FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 FAQs

 

 

 

 

 

What is Cursillo?

Cursillo is defined as a "short course in Christianity". It is a method to live out our life with what is fundamental for being a Christian.

What is a Cursillista?

It is a man or woman who has made a three-day Cursillo weekend.

What is a Fourth Day Group?

It is group of Cursillistas that meet regularly (usually once a week) to share their lives as Christians and their apostolic action. Their actual meeting together is called a reunion.

What is does PSA mean?

It means Piety, Study and Action. These are the necessary ingredients to share our walk with Christ.

What is a Team School?

It is the preparation needed to plan and organize the cursillo weekends. It usually involves 10 weeks of preparation.

What is a Secretariat?

It is the governing board of the Cursillo movement on the national, regional and local level.

What is Palanca?

It is a word from Spanish which means "lever", which allows a person to move something beyond his/her capabilities. In the Cursillo sense, it is the prayer and sacrifice which is offered to God so that we, as apostles, may accomplish more than we would be capable of otherwise.

What is an Ultreya?

It is a means to renew and strengthen our Cursillo and Christian spirit by being around fellow Cursillistas. It is a restoration of the love and support felt on the Cursillo weekend.

Who are these exuberent, crazy people?

They are your friends, neighbors, co-workers and total strangers (but not for long).

What are the requirements to become a Cursillista?

Being a regular church attending member and a good Faith in God and Jesus Christ as our savior.

How do I become a Cursillista?

·  By contacting your local church and seeing if they have someone in charge of Cursillo activities.

·  Find your nearest Ultreya group by clicking here to see a list, and contact the Ultreya leader.

·  Or you may e-mail Danielle and Pat McCay at precursillosd@gmail.com, or Ed Psota, our Local Secretariet at bearmkr91@aol.com.

How do I become a Sponsor?

By making a Cursillo weekend and knowing someone you consider to be a good candidate for a Cursillo weekend.

Why do I need to have a sponsor?

Unfortunately, the Cursillo weekend is not for everyone. The people selected to make the weekend must be far enough along with their walk with Christ to understand the messages of the weekend.

What is DeColores?

It is the theme song of the Cursillo movement. The title means "many colors" and is usually used as a greeting between Cursillistas.

What are the words to the 'De Colores' song?

DeColores
DeColores se visten los campos en la primavera

DeColores
DeColores son los pajarillos que vienen de afuera

DeColores
DeColores es el arco iris que vemos lucir

Y por eso los grandes amores
De muchos colores
Me Gustan a mi

Y por eso los grandes amores
De muchos colores
Me Gustan a mi

Canta el gallo
Canta el gallo con el quiri quiri quiri quiri quiri

La gallina
La gallina con el cara cara cara cara cara

Los polluelos
Los polluelos con el pio pio pio pio pi

Y por eso los grandes amores
De muchos colores
Me Gustan a mi

Y por eso los grandes amores
De muchos colores
Me Gustan a mi

What should I know before working a Cursillo?

Besides being a Cursillista, you need to know nothing!! Just come with a smile and an open heart to the Team School Meetings and you will be assigned to one of the many tasks necessary to accomplish the weekend.

What does the Cook's Team do?

It is responsible for feeding the entire team and candidates for the weekend. It is ran by the Chief Cook and the Assistant Chief Cook, who make up all the meal menus and arrange for all the food to be bought. It is also responsible for alot of humor on the weekend, because as most people know, the way to someone's heart is through their stomach!!

What is the Core Team?

They are responsible for coordinating the talks and other spiritual activities of the weekend. This consists of evaluating all the speakers for the weekend and making sure they are ready to deliver God's message to the candidates.

Comments or Requests for this page:

 

General Questions

·         What is Cursillo ?

Cursillo is defined as a " short course in Chrisianity". It is a method to live out our life with what is fundamental for being a Christian.

·         What is a Cursillista ?

It is a man or woman who has made a three- day Cursillo weekend.

·         What is a Fourth Day Group ?

It is a group of Cursillistas that meet reqularly ( usually once a week ) to share their lives as Christians and their apostolic action. Their actual meeting together is called a reunion.

·         What does PSA mean?

It means Piety, Study, and Action. These are the neccessary ingredients to share our walk with Christ.

·         What is a Team School ?

It is the preparation needed to plan and organize the cursillo weekends. It usually involves 10 weeks of preparation.

·         What is a Secretariat ?

It is a governing board of the Cursillo movement on the national, regional and local level.

·         What is Palanca ?

It is a word from Spanish which means "lever", which allows a person to move beyond his/her capabilities, In the Cursillo sense, it is the prayer and sacrifice which is offered to God so that we, as apostles, may accomplish more than we would be capable of otherwise.

·         What is an Ultreya ?

It is a means to renew and strengthen our Cursillo and Christian spirit by being around fellow Cursillistas. It is a restoration of the love and support felt on the Cursillo weekend.

·         Who are these exuberent, crazy people ?

They are your friends, neighbors, co-workers and total strangers ( but not for long ) .

·         What is the basic criteria for a candidate?

First: That the candidate be in a position to receive the sacraments.

Second: Those who have psychological or emotional problems or whose moral life is not in order, should not go.

Third: that they have been properly prepared for the weekend and will be taken care of in the post Cursillo.

·         How do I become a Sponsor ?

By making a Cursillo weekend and knowing someone you consider to be a good candidate for a Cursillo weekend .

·         Why do I need to have a sponsor ?

Unfortunately, the Cursillo weekend is not for everyone. The people selected to make the weekend must be far enough along with their walk with Christ to understand the message of the weekend.

·         What is DeColores ?

It is the theme song of the Cursillo movement. The title means " many colors " and is usually used as a greeting between Cursillistas.

·         What are the words to the 'De Colores' song ?

 

·         What should I know before working a Cursillo ?

Besides being a Cursillista, you need to know nothing !! Just come with a smile and an open heart to the Team School Meeting and you will be assigned to one of the many tasks neccessary to accomplish the weekend.

·         What does the Cook's Team do ?

It is responsible for feeding the entire team and candidates for the weekend. It is ran by the chief Cook and the Assistant Chief Cook, who make up all the meal menus and arrange for all the food to be bought. It is also responsible for alot of humor on the weekend, because as most people know, the way to someone's heart is through their stomach!

·         What is the Core Team ?

They are responsible for coordinating the talks and other spiritual activities of the weekend. This consists of evaluating all the speakers for the weekend and making sure they are ready to deliver God's message to the candidates.

 

 

 

MORE - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cursillo Glossary Q1 Cursillo is a... Q2 Who can make a Cursillo? Q3 Where do I go to make a Cursillo? Q4 How do I sign up to attend a Cursillo weekend? Q5 How do I sign up to work on a weekend? Q6 I haven't been to church in years, but I am Catholic. Can I still attend a Cursillo? Q7 I'm Catholic but my spouse is not. Can they too attend Cursillo? Q8 What should I bring along when I make my Cursillo, what do I need? Q9 I made my Cursillo in another diocese but I now live in Orange County. I'd like to get active again... what do I do to get started? Q10 Are there Cursillo weekends in languages other than English? Q11 How often do Cursillo weekends occur? Q12 What can I expect after I make a Cursillo? What is next? Q13 How much does it cost attend a Cursillo? You might find the FAQ section in the National Cursillo website helpful. Would you like to help decorate our palanca bags, place mats, and/or plates? Download a handy "how-to" guide here Need additional info? Email us: Additional Info Reqst     Q1 Cursillo is a... A: It's a weekend retreat for Catholics who want to deepen their relationship with the Holy Trinity. It's for adults (typically 21 years old and up) who are spiritually mature and seeking to strengthen their faith. The "Fundamental Ideas of the Cursillo Movement" book defines the Movement as "A movement of the Church which by means of its own method makes it possible for people to live what is fundamental for being a Christian, and to live it together; it helps people discover and fulfill their personal vocations, and it promotes the creation of core groups of Christians who leaven their environments with the Gospel. return to FAQ list above     Q2 Who can make a Cursillo? A: Any Catholic who is in Sacramental union with the church can attend a Cursillo weekend. It is advisable that the participants be in good health and be free of emotional issues that could hinder the weekend from being the fullest, most rewarding experience it could be. What is the basic criteria for a candidate? First, from the beginning of the Movement, the basic criteria for a person (a candidate) be in a position to receive the sacraments. Non-Catholics, including spouses, must not be accepted for a Catholic Cursillo mainly because the weekend is based on the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, Catholic doctrine and dogma. Non-Catholics should be encouraged to participate in whatever renewal program, including Cursillo, is available to them within their own denomination. A list of such retreats is available from within a website, found in our links page. go there now Secondly, those who have psychological or emotional problems or whose moral life is not in order, should not go. Thirdly, that they have been properly prepared for the weekend and will be taken care of in the Post Cursillo. return to FAQ list above     Q3 Where do I go to make a Cursillo? A: In this diocese (of Metuchen.) our Cursillo weekends are held at the Army Shrine Washington NJ. This beautiful facility is located in the hills in Washington NJ. A map and directions are located within this website. go there now return to FAQ list above   Q4 How do I sign up to attend a Cursillo weekend? A: This process is a bit more involved than merely "signing up" to attend. There are a few requirements and some paper work that is needed for you to attend. You'll need a sponsor to assist you with these registration documents. Each parish has a parish representative - this individual can get you in touch with a sponsor - who will in turn assist you with the necessary steps in submitting your application, including pastoral recommendation. There is a complete list of available Parish Representatives in this website. return to FAQ list above     Q5 How do I sign up to work on a weekend? A: Any Cursillista (one who's made their Cursillo) who has been grouping for at least a few months (Small Group Reunion - on a regular basis) is eligible to sign up for working a weekend as a team member. This can be done by signing onto a roster sheet available at a Mañanitas morning Mass or by contacting the Cursillo Secretary. To contact the Cursillo Secretary, use this email link here, Cursillo Secretary return to FAQ list above     Q6 I haven't been to church in years, but I am Catholic. Can I still go? A: Anyone attending a Cursillo must be Catholic and in Sacramental union with the church. Those who are in a position to receive the Sacraments of the Catholic church , or could become so may go. The "average" Catholic may go because the Cursillo may enhance your spiritual life, from whatever position in life you are currently in. Cursillo is not recommended for anyone who has psychological or emotional problems or whose moral life is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic church. Persons of other denominations are disallowed from attending the Catholic Cursillo but are encouraged to attend one of the many non-denominational renewal programs that are actually patterned from the Catholic Cursillo. Go to the links page for a website with a large list of such movements. go there now return to FAQ list above     Q7 I'm Catholic but my spouse is not. Can they too attend Cursillo? A: The short answer is no, they can not - please read on... This is perhaps the most complex scenario when considering if one is eligible to attend a Cursillo. Several factors are combined to make this determination. First and foremost, anyone attending a Cursillo must be Catholic and in complete Sacramental union with the church. Therefore, if your spouse is not Catholic, they can not attend the weekend. However, the Catholic spouse may still attend, if it is determined that doing so will not cause any stress on the marriage itself. This determination is made when the married couple is interviewed by the sponsor, the Spiritual Director of the movement, and a Secretariat member. After all concerns are discussed, an evaluation is then made, determining if the Catholic spouse may indeed attend a Cursillo. return to FAQ list above     Q8 What should I bring along when I make my Cursillo, what do I need? A: Your comfort is very important, this will help you maximize your retreat experience. A list of items has been prepared for you, and you'll receive this list along with the necessary details about dates and times - your sponsor will provide this paper work. Also, the Cursillo Secretary will mail this information to you, once your registration information has been processed. Items to Bring list return to FAQ list above     Q9 I made my Cursillo in another diocese but I now live in Orange County. I'd like to get active again... what do I do to get started? A: There are several activities to connect with; Grouping, Ultreyas, School of Leaders, and Three Day Team Prep. You should also visit our Post Cursillo section. Establishing yourself in a Small Group Reunion (or Grouping as we call it) is perhaps the most important activity to resume. There is a list of current "open groups" that accept new members all of the time. Find one that fits your schedule and resume grouping. It would be helpful to plug into the Ultreyas happening all of the time in parishes all over Orange County. Check the Master Events Calendar for a complete listing of Ultreya dates, locations, and times. Working a team is a great way to get re-connected with Cursillo. Of course, doing this means getting active in the School of Leaders. Check the Master Events Calendar for School dates and check out what's happening at the School of Leaders. It would be most helpful to find your Parish Representative and get their assistance in plugging into the community. Check out the list of Parish Reps. return to FAQ list above     Q10 Are there Cursillo weekends in languages other than English? A: Yes! In the diocese of Orange, CA. we have Cursillo weekends hosted in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. Check the Three Days page or the Master Events Calendar for listings of these weekends. return to FAQ list above     Q11 How often do Cursillo weekends occur? A: In the diocese of Orange, CA there are four cultures - each one having it's own Cursillo weekend in it's native language: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. Per calendar year there are typically 3 English Cursillos, 2 Spanish Cursillos, 2 Vietnamese Cursillos, and 1 Portuguese Cursillo. Check with this website's Master Events Calendar or the Three Days page for details in dates. return to FAQ list above     Q12 What can I expect after I make a Cursillo? What's next? A: Cursillo really isn't about a retreat - it's about every day AFTER your weekend retreat experience - something we call your Fourth Day (the Three Days being the actual retreat). Cursillo really exists in the follow-up of your retreat - your Fourth Day - and how you live that life in the newness of what has been presented to you during your retreat encounter. There are several activities to help you in this Fourth Day - primarily they are Grouping (Small Group Reunion), Ultreyas, and School of Leaders. Each activity is geared to help you maximize your Christian Life in Grace, giving you the tools and support to bring Christ in to the environments in which you live, work, and play. return to FAQ list above     Q13 How much does it cost attend a Cursillo? A: The current cost for attending a weekend retreat as a Candidate is $200 per person. This covers all of your food and housing for the weekend retreat. return to FAQ list above