Questions
What is Presbyterian Cursillo?
How does Presbyterian Cursillo accomplish its aims?
Who goes to the Presbyterian Cursillo?
How can I attend a Presbyterian Cursillo?
How much does it cost?
What happens after Presbyterian Cursillo?
Summary

What is Presbyterian Cursillo?
Presbyterian Cursillo is a three day spiritual renewal experience designed to strengthen the faith of individual members of Presbyterian churches, and through them to impact the environment in which they live, worship and work. Cursillo (pronounced Kursee-yo), meaning a short course in the Christian Faith, was developed in the Roman Catholic Church in Spain more than 50 years ago, and came to the U.S. in several, predominantly denominational forms. Presbyterian Cursillo is distinguished from the others (Walk to Emmaus, Tres Dias, Episcopal Cursillo, et al) by being both co-ed and consistent with the Reformed Faith.

During the 72 hours of a Cursillo weekend (Thursday at 5 PM thru Sunday at 5 PM) participants worship and study together to gain a more personal awareness of their faith, as well as the joys and responsibilities which that faith brings. No advance study or preparation is required to participate. The laity-led weekend is centered on talks, both by lay people, and clergy. After each talk participants and staff, in Community Groups, discuss and interact with the ideas presented.

How does Presbyterian Cursillo accomplish its aims?
During the three days of a Cursillo weekend, participants form a small Christian community, worship and study together, and communicate with one another in order to gain a personal, living awareness of their faith as well as the joys and responsibilities such a faith brings. The weekend itself is centered around talks, with some given by lay people and some by clergy. After each talk the participants and staff, in Community Groups, interact with the presentation.

Who goes to the Presbyterian Cursillo?
The weekend is not designed to convert unbelief to belief, or to convert members of other denominations to Presbyterianism. It is intended for adult members of any Presbyterian denomination: who already have faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ; who seek an even closer and more personal relationship with Christ; and who desire to heighten their joy, deepen their faith, and invigorate their life in Christ.

Cursillo is an individual experience that occurs in community. It is not a couples retreat, but because each weekend is as different as the makeup of the particular group of participants and staff, married couples may desire to attend the same weekend if their employment, family responsibilities, and other circumstances permit. The staff of each weekend is comprised of people who have previously attended a Cursillo weekend and who desire to share the experience of Cursillo with others.They have been trained to serve in this leadership role.

How can I attend a Presbyterian Cursillo?
Fill out an application and send it to the registrar noted. Anyone who has previously attended may serve as your sponsor and provide you with details. Presbyterian Cursillo is a part of what the church is doing. Therefore you may want to make your pastor aware of your decision to participate. After applying you will be notified prior to the Cursillo you are scheduled to attend.

How much does it cost?
Costs for the weekend are primarily charges for lodging, meals and the use of the retreat center itself. Since the staff pay for their own expenses, and since much of the material used during the weekend is contributed by fellow Presbyterians, costs are kept to an absolute minimum. Current charge is $215.00 per participant. In order that no one be prohibited because lack of necessary funds, should you need help, a scholarship may be available for either partial or full underwriting of the costs of your attendance.

What happens after Presbyterian Cursillo?
The weekend is only a beginning. What you learn and share during the weekend is intended to be taken back and put into practice in local congregations and communities. You will be supported by many others who have attended a weekend. You will have the opportunity to meet weekly in Community Groups to reinforce one another and to share the Christian life. Further, larger groups meet every four to six weeks to share the joy and fellowship of our faith. The objective of Cursillo is to inspire, challenge, and equip each local church member for Christian action in the church, home, place of work and community.

In Summary
We ask you to keep an open mind and heart in making your decision. Seek God's guidance. Many of those who have attended also wondered whether they should go. Now that they have attended, they want to share this wonderful gift from God with you. One measure of Presbyterian Cursillo's impact is the large majority of participants who want to return to serve on staff at a subsequent weekend. Consider attending a weekend that will truly enrich your faith and life.

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