Cursillo, a “Little Course in Christianity,” is a Lay Catholic movement of friends helping friends grow in Christ and live out shared Christian values in today’s challenging world. Founded in the 1940s on Mallorca, Spain, it has spread worldwide and is active in every US state. Its message is simple yet profound: God, in Christ, loves us deeply just as we are. Through Cursillo, individuals experience ongoing conversion that transforms their families, friends, communities, and workplaces. Cursillistas are called to bring Christ wherever they go. Join the Cursillo community in the Arlington Diocese!
Spring Gatherings: Learn More About Cursillo!
Looking for a way to deepen your relationship with Christ and live your faith more vibrantly in your daily life? Join fellow parishioners this Spring for a series of informal gatherings to learn about the Cursillo (meaning ‘short course’) movement.
When: Three Saturdays | May 30, June 6, June 20
Where: Nativity Church Grotto —Bring a lawn chair!
This movement provides a simple method to help us live what is fundamental to being Christian. Together, we explore the three pillars of Christian life: Piety (recognizing where God is moving in our lives today), Study (growing in our understanding of God and the Church), Action (discovering how to be modern-day apostles in our homes and workplaces).
For more info or to RSVP, please contact: Laura Laverdiere lauralaverdiere@msn.com
The Cursillo Weekend
Many people begin their journey with a Cursillo Weekend, a three-day retreat designed to help you reflect on yourself, your relationship with Christ, and your connection to the Christian community. The Weekend begins with a silent retreat from Thursday evening to Friday morning, followed by a series of short talks and discussions on living faith in daily life. Participants share in small groups, enjoy time for meditation and reconciliation, and gather for meals lovingly prepared by volunteers. Music and singing are a joyful part of the experience—if you play an instrument, you’re encouraged to bring it! Men and women attend separate weekends, creating a safe, supportive, and spiritually enriching environment to grow in Christ’s love.
Onward⇒
After the Cursillo Weekend retreat, your sponsor will help you connect with others through Group Reunions—small weekly gatherings for prayer, study, and sharing how Christ is working in your life.
You can also take part in Ultreyas, which means “onward.” These parish or diocesan gatherings bring the wider Cursillo community together for witness talks, reflection, prayer circles, and fellowship. They are open to everyone, including those who haven’t yet attended a Weekend, and are a great way to learn more about the movement.
Cursillo is a large, welcoming family within the Catholic Church, offering ongoing encouragement to live as joyful witnesses of Christ. Whether through a Weekend, Group Reunion, or Ultreya, Cursillo provides lasting friendships and spiritual renewal. All are welcome!
What Popes Have Said About Cursillo
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- When Saint Pope John XXIII called for Vatican Council II to be held, Cursillo had already spread through five continents. The windows and doors were already open and the Holy Spirit was working. By the time the Vatican Council II implementations were beginning, the Cursillo Movement had stretched from Mallorca, Spain, to 20 countries in five continents.
- Pope Paul VI was the first Pope to give his blessings on the Cursillo Movement. “Cursillos in Christianity! Christ, the Church, the Pope, are counting on you!” (Pope Paul VI, First World Ultreya, Rome, May 28, 1966) “I am therefore delighted to join in your thanksgiving to the Lord for all He has done and never ceases to do in the Church through the Cursillo de Cristiandad.” “This method of Christian teaching commonly called Cursillos in Christianity extends already over a great number of the faithful and has produced abundant fruit: Christian renewal of the family life; vitalization of parishes; faithful observance of duties in private as well as public life. All this has filled with the greatest satisfaction the Bishops and the other shepherds of souls.“
- Saint Pope John Paul II also recognized the valuable gift of Cursillo: “…the Cursillo method aims at helping to transform in a Christian way the milieus where people live and work through the involvement of ‘new men and women’ who have become such from their encounter with Christ. This is the goal of a three-day ‘little course’ on Christianity, in which a team of priests and lay people, supported by the prayer and sacrifices of the movement’s other members, communicate the fundamental truths of the Christian faith in an especially ‘living’ way.“
- Pope Benedict XVI: The Holy Father sends cordial greetings and good wishes to all assembled in Anaheim, California for the Fourth World Ultreya of Cursillo de Cristiandad. He joins Cursillistas from throughout the world in giving thanks to God for all that the Movement has done to enrich the lives of the faithful, stirring in them the fire of love which becomes the energy of mission.
- Pope Francis: “Cursillistas are called to build on the charism the Lord has intrusted to us.“—”Step out of their comfort zone and have the courage to reach all the suburbs that need the light of the Gospel.“—”We give thanks to God for all the fruits that the Cursillo in Christianity Movement has generously given the Church.” June 13, 2011—”The little seed sown in Spain more than 50 years ago has become a great tree rich in fruits of the Spirit.” May 6, 2002—”Cursillo is an instrument raised up by God for the proclamation of the Gospel in our time.“
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact
Laura Laverdiere
Nativity Cursillo Ministry Liaison
lauralaverdiere@msn.com
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