitely adding some laughter to my day.