Cursillo is a “Movement of the Catholic Church that, with its own method, makes it possible to live what is fundamental for being a Christian..” The method helps to create communities of Christians who are interested in bringing the Good News to their environments as they grow and become authentic Christians themselves. This goal is accomplished by the Cursillo method of fostering piety, study, and action through the various groups and structures of the movement. Let’s take a closer look at these groups and structures to understand how each one does its part to achieve this goal.

Secretariat

The purpose of the secretariat is to develop and carry out a pastoral plan for the movement, and oversee the Cursillo structures in order to implement the three phases which are … Pre-Cursillo, Cursillo weekend, and Post-Cursillo. The pastoral plan is under the direction of the local bishop and must be faithful to the essence, purpose, and method of the movement.

The Cursillo Weekend

The Cursillo weekend is a short course in Christianity. The purpose of the weekend is to facilitate an encounter with Christ in order to experience a full and progressive renewal of baptismal commitments. The focus of the weekend is initially the individual’s relationship with Christ, then the development of the Christian Ideal, and finally the application of this ideal to their environment. The three day weekend is also the bridge connecting the pre-cursillo phase with the supportive post-cursillo community.

School of Leaders

The purpose of School of Leaders is to empower Cursillistas who will then be better prepared to serve the movement, nourish and enliven their 4th day community. The School of Leaders also provides valuable input to the Secretariat through focus groups that support the three phases of Cursillo.

Group Reunion

There are several forms of Group Reunions that support the Cursillistas in both their personal Christian life and the focused activities that reach beyond the Cursillo Community.

• Reunion of Friends is an ongoing group that builds up the individual Cursillista through the sharing of piety, study and action as a group of supportive friends.
• Environmental Groups are groups of Christians that gather to sanctify and evangelize their shared environment or common cause. We do this by putting into practice “make a friend, be a friend, and bring a friend to Christ,” thereby establishing and expanding environmental groups.
• Reunion of Leaders are groups of Christian Leaders who meet together to enrich the Christian program, organization or cause that they commit their time and talent to. This is accomplished through prayer, planning and ongoing support of each other.
• Focus Group is a group that comes together for a specific purpose and length of time.

Ultreya

The purpose of the Ultreya is to build unity and perseverance in the community through the sharing of piety, study and action, followed by witnessing and discussion. The Ultreya also provides a place for new people to make friendships, to join or form Group Reunions. Ultreya’s are regularly held in several NH communities. Annual state wide Ultreya’s are held to bring the NH communities together. Ultreya’s are open to all Catholics.

To learn more about Cursillo, visit: nhcursillo.org