The purpose of Cursillo is to help those in the Church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. The leadership may be exercised in one's work situations, in one's family and social life, in one's leisure activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but influence on others; all of us need to be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us. The goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church; to bring all to Christ. This is done when informed, trained leaders set out with the support of others having a similar commitment.

Cursillo is patterned on Jesus' own example. He searched out and called a small group of potential leaders (pre-Cursillo). He trained them by word and example and inspired them with a vision (Cursillo Weekend). He linked them together and sent them out into the world to bring the world to Him (post-Cursillo/Fourth Day).

Persons who are part of Cursillo start by attending a three-day weekend. It is a ‘retreat' only in the sense that the group attempts to limit the influence of the outside world. The Cursillo weekend is a deeply moving time in which we ask ourselves: What am I doing here? What does God want of me? What does Christ see in me? What do I see in Christ? What is Christ saying to me?

Three~Day Weekend

The Cursillo weekend brings together a diverse group of Episcopalians to share the richness of many styles of worship and to broaden each one's appreciation of our Church. Lay people conduct the weekend with two or three members of the clergy functioning as spiritual advisors. Cursillo presumes that those who attend are already well grounded in the Christian faith.. It is not intended to be a conversion experience but an enriching and deepening of what is already there.

The weekend begins Thursday evening spent in the Chapel with meditations and Compline. Then silence is kept until after the worship on Friday morning. After breakfast, participants are assigned to table groups for the weekend. The next two days are filled with talks and group discussions with emphasis on Grace, the Sacraments, and the great Cursillo tripod: Piety, Study, and Action. Plus there is fellowship, wonderful food, singing and lots of laughter, as well as some quiet times. The Eucharist is celebrated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend?

Any Episcopalian, eighteen years of age or older, may attend a Cursillo weekend.

Are there Cursillo secrets?

You may have been told by someone who has attended the weekend that he cannot tell you what Cursillo is all about or what goes on during a Cursillo weekend. This is not correct! Everything that goes on during the weekend may be told to anyone. Cursillo literature is  available to anyone who wishes to read or purchase the materials.

How much does it cost?

The three-day weekend at Trinity Center costs $180.00. Scholarships for Cursillo are available through the generosity of those who have attended previous Cursillo weekends.

Do I need a sponsor?

A sponsor is an invaluable support person before, during and after your Cursillo experience. If you are interested in attending Cursillo and don't have a sponsor, contact Lee Stroud, Anne Stroud or Deacon Kay Swindell

How do I sign up?

Applications are available in the Deacon's office or from Lee Stroud, or Anne Stroud

When is the next Cursillo?

Weekends are held in April and November of each year. Deadlines for registration is four to six weeks prior to the weekend.

"....and you shall be my witness...to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8