The Little Course.

Cursillo is a Spanish word which translated literally means little course. The full name for the event is Cursillo de Christiandad or little course in Christian living. its name is Spanish because the Cursillo movement orginated in Mallorca, Spain.

The focus of Cursillo is to provide an opportunity for individual growth and learning, to supplement what we learn in our own church. We become equipped to provide leadership in our congregation to strengthen and renew the faith of our fellow Christians, and through them, their families, and the environment in which we live, work, and play.

What Happens?

Cursillo begins on a Thursday evening and runs through Sunday afternoon. It is in a retreat setting, away from the bustle of everyday life, yet it is not a retreat. It is an experience of Christian community, and a time of instruction in the basics of our faith.

It is a weekend of worship, music, reflection, discussion, prayer and fellowship.

Lay and clergy tems prepare the program and talks. They cover such subjects as ideals, grace, obstacles to grace, piety, study, action, sacraments, leaders, evangelizing environments, the church, and Christianity in action. The talks are followed by discussion in small groups.

Who Can Attend?

Cursillo is open to any adult (18+) baptized Christian. All the worship services, including daily Eucharist, are standard Episcopalian liturgies and will feel familiar to anyone from the Episcopal, Roman Catholic or Lutheran churches.

(Christians from more evangelical churches are quite welcome, but should be aware that the worship will be in a style different from theirs, and that the Sacraments talk will discuss the seven sacraments recognized by the Episcopal Church.   If that will be difficult for them, they may feel more at home attending a weekend of The Walk With Christ -- a movement in eastern Washington that is very similar to Cursillo but designed with a more evangelical approach.)

A potential participant (candidate) makes application through someone who has completed a weekend, who acts as a sponsor. Potential sponsors pray for God's direction and guidance in bringing participants to Cursillo. The ultimate decision about who goes and when is up to God, whose timing is perfect!

If you believe you would find a Cursillo weekend useful in your walk with Christ and the Church, ask your priest for the names of people in your church who have completed a weekend, or contact our webmaster for the name of someone in your church or parish who can sponsor you for a weekend.