I have attended both the Cursillo and ACTS retreats. Both of them are outstanding! There are some differences in the retreats, but there are also many similarities.
Attending a Cursillo 5 years ago is what “turned the lightbulb on” for me, having been a cradle catholic who really did not know and love my faith before the retreat.
For me, I felt that the Cursillo spoke more directly to my intellect, allowing me to understand where I was, where I needed to be, and how God was leading me closer to Him. The retreat provided me with a clear method on how to continue to build my faith and share this with others. I then experienced a growing heartfelt love of God that continues to grow. It was without a doubt the most powerful lifechanging experience I have ever had.
ACTS, on the other hand, spoke more directly to my heart, with the experience then moving into my head. I’m not sure if this had anything to do with attending the retreat after Cursillo. There is more flexibility in the ACTS retreat, but in essence it grew out of Cursillo and continues to have many of the same elements. One aspect of ACTS that has impressed me is the visible effect that it has had in transforming our parish. There is an incredible increase in the sense of community in our parish, the building of relationships, increasing stewardship, and strenthening of families.
As the retreat reaches out further, attracting more parishoners who have for the most part sat on the sidelines of parish life, I have continued to see the metanoia occur in awesome ways.
The retreat program is spreading like wildfire in St. Louis.
If your parish/diocese does not yet have an ACTS retreat program, you might want to consider contacting ACTS missions. (
actsmissions.org) We got our retreat started with their help.
If you are looking for an experience that only begins on the retreat weekend but contiues to grow for the rest of your life, you will enjoy either retreat.
Peace in Christ