FAQ
What Is Louisiana Presbyterian Cursillo?
Presbyterian Cursillo is a purposefully designed method for renewing the faith of individuals and, through the individuals, the environments in which they live and work.
“Cursillo” (pronounced cur-see-oh) means a short course in living the Christian faith. It is designed to provide a framework for the development and renewal of Christians in the local church and in the world.
The Cursillo idea and method were born in Spain in the 1940’s. Cursillo spread quickly to South, Central and North America. It was adapted and adopted by Protestants in this country beginning in the 1970’s. Millions of Christians in some fifty nations have attended a Cursillo or a Cursillo-like weekend.
How Does Louisiana Presbyterian Cursillo Accomplish It’s Aims?
During the three days of a Cursillo weekend participants form a small Christian community, worship and study together and communicate with one another in order to gain a personal, living awareness of their faith and the joys and responsibilities such a faith brings. The weekend is centered around talks given by lay people and clergy. After each talk the participants, in small groups, discuss the presentation. The weekend also involves worship and memorable music.
Who Goes To Presbyterian Cursillo?
Cursillo is not designed to convert from unbelief to belief. It is intended for members of a Presbyterian Church who seek continued growth in their faith and commitment. Cursillo’s goal is to guide participants into an even closer and more personal relationship with Christ, and to heighten their joy, deepen their faith and invigorate their life in Christ. Cursillo intends to return participants to all the environments in which they have influence and, through them, to affect those environments in a Christian manner. Both single and married persons are welcome. Married couples should attend together, if possible. The staff is composed of clergy and lay persons who have previously attended a weekend and have been trained to serve in this leadership role.
How Can I Attend a Presbyterian Cursillo?
Fill out the application found on this website under the “registration” tab. Anyone who has previously attended may serve as a sponsor and provide you with details. After applying, you will be notified at least five weeks prior to the Cursillo you are scheduled to attend.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs for the weekend are primarily the charges for lodging, meals and use of the retreat center. Since the staff pay their own expenses, and since much of the material used during the weekend is contributed by fellow Presbyterians, costs are kept to a minimum. In order that no one be prohibited because of expense, a scholarship may be available for either partial or full underwriting of the cost of your attendance. You may discuss a scholarship with the Registrar.
What Happens After Presbyterian Cursillo?
The weekend is only a beginning. What you learn and share during the weekend is intended to be taken and put into practice in your local congregations and communities. You will be supported by many others who have attended a Cursillo. You will have the opportunity to meet weekly in small groups to reinforce one another and to share the Christian life. Larger groups meet every four to six weeks to share the joy and fellowship of our faith. The objective of Cursillo is to inspire, challenge and equip each local church member for Christian action in the church, home, place of work and community.
In Summary
Seek God’s guidance in making your decision. Many of those who have attended wondered whether they should go. Now that they have attended, they want to share this wonderful gift from God with you. One measure of Cursillo’s impact is the large number of participants who want to return to serve on staff at a subsequent weekend. Consider attending a weekend that will truly enrich your faith and life.