October 15, 2006

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Another gorgeous autumn day in the Southern Tier. Unlike our Buffalo friends, no snow yet although its beginning to get chilly in the evenings.

Fr. Peter and I walked the 6.2 mile CROP Walk route through Bath today.

I've been trying to exercise regularly since getting the word that I have diabetes a month or so ago - but this walk was a stretch for me. Gotta burn those carbs, check my blood glucose and take the meds. Hopefully, I'll use this as an incentive to lose a pound or two.

Ray

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Bulletin: October 15, 2006

October 15, 2006

CURSILLO - A SHORT COURSE IN CHRISTIAN LIVING

This week I want to share my delight that soon a Men’s Cursillo will take place right here at St. Mary’s. It will be the 81st such weekend for men since Cursillo took root in our diocese in about 1965. I made Men’s Cursillo #10 at the former Carmelite Monastery in Waverly in 1970 and have remained close to this international movement ever since.
Cursillo is a Spanish term that is translated “short course.”  Quite different from what you may have experienced on a retreat, Cursillo is rather a short intensive course in Christian living that is offered over a three day weekend. During the Cursillo, participants not only learn about, but personally experience the joy and spiritual enrichment that is possible when we live in a closer relationship with Christ and are nourished by a supportive community of friends who share our faith, values and sacramental life.

On a Cursillo weekend, a series of spiritual, theological and witness talks are given by a team of lay people and clergy who have formed specifically for this unique weekend. For months before a Cursillo, the team (fifteen to twenty in number), prepares for this one weekend by praying together, rehearsing and critiquing each other’s talks and building a dynamic small Christian community.

The series of fourteen talks are called “rollos” (pronounces roy-os) delivered over the “three days.” The talks present an review of our Catholic Christian beliefs and the dynamic role of the laity within the Church as envisioned by Vatican II.   Other topics include: an updated understanding of “Grace”, the power of both personal and community prayer and the Sacraments. Also introduced is a simple but very powerful formula for evangelizing family, parish and workplace and a method for keeping the spirit of your Cursillo experience alive after you “come down from the mountain.”
Three members of our parish: Fr. John Wydeven, Bill Grimmer and Alan Hall will be part of the team for Men’s #81 and so far Fr. Peter and two other parishioners, Al Hanning and Paul Wolfe have registered.  Many others are considering attending the Cursillo weekend but time is drawing near and spots are filling up as Men from throughout the diocese plan to journey to Bath for their Cursillo weekend.

If you believe that God might be calling you to a closer relationship, or that you could use a “short course in Catholic living” do not miss this weekend. Contact Fr. John, Bill, Al, me, or anyone you know who has made a Cursillo for a sponsorship application. You will never regret the “loss of a free weekend” and never forget the weekend of your Cursillo.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.
Deacon Ray