Cursillo

[ringil]

I was very interested in going but the woman who was set to sponsor me wanted to meet me. We met for a few hours. She said that people sleep on the ground and that one woman was taken out in an ambulance…apparently cracked psychologically. I lean toward depression at times and my doctor who is Catholic urged me NOT to go. There must be something good about it or there wouldn’t be people who swear it changed their lives in profound ways. The deacon at my church thinks everyone should go, but if everyone was eligible then you wouldn’t need a sponsor to take you there (you’re not allowed to drive yourself so you can’t leave if you don’t like it) AND a priest to sign off on it. I’ll pray you make the best decision for you

What a ringing endorsement!

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Full disclosure: I have never been on a Cursillo weekend.

With that said, I will say that I grew up with it; I was surrounded by couples (they were typically involved with RE) and at some point my mom went on a weekend. She became very involved as a part of the School of Leaders and secretariat and she and the other leaders she was working with (in our diocese and a neighboring diocese) were attending regional meetings and trying to make sure they were doing Cursillo authentically. One of the things the school of leaders was doing when my mom was involved was studying the Cathecism using these books.

Not every group of Cursillo leaders does this and will end up inserting practices that don’t belong. Sometimes the leaders don’t really understand what they are doing and try to add things that have some relevance to them (e.g., borrowing from a different retreat) and then it becomes the focus. I heard about one group having teddy bears on a weekend (I don’t know why), others did something with flowers and ultimately the flowers became the thing that were looked forward to even though it doesn’t have anything to do with Cursillo. This kind of thinkgbut sometimes the people in leadership try to make improvements that take away from the authentic experience.

I wish my mom was here so I could ask her if the taking away wristwatches and being so secretive is a necessary part of Cursillo. I asked plenty of questions and my mom answered what wanted to know.

Someone upthread mentioned the fourth day and this is really the most important part of Cursillo. The fourth day is not a single day, it’s every day going forward. Cursillestas meet regularly with a small group and share what has been going on and supporting each other living the faith. You are allowed to go to these groupings a couple of times and also to go to Ultreyas even before you attend a weekend. I think you could talk with your sponsor about this. If they tell you otherwise I think they need to get back to the “handbook” and connect with people at regional and national meetings. There is nothing secret or super special about groupings and Ultreyas.

Finally, Cursillo isn’t for everyone. It takes commitment (remember the weekly groupings and regular Ultreyas) beyond the weekend. This part could actually make up for any silliness that takes place on the weekend.

If I got involved, I could never love-bomb. My love-bombing would look like this: . I’m not into emotionally manipulative shenanigans. Any Cursillo group that does, needs to reevaluate what they are doing.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I was very interested in going but the woman who was set to sponsor me wanted to meet me. We met for a few hours. She said that people sleep on the ground and that one woman was taken out in an ambulance…apparently cracked psychologically. I lean toward depression at times and my doctor who is Catholic urged me NOT to go. There must be something good about it or there wouldn’t be people who swear it changed their lives in profound ways. The deacon at my church thinks everyone should go, but if everyone was eligible then you wouldn’t need a sponsor to take you there (you’re not allowed to drive yourself so you can’t leave if you don’t like it) AND a priest to sign off on it. I’ll pray you make the best decision for you

Cursillo is a wonderful movement. This approach is not. I should really go on a weekend. I already meet with a couple of women that are Cursillestas but we don’t specifically meet for that reason And then I’m going to get involved in leadership and start telling on these groups that engage in questionable practices.

 

[maryjk]

What a ringing endorsement!

 

[Newsy]

I made Cursillo before I became Catholic. I live in one of only two diocese that allow ecumenical Cursillo. I doubted people that said, “it was the greatest decision I ever made”, but it really was for me!

You may leave any time you want. I wanted to leave, but that was b/c the Catholic Church doesn’t allow open communion, different subject. You are not “held hostage”, nor kept from daylight. Your watch and phone distract you. If you don’t believe that, count how many times per day you check them. If you cannot make a Cursillo, because of too many commitments, that’s fine. Too say that you “must have” a phone and watch to live through the weekend, is foolish. There are phones available, if you needed one. If you have a legitimate need for the time, i.e. medication, you will be told when you need to take it. You will not have you medication taken away, nor your personal items gone through. You will not be “brainwashed”. You are never forced to do anything. You may decide not to participate at any time, if you want. You never receive unwanted love, i.e. “love bombs” or gifts. If you don’t want to pay for the weekend, there are usually people willing to pay for your weekend.

The only thing you have to give up is your time.

If I told you about an upcoming movie, then told you every detail about it, you would see the movie in a different way. It would spoil your experience. Each Cursillo weekend is different, because the people attending are different. God brings the people He wants to the weekend. The Cursillo experience is not trying to force anything or make you better, it’s purpose is to draw you closer to Christ.

I can see that some people may be leery of the secretiveness of Cursillo. But, to call it a cult is too much. It is endorsed by the Church, so if Cursillo is a cult then so is the Church. You could attend an Ultreya (monthly get together, including Mass)without attending Cursillo, just to check it out.

 

[Newsy]

I was very interested in going but the woman who was set to sponsor me wanted to meet me. We met for a few hours. She said that people sleep on the ground and that one woman was taken out in an ambulance…apparently cracked psychologically. I lean toward depression at times and my doctor who is Catholic urged me NOT to go. There must be something good about it or there wouldn’t be people who swear it changed their lives in profound ways. The deacon at my church thinks everyone should go, but if everyone was eligible then you wouldn’t need a sponsor to take you there (you’re not allowed to drive yourself so you can’t leave if you don’t like it) AND a priest to sign off on it. I’ll pray you make the best decision for you

I have never seen any “psychological” cracking. BTW, you don’t NEED a sponsor, it is just encouraged.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I just love how rumors build upon rumors when it comes to things like this. I made Cursillo in 1981. It was a great weekend. No, you are not sleep deprived, but if you are not used to getting up at around 7Am, you may feel it. No love bombs, gifts are not even permitted.

Actually, the weekend is not a secret at all, and any Cursillista should be able to answer your questions, with one exception: there is one part of the weekend they ask you to keep mum about, but only because there is a totally harmless surprise. Other than that, you can talk about it to people who ask If someone does divulge the “secret”, no one is going to come after you. It is absolutely false that people cannot talk about the weekend, if the weekend is using the guidelines from the National level.

In fact, I will talk about it. There are a number of talks that are given during the weekend by both laypeople and the clergy. The talks are structured, there are outlines and certain points must be covered in the talk. The talks involve catechesis by the clergy and the laity talk about what in my day was known as Piety, Study, and Apostolic Action–you can learn a lot from these talks and how to apply this to your daily life. Cursillo is intended to form leaders in the Church and to teach people how to bring Christ to their environment. People then are given an opportunity to “discuss” what they have learned. There is much emphasis on study and prayer.

There is a lot of singing, a lot of praying (daily Mass, Holy Hours, Morning and Night prayer, Rosaries, Marian devotions), and much hospitality (meaning good food).

This is not a silent retreat, nor is it designed to deal with personal problems. It is for practicing Catholics who want to learn more about their faith and how to bring Christ to their everyday environment. Someone mentioned that they are prone to depression and afraid it would be psychologically damaging. I am prone to depression, also, and I can assure you there is nothing that would make me depressed on the weekend. In fact it is a positive and upbeat weekend.

The weekend is not for everyone. If you don’t have the time, don’t make it. Medical problems are not usually an issue, unless they are pretty severe. If you are struggling with addictions, a bad marriage, or something of that sort, this weekend is not going to cure you, and you are better off getting your life in order first. And if you go into the retreat with a negative and bad attitude, you are going to miss the whole point. It definitely is not a cult, you are free to leave at any time, and if you call Church teaching brainwashing, there is something wrong with that. The Spanish factor comes from it’s history of having originated in Spain, there are only a few Spanish terms used, not catchwords or an attempt to brainwash. Maybe 3 or 4, one of which is Cursillo, another being Cursillista (a person who has made a Cursillo). Since OL of Guadelupe is the patron, you may find yourself singing a song in Spanish in her honor.

There are always people who react negatively to the unfamiliar or who cannot tolerate unfamiliar situations, and can be very negative. Also, people’s perceptions are different. It is not wise to judge and dismiss a whole movement because of a few people. Millions of Catholics, both laity, religious and clergy have attended a Cursillo weekend and have learned to serve Christ in His Church and to bring Him into their everyday environments. They are living witnesses of how much benefit Cursillo is to the Church.

 

[maryjk]

I just love how rumors build upon rumors when it comes to things like this. I made Cursillo in 1981. It was a great weekend. No, you are not sleep deprived, but if you are not used to getting up at around 7Am, you may feel it. No love bombs, gifts are not even permitted.

So the hugging people are talking about, that doesn’t happen? And there aren’t little notes telling you that someone is fasting for you? No little gifts of bookmarks or any of the like?

Actually, the weekend is not a secret at all, and any Cursillista should be able to answer your questions, with one exception: there is one part of the weekend they ask you to keep mum about, but only because there is a totally harmless surprise. Other than that, you can talk about it to people who ask If someone does divulge the “secret”, no one is going to come after you. It is absolutely false that people cannot talk about the weekend, if the weekend is using the guidelines from the National level.

And yet it took over 40 posts for anyone to talk about it. Why?
There have been people on line talking about the “love in” at the end of the weekend. There have also those talking about people showing up at their house and decorating it. Neither would impress me as something that needed to be kept secret.

In fact, I will talk about it. There are a number of talks that are given during the weekend by both laypeople and the clergy. The talks are structured, there are outlines and certain points must be covered in the talk. The talks involve catechesis by the clergy and the laity talk about what in my day was known as Piety, Study, and Apostolic Action–you can learn a lot from these talks and how to apply this to your daily life. Cursillo is intended to form leaders in the Church and to teach people how to bring Christ to their environment. People then are given an opportunity to “discuss” what they have learned. There is much emphasis on study and prayer.

There is a lot of singing, a lot of praying (daily Mass, Holy Hours, Morning and Night prayer, Rosaries, Marian devotions), and much hospitality (meaning good food).

This is not a silent retreat, nor is it designed to deal with personal problems. It is for practicing Catholics who want to learn more about their faith and how to bring Christ to their everyday environment. Someone mentioned that they are prone to depression and afraid it would be psychologically damaging. I am prone to depression, also, and I can assure you there is nothing that would make me depressed on the weekend. In fact it is a positive and upbeat weekend.

Is Thursday night silent?

The weekend is not for everyone. If you don’t have the time, don’t make it. Medical problems are not usually an issue, unless they are pretty severe. If you are struggling with addictions, a bad marriage, or something of that sort, this weekend is not going to cure you, and you are better off getting your life in order first. And if you go into the retreat with a negative and bad attitude, you are going to miss the whole point. It definitely is not a cult, you are free to leave at any time, and if you call Church teaching brainwashing, there is something wrong with that. The Spanish factor comes from it’s history of having originated in Spain, there are only a few Spanish terms used, not catchwords or an attempt to brainwash. Maybe 3 or 4, one of which is Cursillo, another being Cursillista (a person who has made a Cursillo). Since OL of Guadelupe is the patron, you may find yourself singing a song in Spanish in her honor.

You might want to notice I never called it a cult. I said it sounded cult like.

There are always people who react negatively to the unfamiliar or who cannot tolerate unfamiliar situations, and can be very negative. Also, people’s perceptions are different. It is not wise to judge and dismiss a whole movement because of a few people. Millions of Catholics, both laity, religious and clergy have attended a Cursillo weekend and have learned to serve Christ in His Church and to bring Him into their everyday environments. They are living witnesses of how much benefit Cursillo is to the Church.

Thank you for giving me this information.

 

[maryjk]

Your watch and phone distract you. If you don’t believe that, count how many times per day you check them. If you cannot make a Cursillo, because of too many commitments, that’s fine. Too say that you “must have” a phone and watch to live through the weekend, is foolish. There are phones available, if you needed one.

And if someone needs to reach me?

If you have a legitimate need for the time, i.e. medication, you will be told when you need to take it.

And if someone forgets to tell you?

You will not have you medication taken away, nor your personal items gone through.

So my luggage is never carried by someone else. No one but me unpacks, right?

You will not be “brainwashed”. You are never forced to do anything. You may decide not to participate at any time, if you want. You never receive unwanted love, i.e. “love bombs” or gifts. If you don’t want to pay for the weekend, there are usually people willing to pay for your weekend.

That is so funny. “You will never receive unwanted love.” Please. Sorry, people I don’t know hugging me simply because I am there is not love. Showering people with attention (introducing someone again and again, by name), applauding and cheering someone you don’t know, giving little gifts, fasting for someone simply because their name is on a list? None of that is love, that is “love bombing” and it is designed to make someone feel off center.

All of this brings me to a conclusion that part of the weekend is to make you feel child like, to make you dependent. You aren’t told the time; children don’t need to know the time. You don’t have a phone; children don’t call anyone and have no responsibilities back home. You are not given a schedule or told what is next; children don’t need to know that kind of thing. You don’t drive there, your sponsor takes you; children never provide their own transportation. Am I wrong?

 

[ringil]

And if someone needs to reach me? And if someone forgets to tell you? So my luggage is never carried by someone else. No one but me unpacks, right?

That is so funny. “You will never receive unwanted love.” Please. Sorry, people I don’t know hugging me simply because I am there is not love. Showering people with attention (introducing someone again and again, by name), applauding and cheering someone you don’t know, giving little gifts, fasting for someone simply because their name is on a list? None of that is love, that is “love bombing” and it is designed to make someone feel off center.

All of this brings me to a conclusion that part of the weekend is to make you feel child like, to make you dependent. You aren’t told the time; children don’t need to know the time. You don’t have a phone; children don’t call anyone and have no responsibilities back home. You are not given a schedule or told what is next; children don’t need to know that kind of thing. You don’t drive there, your sponsor takes you; children never provide their own transportation. Am I wrong?

Mary,

I am not sure of the point of your posts. Are you really interested in the possibility of attending a Cursillo retreat, or, and I suspect this, you have already decided that you do not care to attend this retreat and you want to post your opinions regarding Cursillo for some reason. I don’t know if you are simply meaning to disparage the Cursillo or not but it comes across that you are just adverse to it in general and are seeking to express that opinion, rather than be informed regarding dynemics of Cursillo.

To use modern nomenclature: it seems that you are simply seeking to poopoo the cursillo and it’s methods, though you may not be entirely sure of what they may be.

It just seems disengenous.

 

[maryjk]

Mary,

I am not sure of the point of your posts. Are you really interested in the possibility of attending a Cursillo retreat, or, and I suspect this, you have already decided that you do not care to attend this retreat and you want to post your opinions regarding Cursillo for some reason. I don’t know if you are simply meaning to disparage the Cursillo or not but it comes across that you are just adverse to it in general and are seeking to express that opinion, rather than be informed regarding dynemics of Cursillo.

To use modern nomenclature: it seems that you are simply seeking to poopoo the cursillo and it’s methods, though you may not be entirely sure of what they may be.

It just seems disengenous.

I bumped this thread because I have been invited to attend a weekend and knew nothing about it.

So I started researching it on line. In fact, I was told to do this by the person who invited me. My research lead me to two different groups. One group loved the weekend but refused to say anything about why or what they did while there. The other group hated it and was more than willing to say why.

So I came here, my place for answers about all things Catholic, to see if I could find out any information.

Here I found the same two groups. One loved it and refused to talk about it. And one hated it or heard bad things about it and wanted to talk about it.

I came here honestly and openly. I posted what I had heard. I gave examples of the negatives. Yet, no one who loved the weekend was willing to talk about it. More people that had questions, like me, started posting their questions. Still no one would talk about what happens over the weekend.

I find that suspicious. That a group is willing to allow majorly negative opinions to go totally unchallenged.

At last people slowly started to open up. BUT only to tell those of us with questions that we must not be ready to be open to God if we aren’t willing to turn our lives over to people we don’t or hardly know. Or that if we feel that giving up our only contact with our family, our cell phone, is questionable, we are somehow not committed to our religion. That we don’t want to grow because we think hugging lots of people we don’t know is weird.

Have I made up my mind? Nope. I won’t do that until I talk to the person that invited me. One thing that is obvious is that every weekend is different. Some take watches, some ask for them and some do nothing. Some “love bomb” some don’t. Until I find out what happens here, I can’t make a decision.

All I wanted was information. All I still want is information. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to get information.

 

[cjmclark]

The fact that no one, on line or otherwise, is willing to address the points has caused me to believe that the points I have put out are true.

Hey, if they aren’t, I am all ears. If someone can tell me that the weekend doesn’t include love bombing, sleep deprivation and little gifts, I would be more than happy to listen. Tell me that no one will show up at the end of the weekend as brand new friends (friends I have never met.) Tell me that no one would ever think about asking for my watch, my cell phone or my car keys. Tell me no one will carry my overnight bags, for me; no one will unpack for me. Tell me I won’t be shuttled from one activity to another without knowing a schedule.

I would love to know that all I have heard or read is wrong.

But see, no one will say a word.
So you know nothing about them?

Would you willingly go on a weekend where the only good thing you hear is, “it is great” or “I loved it” or “I grew so much?”

I didn’t say I knew nothing about the movement…I have access to the Internet, just like you, and I’ve spoken with some local folks who have gone. They were very positive but also did not get terribly specific, out of a desire to preserve what they saw as an emotionally and spiritually charged experience.

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.

 

[tafan]

I just love how rumors build upon rumors when it comes to things like this. I made Cursillo in 1981. It was a great weekend. No, you are not sleep deprived, but if you are not used to getting up at around 7Am, you may feel it. No love bombs, gifts are not even permitted.

Actually, the weekend is not a secret at all, and any Cursillista should be able to answer your questions, with one exception: there is one part of the weekend they ask you to keep mum about, but only because there is a totally harmless surprise. Other than that, you can talk about it to people who ask If someone does divulge the “secret”, no one is going to come after you. It is absolutely false that people cannot talk about the weekend, if the weekend is using the guidelines from the National level.

In fact, I will talk about it. …
.

First of all, I am apologize in advance for being back, when i said earlier today I would drop it.

I am glad there is another person who will talk about it. Maybe you can clear up some very specific contradictions. Perhaps these contradictions by Cursillo participants is why these rumors build? All of these are taken from this thread.

The rumors of secrecy (all quotes from people who have attended):

“Cursillistas - those who have completed Cursillo - are discouraged from sharing their experiences with non-Cursillistas so the latter will not have their experience spoiled if they decide to go” post #2
"Now I have done it, I understand why it’s important not to divulge anything about it since it would diminish the participant’s experience. " post #12
“The reasoning behind not revealing details becomes clear at the closing” post #31
"Cursillo thrives on the element of “secrecy” and “surprise.” Post #36
CB Catholic:

Actually, the weekend is not a secret at all, and any Cursillista should be able to answer your questions, with one exception: there is one part of the weekend they ask you to keep mum about, but only because there is a totally harmless surprise

Or the watches:

“In our daily life, we become watch dependent. We do not wear watches while making a Cursillo” post #24

“Nobody asks you to turn in your watch” post #29
"Participants simply do not wear the watches. " Post #31
“Your watch and phone distract you” Post #45

Note: despite repeated attempts, no one will answer the simple question: are you required or asked to not wear a watch. It seems we are to believe every participant, upon showing up, magically decides on their own to remove their wrist watch.

Freedom to leave: I could post many examples of people saying you are free to leave at anytime. Yet are you allowed to drive to the retreat yourself? Is the freedom really their if one has no transportation easily available, it would at least require a scene of asking for a ride or a phone to make a call.

Hugging and “love-bombs”: this maryjk asked about (and defined her term explitly as excessive hugging and gifts from strangers) several times before any replies came. Finally:

"It is not about “love bombing” post #24
"You never receive unwanted love, i.e. “love bombs” or gifts. " Post #45
“This will lead to excessive hugging, which is the real catharsis and watermark of Cursillo. Hugs. Big on the hugs. I’m all about a good hug, but come on” Post #36
“We had to hug everyone of them, and then sit up at this stage in front of everyone with a microphone and a podium. We were then “invited” to share our experience of the weekend… more gushing, more hugs” Post #36

And another specific question:
At the end are you asked to kneel down and respond to a commissioning of sorts? Where in front of everyone you must commit to something? A promise?

Too many rumors that won’t be addressed, it is very frustrating reading you responses. But many specific questions go unanswered, or answers are carefully worded to be non-committal.

 

[ringil]

I bumped this thread because I have been invited to attend a weekend and knew nothing about it.

So I started researching it on line. In fact, I was told to do this by the person who invited me. My research lead me to two different groups. One group loved the weekend but refused to say anything about why or what they did while there. The other group hated it and was more than willing to say why.

So I came here, my place for answers about all things Catholic, to see if I could find out any information.

Here I found the same two groups. One loved it and refused to talk about it. And one hated it or heard bad things about it and wanted to talk about it.

I came here honestly and openly. I posted what I had heard. I gave examples of the negatives. Yet, no one who loved the weekend was willing to talk about it. More people that had questions, like me, started posting their questions. Still no one would talk about what happens over the weekend.

I find that suspicious. That a group is willing to allow majorly negative opinions to go totally unchallenged.

At last people slowly started to open up. BUT only to tell those of us with questions that we must not be ready to be open to God if we aren’t willing to turn our lives over to people we don’t or hardly know. Or that if we feel that giving up our only contact with our family, our cell phone, is questionable, we are somehow not committed to our religion. That we don’t want to grow because we think hugging lots of people we don’t know is weird.

Have I made up my mind? Nope. I won’t do that until I talk to the person that invited me. One thing that is obvious is that every weekend is different. Some take watches, some ask for them and some do nothing. Some “love bomb” some don’t. Until I find out what happens here, I can’t make a decision.

All I wanted was information. All I still want is information. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to get information.

Oh, come on, you are being a little snarky towards posters who are trying to inform you about the Cursillo retreats. I don’t have a dog in this fight but I do think you are being a little mean-spirited about this discussion.

it’s clear that Cursillo has an emotional side to it and folks do get “huggy” there. Is it forced or fake? I don’t know, probably to the same degree that hugging folks anywhere is.

Does Cursillo appeal to emotion to move people’s hearts? Sure, it would seem they do. I don’t know if they read letters or give gifts but they might. They did that type of thing at the “Encounter with Christ” retreat for teens and I bet this is sort of a mini-cursillo for kids.

I don’t see folks saying you aren’t mature in your faith. I do see you kind of making fun off an experience which helped others in their spiritual life.

If it isn’t your style fine, It really isn’t in my comfort zone either, but you are disparaging the experience itself.

 

[maryjk]

Too many rumors that won’t be addressed, it is very frustrating reading you responses. But many specific questions go unanswered, or answers are carefully worded to be non-committal.

I think the time has come where we have asked too many questions. We are being seen as disingenuous because we are not simply taking everything that is being said on “blind faith.”

cjmclark, yes, we are to be like children in our faith. That doesn’t mean that we go down every path that someone put in front of us. And I can’t believe you are equating someone giving up their watch/phone/control to the Apostles giving up all to follow Christ. Are you?

 

[tafan]

I think the time has come where we have asked too many questions. We are being seen as disingenuous because we are not simply taking everything that is being said on “blind faith.”

cjmclark, yes, we are to be like children in our faith. That doesn’t mean that we go down every path that someone put in front of us. And I can’t believe you are equating someone giving up their watch/phone/control to the Apostles giving up all to follow Christ. Are you?

Maryjk, you have not been disingenuous, on the contray very patient. You have asked just a few questions many times, conflicting answers, answers that don’t come until you ask more than once, answers that are incomplete. I could have given more examples in my previous post.

And now you are being accused of not being honest in your discernment. I can’t help but say it, this thread itself, if nothing else, sure causes a skeptic such as me to see Cursillo as ineffective in achieving its goals; regardless of its methods.

 

[ringil]

Maryjk, you have not been disingenuous, on the contray very patient. You have asked just a few questions many times, conflicting answers, answers that don’t come until you ask more than once, answers that are incomplete. I could have given more examples in my previous post.

And now you are being accused of not being honest in your discernment. I can’t help but say it, this thread itself, if nothing else, sure causes a skeptic such as me to see Cursillo as ineffective in achieving its goals; regardless of its methods.

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. . . .

 

[maryjk]

Oh, come on, you are being a little snarky towards posters who are trying to inform you about the Cursillo retreats. I don’t have a dog in this fight but I do think you are being a little mean-spirited about this discussion.

You are probably right. I am getting mean-spirited. I am sick and tired of all of the secrecy and double talk. And am I sure I sound snarky. Wouldn’t you? I guess the best option would be to quit the thread. But see, that stops anyone from talking about it.

it’s clear that Cursillo has an emotional side to it and folks do get “huggy” there. Is it forced or fake? I don’t know, probably to the same degree that hugging folks anywhere is.

Hey, I am a hugger. Of people I know. Not of strangers. I am one of those that don’t hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer.

Does Cursillo appeal to emotion to move people’s hearts? Sure, it would seem they do. I don’t know if they read letters or give gifts but they might. They did that type of thing at the “Encounter with Christ” retreat for teens and I bet this is sort of a mini-cursillo for kids.

The love of Christ and the truth of the Church should be enough of a gift.

I don’t see folks saying you aren’t mature in your faith. I do see you kind of making fun off an experience which helped others in their spiritual life.

True. It is more of a “maybe you aren’t ready for this step.” As though it is a step that everyone should take or one that everyone needs.

If it isn’t your style fine, It really isn’t in my comfort zone either, but you are disparaging the experience itself.

Actually, I am disparaging the people that think is is SOOOO important to keep it all a secret. Sorry, but grow up. It really isn’t that hard to answer questions honestly.

 

[cjmclark]

I think the time has come where we have asked too many questions. We are being seen as disingenuous because we are not simply taking everything that is being said on “blind faith.”

cjmclark, yes, we are to be like children in our faith. That doesn’t mean that we go down every path that someone put in front of us. And I can’t believe you are equating someone giving up their watch/phone/control to the Apostles giving up all to follow Christ. Are you?

“Help, help, I’m being repressed!”

Look, no one’s twisting your arm to try to make you go to this thing. And yes, I am exactly equating giving up your watch/phone/control to the Apostles giving up all to follow Christ. If I were in your position, I would ask myself why I find it so hard to give up the trappings of my everyday life in order to experience something that could possibly bring me to a greater understanding of my faith. But if that is something that is particularly difficult for you to do (for whatever reason), then perhaps the experience isn’t for you. That’s not a judgment of your faith…some people can let go and some can’t. Folks are just different that way.

Much like ringil, I’ve never been to a Cursillo, so I have no particular reason to advocate going. I’d consider it, though I’d prefer something that I could do with my wife, since I like spending time with her. I’m just frustrated because you seem bent on letting the opinions of a bunch of folks on the Internet make your decision for you. 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.

 

[ringil]

I think everybody in your family comes at the end of the cursillo in the morning- with candles.

That’s the big secret- at least I think so but I was like 7 when my dad went on his. Hey, I wasn’t told not to say anything.

It’s not very earth-shattering but I think that’s it. I hope I’m not doing anything big by typing that but I’m just trying to get across how more is being made out of this supposed “secrecy” than should be.

It’s just NOT A BIG DEAL!