WHO, ME? A SPONSOR?

We hold two Cursillo weekends each year, in spring and fall. And each time, you have the opportunity to share Cursillo with a new candidate by being their sponsor. So… have you sponsored someone to a weekend yet? If so, great! If not, what are you waiting for? You can do it!

Why should I sponsor someone to a Cursillo weekend?
Because Cursillo offers a great gift – an experience of Christian community, on the weekend and afterward, that will support them and help their spiritual growth.

Who would I sponsor?
Look around at church. Who do you know who’s interested in growing spiritually? Who could you be a friend to? Is he or she searching for Christ? Cursillo is for persons who have a Christian commitment and are looking for a renewal or growth in that commitment.

What do I have to do if I’m a sponsor?
First, pray. Ask God to show you whether the time is right for your prospective candidate.

Second, talk to their rector. He or she will need to sign the application form, and may have private knowledge about whether the time is right for that person.

Third, talk to your candidate. Explain what goes on during a weekend, and answer all their questions. We don’t have secrets! People get the most from the weekend if they have some idea what to expect.

Fourth, have your candidate complete the application form. Then get the rector’s signature, complete the sponsor’s section, and mail it in with the fee.

Do I have to pay their registration fee?
That’s between you and the candidate. It’s a lovely gift, if you can do it. Not everyone can. Many candidates pay their own way; sometimes other cursillistas in their parish will chip in to pay it, as a form of palanca.

Speaking of that… Fifth, do palanca. And write your candidate a note or letter telling them about it. (See more about this elsewhere on this page.)

Sixth, arrange a ride for your candidate to Camp Cross & back. Ideally, you’ll take them and bring them home on Sunday.

Seventh, attend the Closing, to be with your new cursillista as they’re presented with their cross. If possible, attend the Mananitas, too.

And then I’m done, right?
No, not for a while. Remember, the whole point of Cursillo is the Fourth Day. As a sponsor, you’re responsible to help your new cursillista find a group reunion, or form one with them. You should also attend Ultreya with them, if there’s one in your area (giving a ride is always helpful).

What’s in it for me?
The joy of hearing from them about the great experience they had, and how much it means to them. Fun and fellowship with your Cursillo community at Mananitas and Closing. Spiritual growth from your own participation in group reunion and Ultreya. What a deal!

Sponsors are vital leaders. Without sponsors we will not have people to attend Cursillo weekends, and our Fourth Day will not grow. So…

Yes, you – a sponsor!

PALANCA NOTES

Each Weekend, we assemble a PAPER CHAIN to make tangible the Cursillo community's prayers and sacrifices for the Weekend. It is presented on Sunday morning, just after the Christian Community in Action talk. If you would like to participate, cut 1" x 6" construction paper strips and link them together, then deliver your chain to any team member. The colors of the strips are as follows:

• Red = 1 participation in Eucharist
• Orange = 1 hour of prayer
• Yellow = 1 hour of action (time spent making palanca, etc.)
• Green = 1 hour of study
• Blue = 1 hour of meditation or reflection
• Purple = 1 hour of fasting

• Debra Brown -- St. Stephen's, Spokane; Sponsors: Steve & Mary Kay Ferrell
  
• Dianne Earll -- St. Stephen's, Spokane; Sponsor: Beth Priest
  
• Steve Joyce -- St. David's, Spokane; Sponsor: John Finlon
  
• Barbara Thaler -- St. John's Cathedral, Spokane; Sponsor: Dugie Shannon