St. James' Parish

Cursillo is...

• an opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality
• a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve Him
• an experience of living and sharing with others in a loving and caring Christian community and realizing that this can be extended into our own environment
• a continuing community that gives support and encouragement empowering the renewed Christians to persevere in carrying out their Baptismal vows

The first Cursillo Weekends were developed in the Roman Catholic Church in Majorca, Spain. Cursillo was brought to the United States by Spanish airmen who were stationed at air bases in Texas in the early 1940's. The first official Cursillo Weekend in The Episcopal Church was conducted with help from Roman Catholic sponsors in the Diocese of Iowa. Episcopal Cursillo came to the Diocese of Maryland in 1979 and operates under the direction of the Bishop.

Cursillo includes a three-day weekend which begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday. During these three days, talks are given by lay persons and clergy who have spent time working together carefully planning and preparing for the Weekend. The Cursillo weekend is not a retreat. There is no fasting. The weekend is an opportunity to meet clergy and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith. It provides an opportunity through shared prayer, worship, study, fellowship, laughter, tears, and love to experience the reality of the gift of God's love freely and unconditionally given. For additional information please contact Joe Carta - jdcarta@hotmail.com or any of the clergy at St. James'. You can also gather additional info at the Maryland Episcopla Cursillo web page: www.cursillo.ang-md.org