Cursillo

[stanncie]

So it is a fact that you MUST give up your phone and watch?
Again I’m speaking for Emaus becuase I haven’t even done cursillo but i’ve heard it grew out of cursillo and yes you are told to give up your watch and cellphone now we are not going through your luggage and making sure you don’t have a watch there or a cellphone so it’s based on an honor system. We will also not search you or anything lol so if you really wanted to you could keep 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?
Yes we remind people when to take their meds and NO we do not hold them, the only personal items we hold are watches and cellphones which are kept on individual ziploc bags for each participant which are returned at the end of the retreat

So he had his car?
I dont know how this is done in other parishes but in my parish everyone gathers at the parish for a goodbye gathering with family and then the participants are taken to the retreat center on a school bus. In the case of the gentleman that left he was driven back to the parish by one of the retreat facilitators , he had left his car at the parish so he then drove himself home.
Again none of this is seen as weird to anyone here but I guess we are used to relying on others since this parish is in a poor neighborhood and to be frank it was very nice to be taken care of for the whole weekend and not to worry about anything but being one with God. I wish I could do this retreat again but it can only be done once so now I must content myself with just being a helper which is a whole different experience altogether but I must say just as awesome.

 

[onthisrock]

: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.

I didn’t make up the location of the first US Cursillo. Waco is where my in laws are from and are VERY proud. So you may be in poor taste to assume an entire city is full of cults because of one crazy man. I spoke to my father in law and he is telling me right now what exactly happened. It was not overnight at that time. (they were poor, and had no living quarters in the church,)They would find the weakest “link” and make that person “carry the cross”, such as a wife beater, or alcoholic would be chosen during the stations of the cross. There was a lot of spiritual direction, and general confessions. He said it was really intense about learning the faith, and finding your goal, ( the Kingdom of Heaven) From what I am seeing in the posts it is not really like this any longer. Please don’t misunderstand, I WANTED to do a cursillo, being from Philadelphia, I had never heard of it, nor did any of my friends or priests from there,and was told by my father in law what it was then, and I was excited. What I have learned on this site, and from the sponsor at my parish, along with my doctor, is that it is nothing I should do. All I did was read what was written on Catholic Answers, listen to my father in law who did it in Waco in 1957, and listen to the advise I was given. sorry I made you so upset. I went on the forum hoping to find out that what I was told of modern day cursillo’s was, like the one my father in law experienced.

 

[onthisrock]

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

I was thanking the one person who had given all of the info about what the weekend was like. (just learning to navigate around the site) I am stubborn and would have gone on the cursillo, disregarding the information I had been given. From my limited knowledge of cursillo, (I thought I could get reasonable info from this site…guess not if you think my learning info and thanking for it is a joke) It is extremely popular in Mexican neighborhoods. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania most of my life and never heard of it. Lived in California for over 6 years. I lived in the beach area of San Diego and had never heard of it. I moved closer to LA and it’s spoken of a lot in church bulletins, and at the pulpit. If you read my post, I started it with thank you for the information on what a cursillo weekend may look like, so that would clearly be the “reason” for my post. Supposed I went on a cursillo weekend and didn’t know about the psychological part of it, thinking it a regular retreat? I stated I lean toward depression, it could have been devastating…maybe that’s amusing to you too? I’m not sure for the reason behind your post other than to be hurtful. My husband was born in Mexico, so when I asked him originally if he had heard of “cursillo” he stated that it was a Spanish term, and popular in Mexican communities. Is everyone on this site as rude as you when someone is truly trying to get information? I thought as a convert this would be a helpful site, not a hurtful one. Glad you got a laugh at my expense

 

[cjmclark]

I didn’t make up the location of the first US Cursillo. Waco is where my in laws are from and are VERY proud. So you may be in poor taste to assume an entire city is full of cults because of one crazy man. I spoke to my father in law and he is telling me right now what exactly happened. It was not overnight at that time. (they were poor, and had no living quarters in the church,)They would find the weakest “link” and make that person “carry the cross”, such as a wife beater, or alcoholic would be chosen during the stations of the cross. There was a lot of spiritual direction, and general confessions. He said it was really intense about learning the faith, and finding your goal, ( the Kingdom of Heaven) From what I am seeing in the posts it is not really like this any longer. Please don’t misunderstand, I WANTED to do a cursillo, being from Philadelphia, I had never heard of it, nor did any of my friends or priests from there,and was told by my father in law what it was then, and I was excited. What I have learned on this site, and from the sponsor at my parish, along with my doctor, is that it is nothing I should do. All I did was read what was written on Catholic Answers, listen to my father in law who did it in Waco in 1957, and listen to the advise I was given. sorry I made you so upset. I went on the forum hoping to find out that what I was told of modern day cursillo’s was, like the one my father in law experienced.

LOL.

I didn’t accuse you of making up the location. And as far as Waco, I assumed (apparently incorrectly, for which I apologize) that this:

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…

was placing undue emphasis on its location in an attempt to link it to the Branch Davidian incident, given all the accusations of “cult-like behavior” that were bandied about.

I am by no means upset over any of this. As I said before, I have no attachment to the program; I’ve never been and I don’t know that much about it. I just think it’s foolish for people to jump to conclusions about a program that is literally run by hundreds of different people in hundreds of different places based on rumor or the outspoken opinions of people who had bad individual experiences that are extremely unlikely to reflect on the entire movement. If you seriously believe that the Church sanctions some shadowy organization that employs “psychological torment,” then I suggest you bring the matter to your bishop, as that’s kind of a big deal. However, absent solid evidence of such misconduct, I think it’s highly irresponsible to persist in making public accusations. That is tantamount to causing scandal.

I think that what maryjk is doing (discussing the movement with someone who is familiar with her local program) is great. She may determine after her questions are answered that it’s not for her, and that’s fine. The important thing is that she’s going to the source to find out the facts.

 

[DebChris]

“it was very nice to be taken care of for the whole weekend and not to worry about anything but being one with God. I wish I could do this retreat again but it can only be done once so now I must content myself with just being a helper which is a whole different experience altogether but I must say just as awesome.”

I have not been able to be a helper at Cursillo. I understand that it does provide a whole new perspective. I agree it is nice to let somebody else take care of you and not worry about anything.
I like the fact that the parish priest has to approve an individual’s participation. Mine even called ahead to let the hosts know I was on crutches due to a car accident (in case I didn’t show).
I was surprised when I learned Cursillo was available where I lived, since it was no longer available where I had lived before.
@ On The Rock–I don’t own a vehicle. I appreciate the people who provide for my transportation needs. Your last post provided some needed clarification. Many of the posts have focused on preconceived ideas lending a negative tone to this thread. A Cursillo should be a positive and enjoyable experience. That does not mean it is right for everybody (returning to receiving permission from the parish priest).

 

[centurionguard]

My first and only experience with the Cursillo Movement in the Church was not very favorable.
Having joined the Knights of Columbus in the late fall of 1985, I started getting more actively involved in the Church. In the late summer of 1986 I was approached by a very good close friend of mine and his wife who were involved as devout members of the Cursillo Movement who asked me to join with they being sponsors. I was about to be interviewed by an elder/leader of Cursillo after one Sunday Mass. Upon cordially meeting him, he looked me up and down and said; (“We don’t take your kind”). I was shocked. I did an about face walked away and never looked at the Cursillo Movement again. In hindsight I really don’t know what the problem was. I was dressed respectfully etc. I look at it as the gentlemen having a bias attitude more than anything else. It wasn’t the Cursillo Movement itself per-say as it was the Un-Christian first impression it left on me.

 

[ringil]

My first and only experience with the Cursillo Movement in the Church was not very favorable.
Having joined the Knights of Columbus in the late fall of 1985, I started getting more actively involved in the Church. In the late summer of 1986 I was approached by a very good close friend of mine and his wife who were involved as devout members of the Cursillo Movement who asked me to join with they being sponsors. I was about to be interviewed by an elder/leader of Cursillo after one Sunday Mass. Upon cordially meeting him, he looked me up and down and said; (“We don’t take your kind”). I was shocked. I did an about face walked away and never looked at the Cursillo Movement again. In hindsight I really don’t know what the problem was. I was dressed respectfully etc. I look at it as the gentlemen having a bias attitude more than anything else. It wasn’t the Cursillo Movement itself per-say as it was the Un-Christian first impression it left on me.

Man, he sounds like a real jerk! WOW! I would have had a hard time saying something.

 

[gh4]

I just a little less than 2 weeks, I’ll be making my Cursillo. I don’t know much about it, other than what I’ve read here and what I’ve been instructed about. I need to leave my watch at home (boy will my arm feel naked!) and no cell phones … but hey, I’m one of the last 120 people in the USA who DOES NOT have a cell phone, so no problems there. I need to bring my pillow, a sleeping bag and my clean clothes etc. and so forth. I have someone to come in for the dogs and have emergency numbers to give them. I know that if I need to take meds at a certain time they will let me know when it’s time to take them. I know where I’m going approx. (have never been there, but it’s easy enough to find) and I’m scared to death and yet really excited.
I had to fill out an application which my parish Priest had to sign. There was no interview. My sponsor is going to be part of the team. And she’ll be driving me to and from. And yes, I asked why and they explained that it’s a courtesy and kindness. I know my sponsor and her hubby (who is on the men’s team) have asked me more than once in the last year to consider going.
I know probably 10 or 15 people who have made their cursillos and each and every one of them enjoyed it. No one has told me about lack of light or sleep deprivation.
I’m stepping WAY out of my ‘control freak’ comfort zone to do this. I have come up with 100 reason why I shouldn’t, yet I filled out that app and turned it in and I’m going.
I personally am glad that no one will be able to get a hold of me except in dire emergencies. I need some time to myself and for myself and for my spirituality. We don’t often get that and this is an opportunity that won’t come again soon if I miss this one.
So I’ll let y’all know if it’s worth it when I get home from my weekend. Please pray for me, I’m sure I can use it!

 

[stanncie]

I said a quick prayer for you! I hope you enjoy your Cursillo and come away with a greater passion for Our Lord and His Church. Going by what most people experience I’m sure you will and it will be an experience you will remember for ever

 

[CB_Catholic]

I just a little less than 2 weeks, I’ll be making my Cursillo. I don’t know much about it, other than what I’ve read here and what I’ve been instructed about. I need to leave my watch at home (boy will my arm feel naked!) and no cell phones … but hey, I’m one of the last 120 people in the USA who DOES NOT have a cell phone, so no problems there. I need to bring my pillow, a sleeping bag and my clean clothes etc. and so forth. I have someone to come in for the dogs and have emergency numbers to give them. I know that if I need to take meds at a certain time they will let me know when it’s time to take them. I know where I’m going approx. (have never been there, but it’s easy enough to find) and I’m scared to death and yet really excited.
I had to fill out an application which my parish Priest had to sign. There was no interview. My sponsor is going to be part of the team. And she’ll be driving me to and from. And yes, I asked why and they explained that it’s a courtesy and kindness. I know my sponsor and her hubby (who is on the men’s team) have asked me more than once in the last year to consider going.
I know probably 10 or 15 people who have made their cursillos and each and every one of them enjoyed it. No one has told me about lack of light or sleep deprivation.
I’m stepping WAY out of my ‘control freak’ comfort zone to do this. I have come up with 100 reason why I shouldn’t, yet I filled out that app and turned it in and I’m going.
I personally am glad that no one will be able to get a hold of me except in dire emergencies. I need some time to myself and for myself and for my spirituality. We don’t often get that and this is an opportunity that won’t come again soon if I miss this one.
So I’ll let y’all know if it’s worth it when I get home from my weekend. Please pray for me, I’m sure I can use it!

People make too much out of the fact that someone will volunteer to drive you to the Cursillo. Around here, the reason is that the weekends are held at local parishes, and they just want to free up parking space for the Sat. and Sun. Masses. Many people who work the weekend carpool. It’s a simple courtesy and a practical reason as well, not an effort to control.

 

[gh4]

I got my list of brings and don’t brings.
Don’t bring: watches, cell phone, electronic games, no electronics basically, no cameras, no light reading…
Do bring: bible, sleeping bag or sheets, pillow, toiletries, meds, only jewelry that you will wear at all times, rosary, towel and wash cloth, clothes, nightware & robes, shoes and extra socks.
No clothing that can’t be worn to mass, no shorts, no revealing clothing. Special snacks or foods that you might want.

So that’s pretty much it. I still have to ask about money and purse etc. I forgot to ask today.

Oh yeah, I got 2 emergency numbers that will reach the facility that can be used in a dire emergency. I also have several folks who will be emergency folks for me for my dogs. My dogs are my kids I guess, so I’m as concerned about them and their well being while I’m gone as some would be about real children.

 

[maryjk]

People make too much out of the fact that someone will volunteer to drive you to the Cursillo. Around here, the reason is that the weekends are held at local parishes, and they just want to free up parking space for the Sat. and Sun. Masses. Many people who work the weekend carpool. It’s a simple courtesy and a practical reason as well, not an effort to control.

I am not sure about this.

I did meet with my friend. And we went over a lot of information. Much of it, well, just let me say I received a lot of information only after I asked. Not a lot of information was just given.

About driving yourself. I told her that I would feel much more comfortable driving. I wouldn’t even mind for others to ride with me. I was told that most of the time, Candidates are NOT ALLOWED to drive. Now, our “not a retreat” is being held at a retreat center. So there should be ample parking. And if I drive others as well as myself, I’m not taking up extra space anyway. But my friend said she would try to get permission for me to drive. This is very important to me.

I was also told that they do not take your cell phone or watch. But they simply ask you to leave them in your room. The idea is that they don’t want you checking text messages or the like during the retreat. Which means that I should, if I go, be able to keep my watch and cell phone. Right? Of course, if someone didn’t want to give up a phone, it is simple enough to keep. I can’t imagine anyone will strip search anyone.

At first I was told that they could take care of my food. When I told her how careful everyone will have to be, she then wasn’t sure. I am sure no one would want to take responsibility if they got me sick. She also mentioned that there did seem to be a lot of carbs. Cookies, cakes, pasta and fresh bread was abundant. Of course she didn’t see anything nefarious with that, while others might

The days will start early, but seem to end around 7. And there is time built in to schedule (that you won’t have a copy of) to walk around the grounds of the retreat center (outside) and to go into the chapel. She briefly mentioned “bells.” I am sure since no one has a watch, they have to have some way to let you know that “free time” is over. It seems that there are bells that announce pretty much everything.

You will receive gifts. According to my friend they are suppose to be things that you will need throughout the weekend. Maybe a bible, note pad, pen or rosary. They should not be things like flowers, key chains, pins or bumper stickers. She admitted that some groups have gone off track with that.

Although I didn’t use the word “love bomb” it did seem that it will happen. There is lots of clapping for the candidates and the weekend will be very “touchy feely.” Expect to hear your name announced many many times. There will be lots and lots of clapping. There will also be lots of singing. Mostly songs you don’t know, but will learn because you will hear them numerous times.

Your sponsor does not attend with you. There is a “group celebration” that many people attend. They will either be family members, people that have attended a weekend before or other clergy from the diocese. Your sponsor will be there. She didn’t give me much information about it, but it does take place and “you will be thrilled.”

Everyone wears a name tag. But the people that are putting on the weekend are not identified until they stand up to speak. So someone could be giving a talk on Sunday, and they will sit at your table all weekend talking to you without revealing their participation. My friend did say that no one should lie to you, but they will not offer information. I think that is devious, almost the definition of trolling.

There will be a priest on the weekend. I know the priest. He isn’t my favorite. During daily Mass, he invites everyone up on the altar, he then passes around Communion for everyone to help themselves. (I am sure this isn’t part of the Cursillo weekend, just this priest)

There is still a lot of secrecy. Again it went back to “I don’t want to ruin it for you.” What is funny is that I have heard a lot about many things. I have never been disappointed in something that is truly great simply because I knew about it before hand.

So that is the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you have more questions, let me know. I am sure I missed typing some of what I heard last weekend.

 

[gh4]

Meals are being provided for us and from what I understand, folks from previous cursillos will be cooking. I don’t think it will be any more dangerous than eating at a church carry in, in fact since the food is prepared right there, I’m sure it’s less dangerous. And if it’s not the best menu in the world, it’s only for 3 days, even a strict weight loss dieter can eat a little bit of everything and not totally crash a diet. Our cooks are prepared to do special diets as far as diabetics go and gluten intolerance etc. The reason there are a lot of carb is because carbs are fairly cheap to buy and easy to prepare, such as potatoes, bread and pasta… I just don’t know how anyone could find anything nefarious with pasta, cookies, cake and bread! If not eating sweets is so important, bring some fruit and raw veggies with you. I will be taking apples and some grapes because I’m used to eating fruit several times a day and I know it’s expensive. As long as there’s REAL coffee every morning, I’ll probably be pretty happy! I’m sure we’ll have a meatless Friday since it’s during lent, but that’s to be expected and something I would be doing at home anyhow. I figure it sure can’t be any worse than the lunches I used to get way back when in grade school, and I certainly survived those!

I feel pretty fortunate that my sponsor will be there for the weekend! Also another gal from our parish is going. Our Cursillo is diocese wide, so there will be women there from all over the area.

As far as the driving, so be it, I’m thrilled to have someone else do the driving. I will stick out the 3 days no matter if my car is at home about 80 miles away or right outside the door. I’ve seen online where some people have not felt Cursillo is their thing, but no one yet has told me that they needed to escape to get away from cruelty and inhumane treatment.

Really, I think it’s all about letting go and letting God. Just as Nike says, “Do It!” Hey, you might actually like it, learn something and come home a changed person! Take a chance!
I’d decided that I will do it, will be cheerful about it (and I’m NOT NOT NOT a morning person, not even a little bit!) and get as much as I can out of it. I will NOT grump about the sleeping arrangements (and I’ve not shared a room with anyone since my hubby died 30 years ago) and will not gripe about food or long hours. Coffee, bathroom and edible food and I’m gonna be happy!

 

[maryjk]

Meals are being provided for us and from what I understand, folks from previous cursillos will be cooking. I don’t think it will be any more dangerous than eating at a church carry in, in fact since the food is prepared right there, I’m sure it’s less dangerous. And if it’s not the best menu in the world, it’s only for 3 days, even a strict weight loss dieter can eat a little bit of everything and not totally crash a diet. Our cooks are prepared to do special diets as far as diabetics go and gluten intolerance etc. The reason there are a lot of carb is because carbs are fairly cheap to buy and easy to prepare, such as potatoes, bread and pasta… I just don’t know how anyone could find anything nefarious with pasta, cookies, cake and bread! If not eating sweets is so important, bring some fruit and raw veggies with you. I will be taking apples and some grapes because I’m used to eating fruit several times a day and I know it’s expensive. As long as there’s REAL coffee every morning, I’ll probably be pretty happy! I’m sure we’ll have a meatless Friday since it’s during lent, but that’s to be expected and something I would be doing at home anyhow. I figure it sure can’t be any worse than the lunches I used to get way back when in grade school, and I certainly survived those!

If you had read my previous post, I am extremely sensitive to gluten. That means even a crumb can make me sick for weeks. I have to be very careful where ever I go. I’m not being picky, I am concerned about my health and so was my friend.

I feel pretty fortunate that my sponsor will be there for the weekend! Also another gal from our parish is going. Our Cursillo is diocese wide, so there will be women there from all over the area.

I think that is pretty much the norm. I don’t know that there would be that many people from one parish.

As far as the driving, so be it, I’m thrilled to have someone else do the driving. I will stick out the 3 days no matter if my car is at home about 80 miles away or right outside the door. I’ve seen online where some people have not felt Cursillo is their thing, but no one yet has told me that they needed to escape to get away from cruelty and inhumane treatment.

My friend did tell me that a few people have left before the weekend was over. I don’t know that it was from as you said, cruelty and inhumane treatment. I think it was just they felt that they were not comfortable or that they were wasting their time. Each time they were asked to stick it out a few more hours, each time, they stayed for a while, then asked again to leave.

Really, I think it’s all about letting go and letting God. Just as Nike says, “Do It!” Hey, you might actually like it, learn something and come home a changed person! Take a chance!

You may be right. I hope, for you, you are.

I’d decided that I will do it, will be cheerful about it (and I’m NOT NOT NOT a morning person, not even a little bit!) and get as much as I can out of it. I will NOT grump about the sleeping arrangements (and I’ve not shared a room with anyone since my hubby died 30 years ago) and will not gripe about food or long hours. Coffee, bathroom and edible food and I’m gonna be happy!

 

[KimberlyAnn0218]

MaryJK-
I type this with a lot of respect for how long you have been a membe…, perhaps you really need to pray about whether you should go to this. I had missed the gluten allergy part of a previous post. You have a legitimate concern there. Expecting others who are not experieinced with gluten-free meal prep could be a recipe for disaster for you pardon the pun.

You have posted over and over that you are not trying to discredit the movement it’s just no one will answer you questions to your satisfaction. I would invite you to step back and re-read some of your posts for argumentativeness. Part of the weekend is apparently mystery and it may not be for us to ask for that to be disspelled-safety and security reassurance aside to be sure. You do not have to go to Cursillo-it is not a mandatory thing. There are plenty of ways to explore and enrich your faith life. This is one of them.

Admittedly, I am meeting with my sponsor to reveiw a few things (the decorating of my home would weird out my family) so I kinow what to expect or not to expect.

Peace be with you

 

[gh4]

If you had read my previous post, I am extremely sensitive to gluten. That means even a crumb can make me sick for weeks. I have to be very careful where ever I go. I’m not being picky, I am concerned about my health and so was my friend.

I had not read that you were this sensitive to gluten. I agree that you have something to be concerned about. Thankfully most people don’t have special dietary needs. But in your case, if you decide to make Cursillo, I would think that it would be in your best interest to provide your own meals. For those of us who aren’t this sensitive to any particular foods, having someone cook for us is a luxury and something to look forward to.

As the other gal said, maybe this isn’t for you at this time. And who knows, maybe it won’t be the wonderful experience for me that everyone I know says it will be. But I’m giving it my best shot. I’m trying to go without expectations. I have only small clues about what it’s all about. I told my sponsor’s husband…“Everyone has told me that it changed their lives. What if it changes mine? And even worse, what if it DOESN’T change mine…?!!” He said, “Don’t you believe that the Holy Spirit can do wondrous things?” And I do believe that the Holy Spirit can do awesome and wondrous things!

 

[DebChris]

I got my list of brings and don’t brings.
Don’t bring: watches, cell phone, electronic games, no electronics basically, no cameras, no light reading…
Do bring: bible, sleeping bag or sheets, pillow, toiletries, meds, only jewelry that you will wear at all times, rosary, towel and wash cloth, clothes, nightware & robes, shoes and extra socks.
No clothing that can’t be worn to mass, no shorts, no revealing clothing. Special snacks or foods that you might want.

So that’s pretty much it. I still have to ask about money and purse etc. I forgot to ask today.

Oh yeah, I got 2 emergency numbers that will reach the facility that can be used in a dire emergency. I also have several folks who will be emergency folks for me for my dogs. My dogs are my kids I guess, so I’m as concerned about them and their well being while I’m gone as some would be about real children.

MaryJK-
I type this with a lot of respect for how long you have been a membe…, perhaps you really need to pray about whether you should go to this. I had missed the gluten allergy part of a previous post. You have a legitimate concern there. Expecting others who are not experieinced with gluten-free meal prep could be a recipe for disaster for you pardon the pun.

You have posted over and over that you are not trying to discredit the movement it’s just no one will answer you questions to your satisfaction. I would invite you to step back and re-read some of your posts for argumentativeness. Part of the weekend is apparently mystery and it may not be for us to ask for that to be disspelled-safety and security reassurance aside to be sure. You do not have to go to Cursillo-it is not a mandatory thing. There are plenty of ways to explore and enrich your faith life. This is one of them.

Admittedly, I am meeting with my sponsor to reveiw a few things (the decorating of my home would weird out my family) so I kinow what to expect or not to expect.

Peace be with you

“Our Faith is not a mystery to be solved, but a mystery to be entered into.”
I’ve been wanting to post the preceding quote for a while, and it does seem like a good response to your post.

@gh4–You demonstrate the open attitude that allows each of to receive what God has to offer. I was the only person representing my parish at the diocese wide Cursillo. The food is prepared by Curstillistas. In the same way that I might expect comfort foods when I visit a friend, you will find comfort foods served with simple Christian hospitality, There is no insidious plot behind what is served, no lacing of the brownies. This seems to have been a difficult issue to dispel throughout the thread. I am sure that most of us enjoy potluck and don’t assign motives behind what is brought.
Having been on many retreats, I did bring some extra money with me should there be an opportunity to purchase books. I found it was not needed; nor was the opportunity available. I did not bring any food of my own.
Based on the list of items you were given, it appears that like me that you will be sleeping in a gym or other makeshift shelter. Individuals who had the luxury of staying in a private room in a retreat center have stated that a communal sleeping arrangement might have added to their experience.

@MaryJK–I agree with Kimberly that your gluten allergy might be difficult to accommodate. If you reread some of the earlier posts, I’m sure you will find that I mentioned how several people had special meals prepared for them, mostly due to diabetic restrictions. One person may have been vegan, but it’s been so long I can’t remember for sure. When it comes to food, the only thing I need to worry about is that people don’t serve me food that has been artificially sweetened, because of the chemicals.

“In order to give or receive anything, we need to open our hands [and our hearts].”

 

[Jeremiah1278]

Whoa! I didn’t realize Cursillo was such a hot topic for folks!

I went on a Cursillo a couple years ago. It was the trigger for my deep dive back into the Catholic faith. Results may vary. Yes, it can be on the charismatic/emotional end of things, but that is definitely not the actual focus of the weekend. Note: the people running each of these are volunteers. Again… results may vary. If you end up with a lot of people who want to talk about things that bring up a lot of emotion… that’s what you’ll get. (For the record, let’s not deny the emotional aspect of our being, as much as that makes us comfortable.) I’m an analytical, educated person. Went to lawschool. Spent some heady years as an atheist. Despite the emotional aspects of Cursillo land, no one event other than the Cursillo weekend has been more integral for the fire in my belly for learning everything I can about my religion. I’ve read more, questioned more, and have obtained more answers. All triggered by Cursillo and the people I met there.

On the lighter side… what the heck is all this “no light” talk? I joined the smokers for smoke breaks out in the parking lot and threw rocks at some trees. My room had two windows. Lucky me! And my deadly food allergies were accommodated for nicely. I don’t recall any CIA-level food trickery. It appeared to be your standard scool cafeteria / church basement fare. Moreover, the sweet men and ladies making the food seemed more interested in pushing out the quantity than some sort of cullinary brainwashing. When I went back a few months later to help with a Cursillo, I can attest that the only calculations that went into the food prep was stuff like, “how many people want the turkey?”

And I got plenty of sleep, except for the evenings that I stayed up late of my own choosing. So if you need lots of sleep, you should be fine.

And they didn’t take my cell phone. I didn’t wear a watch at that time… but I recall that they didn’t take my cell phone. I made no calls, and I texted nobody. I tend to treat retreats as actual retreats—I want to get away from everything. But that’s me.

Also, I know all our personalities are different. But if I heard, “I had a great experience. It brought me closer to the truths of my religion. I’ve never been happier since.” I don’t know if my response would be, “That’s great and everything, but will I be hugged and unable to have my watch?”

I also know folks who hated Cursillo. Mary/Other Folks: My guess is that you’d hate it. For other folks reading this who are on the fence—me, and 90% of my close friends and family have found it highly rewarding. For 1 or 2, they didn’t like it. They survived. They came home. They continue to trash Cursillo and the people in it. That seems pretty uncharitable IMHO and I find them a bit obnoxious considering so many loved ones get so much out of it.

 

[Jeremiah1278]

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.”

I’ll try to answer your questions as best as I can. Unfortunately, I’ve only been on one Cursillo. You have to remember that these are ran by different people every time they have a weekend. So I can’t say what happens at any given Cursillo anywhere. Also, you didn’t ask many actual yes or no questions, given the fact that different people put on each Cursillo and thusly each Cursillo may be handled differently.

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?

I don’t recall being told to give up any of that. I do recall not being too aware of the time (no clock in the rooms we were in and others being encouraged not to bring the watches). I had my cell phone and I left it in my room. As to whether or not it’s a choice, I’m certain that if you needed to know what time it is, you could have your watch or be told what time it is. These people were very nice and accommodating.

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.

For me, that question is personal. I’m being evasive intentionally. What I got or didn’t get isn’t really any of your business. Or The Internet’s.

Do you drive/are you allowed to drive?

I recall car-pooling with someone. It was his truck, not mine. We often hung out in the bed of the truck during little breaks. We got exposed to sunlight and everything.

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?

I think I had two sponsors, if that’s possible. Neither were running the weekend. I think sponsors for other people may have been there at times. I don’t quite recall. I knew some of the people putting on the weekend, but I’m from a small town, so there’s no surprise there.

Also, I think it’s helpful that Cursillo doesn’t call itself a retreat. When I think of retreats, I think of going to a monastary and having 8 hours of waking daylight to do nothing but relax and pray and contemplate. Cursillo would be mislabeling itself if it referred to these weekends as retreats.

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?

Okay. In all honestly… I’m not sure what you’re talking about in the first question. I don’t remember being introduced other than in normal conversation: “This is Jeremiah1278.” And I don’t recall anyone meeting me clapping out of joy for the occassion. I don’t quite understand the question about whether a group of people show up and welcome you at the end. That didn’t happen to me, so, no.

No, hugging is not a major part of the weekend. I did hug some people though. I shook some hands too. Sometimes, I was known to nod. But yes, I would say I hugged more that weekend than in most weekends. But I got closer to more people in that one weekend than I normally would. If you have a phobia about hugging or touching other people (I’m being serious. I don’t mean “I’m not a hugger”. . . I mean “phobia”), then you may want go to some sort of actual retreat, retreat where you aren’t exposed to the personal lives of other humans. Because if people get close to you, and you change their perspective/life in some way, they may want a hug. If you’re simply “not a hugger” you can make it through that dreaded minefield of people who love you just fine.

Is your house decorated while you are gone?

My house wasn’t decorated. Now I’m feeling a bit ripped off. I went back to one fellas house where a group of us from the weekend busted open some beers and had a good time with other family members who had been on Cursillos before. It was a good time. Anyway. His house had also not been decorated.

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

I didn’t know that permission was needed. I don’t know anything about this.

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.

I don’t know how it’s geard. It wasn’t an emotional roller coaster. There was no discernable food trickery.

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

Also not a yes/no question as promised. Anyway, I don’t recall this being a big part of the weekend experience for me. I recall small group discussion and like every religious retreat or team building experience I’ve ever been on in my life, flip charts and markers were available.

Is any of this helpful?

 

[DebChris]

The three pillars of Cursillo are Piety, Study, and Action.

Piety is an act of our heart; through piety we communicate with God. Study is an act of intelligence; through study we come to know more about both ourselves and about God. Then through Piety and Study we are compelled into action, and not just any action but true Apostolic Action, the action of bringing Christ to others.