Who can attend a Cursillo Weekend

There are no restrictions, age or otherwise, on those who can attend a Cursillo weekend. All that is necessary is that a candidate has the personality and maturity to hear and absorb the Cursillo message. Candidates for Cursillo weekends are recommended by sponsors who co-sign the candidate applications. The sponsor knows if the candidate is ready to experience a weekend. The candidate is also told that although it is a weekend where daily mass will be celebrated and the sacraments of the Catholic Church will be discussed in part, it is not a course about the Catholic Church; the focus is primarily on basic Christian truths common to all Christian traditions. If a candidate is married, it is highly recommended that both make a Cursillo.

What happens on a Cursillo Weekend?

First let's begin with what Cursillo is.  Cursillo is Spanish for short course in Christianity. That my friend is exactly what a Cursillo weekend is all about.  It is a short course in Christianity designed to help you understand our faith, your responsibility in sharing that faith and will provide you the tools to do so.  Now don't let this scare you, you will not be asked to do anything special to do this.  When we say we will give you the tools to share your faith we mean we will help you understand the need to be informed in your faith so you may share it with others in your actions and words during the normal activities of our life. 

The Cursillo weekend begins on a Thursday evening.  There is a short "get to know you meeting" and then you will begin a short retreat phase.  The weekend is filled with daily Mass, prayer times and meditations.  A good part of each day is spent listening to talks with group discussion after each talk.  There are three meal times daily which is a great time to make new friends and also to get to know the team members as well.  You will be well cared for and, should you be following a dietary regimen, the selection at meal times should accommodate you, or your own special food items can be stored and prepared by the catering staff.  The weekend ends late Sunday afternoon.

You will need to be sponsored.  A sponsor must be a Cursillista - someone who has made a Cursillo.  Your sponsor will explain the need for a sponsor.  An application for the weekend must be submitted by using either the on-line form (see Application Area on this page) or a paper copy sent in by regular mail by your sponsor. The only other requirement: bring an open mind and open heart with you to the weekend.

One last thing – no one is too well informed or too spiritual to make a Cursillo.  There are priests and religious who make their Cursillo as well as lay teachers of the faith. There are people who know very little and those who know a great deal.  No matter your knowledge of the faith or your spirituality, Cursillo could be for you.