Pilgrimage FAQ

What is Presbyterian Pilgrimage?
The Pilgrimage (Cursillo) weekend is a three-day journey for participants into an even closer, more personal relationship with Christ; deepening their faith, heightening their joy and invigorating their life. This short course in living the Christian Faith is designed for Presbyterians, to provide a framework for the development of Christians who will make a difference in their local church and in the world. Consider attending a weekend that will enrich your faith and your life.

The mission of Pilgrimage is spiritual renewal in the Presbyterian Church. However, the weekend is open to Presbyterians and members of other Christian churches. Many of those who attended a weekend wondered whether they should go, how they could get away for three-days, or what they would experience. Each weekend has proven the Pilgrimage (Cursillo) method and format to be a unique experience of God’s love and care, that renews and changes lives. We ask you to keep an open mind and heart as you seek God's guidance in making your decision about participating in a Pilgrimage weekend.

Over 150 members from our church have attended one of the 18 Chicagoland Presbyterian Pilgrimage (Cursillo) weekends. One measure of the impact of Pilgrimage is the many participants who want to share this wonderful gift from God with you, and return to serve on staff at a subsequent weekend. We hope you will plan to participate in the Pilgrimage this year.

How does Presbyterian Pilgrimage accomplish its aims?
During the three days of a Pilgrimage 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 interact with the presentation in a small group setting.

Who Attends Presbyterian Pilgrimage?
Presbyterian Pilgrimage is 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. Pilgrimage follows the “Cursillo” (pronounced Kursee-yo) method and program, meaning a short course in the Christian faith. Cursillo 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 using different names. Presbyterian Pilgrimage 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. Our mission and method remains the same as Cursillo - spiritual renewal in our local Church, through spiritual renewal of individuals in the church.

During the 72 hours of the Pilgrimage weekend (Thursday at 5 p.m. thru Sunday at 5 p.m.) 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, discuss and interact with the ideas presented in a small group setting.

How can I attend a Presbyterian Pilgrimage?
Fill out an application and send it to the registrar. Anyone who has previously attended may serve as your sponsor and provide you with details. Presbyterian Pilgrimage 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 Pilgrimage 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 $245.00 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 Pilgrimage?
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 Pilgrimage is to inspire, challenge, and equip each local church member for Christian action in the church, home, place of work and community.