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Cursillo Weekends
What is the Cursillo Movement?
The National Cursillo Movement (NCM) is a Catholic movement that offers a three-day weekend experience called a Cursillo. This weekend retreat aims to deepen faith, encourage Christian living, and foster a community of believers who support each other in their spiritual journey.
The Diocese of Erie Cursillo Movement
We are blessed to have Cursillo so available to the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Erie. Visit the diocesan website using the button below
Cursillo in our parish
A Cursillo weekend is an experience of the heart. Read over the reflection below by parishioner Jeff Nelson to get a better understanding of Cursillo. (Presented to the parish at Mass on Father's Day 2025).
Cursillo Weekend Mass Talk Jeff Nelson
Hello everyone! My name is Jeff Nelson, and I am grateful to Father Mark who has allowed me a few moments to talk to you about the Cursillo movement.
Cursillo, which means “short course,” having started in Spain in the 1940’s, is a lay movement within the Catholic Church. The Cursillo movement came to the United States in 1957, and shortly after to our diocese in 1963. While Catholic in nature, people of all denominations are warmly welcomed to experience this retreat.
The Cursillo Movement and its method of spirituality is highly encouraged by within our church and has been strongly supported by our diocese and our bishop. In fact, thousands of believers and non-believers in our diocese, along with numerous priests, deacons and religious have made a Cursillo weekend, including Father Mark, Deacon David, and many of our parishioners praying with us at Mass today.
A Cursillo is a three-day spiritual retreat. Its purpose is to foster a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Those who experience the Cursillo weekend know it is more than just three days of religious instruction. It is an effort to change the spiritual environment of our personal lives, and to bring Jesus into the world.
A Cursillo weekend is held separately for men and women so that we can have the freedom to be ourselves.
Cursillo weekends are open to all adults, age 18 and older, who have the desire to re-energize their faith in their daily lives. The weekend is made up of teams of ordinary Christians just like you and me. We are neither religious zealots ---nor are we saints. We have all struggled with our faith in our own personal ways, and after a weekend have found ourselves deeply renewed and at peace. All of who have made a Cursillo share one thing in common at the beginning of the weekend: That we want to face the challenge to be a better person, -----a better Christian, -----a better Catholic, in a world torn away from God’s love and mercy.
From Friday morning until Sunday evening, lay people and clergy live and work together to gain a deep, permanent, living awareness of the treasure and responsibility of their faith. We begin the weekend as total strangers. The weekend features a series of talks and discussions, times for singing, --- times of laughter and joy and----- yes, sometimes there are those moments of healing tears. The Cursillo movement is built upon a tripod of study, piety and action and we come to learn how incorporating these three things into our lives can truly enrich and change your understanding and practice of your faith.
Throughout the weekend a transformation takes place: Strangers become friends and “Sunday” Catholics become everyday Catholics. Candidates often come with many questions and some apprehensions, but they leave full of joyful enthusiasm determined to extend God’s kingdom.
The next Men’s Cursillo is just a month away, on July 18th 19th & 20th, and will be serving retreatants from Crawford County and beyond. The retreat weekend will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Harborcreek PA. As a support, our very own Knights of Columbus have graciously offered to cover the $125 cost to anyone from St. Antony's, St. Bernadette, or Our Lady of the Lake, wanting to attend. Please prayerfully consider joining me on this inspiring weekend.
Gentlemen, I truly cannot think of a better Father’s Day gift you could give to yourself or your family, than by signing up to attend this Cursillo. I can tell you that for me… it changed my life. And Lady’s --please don’t feel left out! The next women’s Cursillo will be held on the weekend of Oct 17th 18th & 19th with the Knights of Columbus also offering to cover the cost. Also, the rule of a husband needing to make a Cursillo before their wife can make theirs has been removed ---so you may go at any time.
You will find information on the Erie Cursillo website at www.eriecursillo.org along with sign-up forms. My wife and I will be in the gathering space to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and GOD bless you as you consider this powerful opportunity to become a stronger follower of Jesus Christ within the community of our Church.
Connect with Jeff for more information
If you have any questions on making a Cursillo weekend, or any aspect of the movement, please feel free to contact Jeff Nelson by calling our parish office at 814-734-3113. We will be happy to connect you to him.