Presbyterian Cursillo
Presbyterian Pilgrimage
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Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
- What is the purpose of Cursillo?
- How can I attend a Cursillo weekend ?
- Why doesn't my Church already have Cursillo ?
- Where did Cursillo come from?
- Is Cursillo within the Teaching of the Church?
- What is the difference between Cursillo and Pilgrimage?
- Do I have to be Presbyterian ?
- What is a Reunion Group ?
- What is a Gathering and Ultreya ?
- What happens after the weekend?
- When is the next Cursillo that I can attend ?
(More information can be found at www.days3.com)
What is the purpose of Cursillo?
The purpose of Presbyterian Cursillo is to help the people who attend our weekend retreats better understand God’s love for them and to begin to understand and appropriate Jesus’ will for their lives.
How can I attend a Cursillo weekend ?
You can email us at info@cursillo.com and we will put you in touch with someone in your area. Or, if you know someone who has attended, they can provide you with an application. You can also search this site for the dates for the next Cursillo. Contact addresses should be provided for someone near you.
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Why doesn't my Church already have Cursillo ?
Maybe it does! Maybe you can't have Cursillo. Cursillo means so many different things to those who have gone. Get together with other people and discuss what Cursillo will/does mean to you.
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What did Cursillo Come from?
- The first official Cursillo weekend was held in 1949 on Majorca in Spain to help prepare leaders for a spiritual pilgrimage.
- The first US weekend was held in Waco in 1957 by Spanish military personnel training in Texas.
- Since coming to the U.S., Cursillo has found expression in several denominations and nondenominational groups.
- Episcopal Cursillo and Walk to Emmaus groups helped Presbyterian Cursillo groups begin in Charleston, SC in Virginia.
- 1.5 million have now gone through a Cursillo weekend in the US and 8 to 10 Million worldwide.
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Is Cursillo within the Teaching of the Church?
Yes, Presbyterian Cursillo is faithful to the teaching of scripture
and to the reformed doctrine of the Presbyterian church. Five of the
weekend talks are given by PC(USA) clergy. The rest of the talk-givers
must follow tightly composed outlines that adhere to reformed theology.
The Presbyterian Cursillo operation manual was written by Rev. Fred
Keith as part of his doctoral thesis at Columbia Theological Seminary.
What is the difference between Cursillo and Pilgrimage?
Some programs have chosen to be ecumenical - accepting members of more than one denomination - and thus do not call their programs Cursillo. Presbyterian Pilgrimage is one such ecumenical program. Presbyterian Cursillo and Presbyterian Pilgrimage are otherwise essentially identical.
Do I have to be Presbyterian ?
To attend a Presbyterian Cursillo, yes. However, most denominations have a Cursillo-type weekend experience. See our history page.
What is a Reunion Group ?
A reunion group is a gathering of small numbers of the Christian Community to focus and sustain their Christian walks. Small groups meet weekly, or bi-weekly, and share evidence of God working in one's life. Everyone is welcome to a reunion group. You do not have to have attended a Cursillo-type weekend.
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What is a Gathering and Ultreya ?
Gatherings and Ultreyas are larger gatherings, mostly people who have attended a Cursillo-type weekend, who come together for singing, encouragement, witness sharing, and fellowship. Ultreya translates into "keep on going". Anyone is welcome to attend a Gathering or Ultryea. You do not have to have attended a Cursillo-type weekend.
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What happens after the weekend?
The weekend is only a beginning. What you learn and share during the weekend will hopefully be taken back and put into practice in your local congregation and community. You will be supported by many others who have attended a weekend before or with you. Small groups of people who have attended a weekend meet regularly to affirm one another and to share the Christian life of Grace. These activities inspire, challenge, and encourage Christian action in homes, churches and communities.
When is the next Cursillo that I can attend ?
Visit the "where can I find Cursillo" page on this site and look for dates in that area. Also, you can check out the DATES page here.
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Copyright ©2001 [JMT and GPC]. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 09, 2005.