What is an Ultreya?

The Ultreya is a ‘gathering of the groups'. Simply put, it is a gathering of all cursillistas (those who have made a Cursillo) in the community.

Generally the ultreya begins with an opening prayer and welcome. Then everyone breaks up into smaller discussion groups of about 4 or 5 to share what they have been living on their faith journey during the past week or so. We gather again in the larger group to listen to a short witness talk followed by a few affirmations. Finally we end with a closing prayer and prayers of petitions. Ultreyas last about an hour. The main (diocesan-wide) weekly ultreya is held on Wednesdays beginning at 7pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 153 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. There are also several regional or parish ultreyas which meet monthly. See the listing below.

Ottawa and Area Ultreyas

The Ultreya, together with Group Reunion, make up the Cursillo Method, unique to Cursillo, and help Cursillistas to persevere on their ‘Fourth Day' pilgrimage. The Ultreya is a meeting place for Christians who share a common experience and goal. The Ultreya is where we renew friendships and where we are inspired by the ‘story' of a fellow pilgrim whose testimony is supported by others. It can also be the place to start a new Group Reunion for those seeking "companions on the journey". Ultreyas can be weekly or monthly—whatever meets the needs of the Cursillo community. Sometimes called ‘the gathering of the groups', ultreyas are a great place to receive (and give) support, especially for those not yet in a group or between groups. An ultreya has three basic parts; meeting and sharing in floating group reunions, listening to a witness (Fourth Day) talk and the responses, and praying together with community intentions.
‘Ultreya' means ‘onward' or ‘keep on going'. Come whenever you can to a gathering in friendship where you will be encouraged on your pilgrimage. See the list below.

 

PARISH & LOCATION	DAY	MASS	ULTREYA	CONTACT
Central	Wednesdays	7:00pm	7:30pm	Bernie Reilander
Our Lady of Fatima				820-2228
153 Woodroffe Ave.
St. John the Apostle	1st Saturday	9:00am	9:30am	Patricia O'Regan
2340 Baseline Rd.				820-4061
St. Elizabeth	3rd Saturday	9:00am	9:30am	Paul & Marlene
Leaside at Merivale		Liturgy		Pignat 728-2529
St. Mary	3rd Monday	7:30pm		Iris Callaghan-Boles
28 Hawthorn St.				257-7362
Carleton Place