Cursillo

Anglican Diocese of Newcastle Cursillo Movement

Growing in the Love of God

Cursillo is a movement in the Christian Church which provides ways in which to continually focus on Christ and our personal relationship with Him; it is a means to follow Christ faithfully in our daily lives, and is a model for continuing that experience for the rest of our lives in a supportive and encouraging community.

The Cursillo model allows us to live out our lives as intentional Christians.

Cursillo is a Spanish word which simply means ‘a short course’ and is designed to help us consciously live in God’s grace as we continue on our Christian journey. 

There are three phases of Cursillo –
The pre-Cursillo when prayerfully the purpose of Cusillo is shared with others;
Attendance at a Cursillo three day short course;  and
The Fourth Day, or rest of our lives, were we are supported by
Group Reunion and Ultreyas to encourage us on our journey.

A Cursillo weekend involves a series of talks, discussions on the talks, worship and liturgy, lots of singing, a time of silence on the first night, a healing service and fellowship and community building.  The weekend is surrounded in prayer with people from across the Diocese praying every half hour from the beginning of the first day through to when all will have returned home.

While there is a focus on the Cursillo weekend, the emphasis really is on Cursillo’s role in the rest of our life – our life from now on in relationship with God.

Please read more about Cursillo here.

Cursillo Brochure

Group Reunion is a meeting together regularly of friends with Jesus present, inspired and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, sharing actively and purposefully our every day lives – the good parts, the difficult parts and the struggles and failures we have.  This meeting together encourages us to continue in our relationship with God no matter what.  And we pray for each other.

Ultreya is a Spanish Word meaning continue on – keep going no matter what.  At Ultreya we do encourage each other, through a witness talk, a spiritual reflection, liturgy, prayer and praise.  these are held throughout the Diocese and are an uplifting time for all.

Cursillo has been in Newcastle for 18 years and is led by a Secretariat consisting of two Co Lay Directors (a female and a male), a Spiritual Director (an ordained member), members of the Laity from across the Diocese and two Spiritual Advisors (ordained members).  These members make a commitment to their roles for a three year period. 

Find out more about the Secretariat members and their roles here.

Cursillo Three Day Weekends are held every year at various venues throughout the Diocese and the dates of these weekends in  2009 and 2010 can also be found at the same link below.

Cursillo Events

If you feel drawn to attend a Cursillo three day weekend, please approach your Parish priest, or a member of your Parish who is an active Cursillista and talk, and pray with them about your attendance. 

An application form can be found here.

Cursillo is a movement within the Anglican Church –
It exists for the church
The church exists for humanity, and
Humanity exists for God.

The Diocese of Newcastle Anglican Cursillo Movement  is part of the National Cursillo Movement in Australia.  Information on the activities of other Diocesan Cursillo Movements in Australia can be found on www.anglicancursillo.org.au.

“The experience of Cursillo can enrich and deepen your relationship with Jesus and can empower and encourage you to live your life as a confident Christian, bringing the love and influence of our wonderful Lord into your everyday life. Cursillo may be seen as an opportunity to grow in faith and spirituality, gaining a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how you can serve him in the world.”  
Ruth Brand, National Lay Director