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 What is Cursillo?

The Cursillo Movement is a lay movement within the Catholic Church that explores the fundamentals of what being a Christian means as an individual and in community. Cursillo helps participants acquire the knowledge and conviction to live their faith more deeply and actively in their daily lives.
Through a three-day Cursillo weekend, participants take the time to have an encounter with themselves, with God and with others. Talks on various topics given by priests, deacons and laypersons deal with life, the Catholic faith and methods of bringing Christ into the modern world. After the weekend, Ultreyas, or small group reunions, provide an ongoing spiritual community of support.

HUNTERSVILLE — My first encounter with the Cursillo movement occurred when I was newly ordained. I had been assigned as parochial vicar at Holy Family parish in Clemmons, and the Cursillo community was quite active there. I had never really heard of Cursillo, and from my interactions with the parish community, I thought “these are nice folks, but they are kind of out there!”

One of the first things I was asked to do as a new priest was to “make” a Cursillo weekend; to participate in the three-day retreat. I was a bit hesitant, but my pastor encouraged me, and so I agreed.

It was a phenomenal weekend, and in retrospect, it very much helped me become the priest I am today. I went on to serve as the diocesan spiritual advisor and served as the spiritual advisor for many weekends over the years.

Born in revolution

The movement began in Spain during a very difficult time in that country. Spain was recovering from its revolution, which was very anti-Catholic. The faith was in shambles there in many respects. Yet, as has always been the case when the Church undergoes persecution, the Lord leaves a remnant. That was certainly the case in Spain. A group of committed Catholics got together and realized that they needed to do something to revitalize the faith.

The word “cursillo” is a Spanish word that means “short course.” At its foundation, the Cursillo weekend is a short course in the Christian life. Those three days introduce individuals to a deeper understanding of their faith, the Church, and their role as active members of a Christian community. Through this movement, individuals are invited to undergo a spiritual renewal that extends far beyond the retreat itself, influencing the way they live their daily lives.

Fostering relationships

The importance of the Cursillo Movement can be understood in various dimensions, particularly in its role in personal transformation, faith formation and community building. First and foremost, Cursillo is designed to foster a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The retreat is a time of intense reflection, prayer and spiritual guidance, during which participants are invited to reconsider their lives, priorities and faith journey. Through meditations, talks and group discussions, individuals are encouraged to encounter Christ in a personal and intimate way.

This experience often leads to a profound spiritual awakening, inspiring participants to live more intentionally as Christians.

Another crucial aspect of the Cursillo Movement is its focus on faith formation and education. The retreat provides a solid foundation in the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping individuals understand key aspects of their faith, such as the sacraments, Scripture and Catholic doctrine. However, the movement goes beyond merely transmitting knowledge; it encourages participants to live out these teachings. This emphasis on not just knowing but actively practicing one’s faith sets Cursillo apart from many other spiritual experiences.

The movement’s motto, “Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ,” captures its ethos of fostering relationships that can support and nurture one’s faith in a community context. I can certainly attest to this in the lives of many people I have encountered through Cursillo over the years.

Building community — and leaders

The Cursillo Movement also plays a pivotal role in community building. One of the most distinctive features of Cursillo is the creation of small, faith-sharing groups that continue to meet long after the retreat. These groups, called group reunions and Ultreya meetings, provide ongoing support and accountability, creating a network of Christians who encourage and challenge one another in their spiritual lives.

This sense of belonging to a supportive Christian community is essential for maintaining and growing in faith. It counteracts the isolation that many people experience in their personal spiritual journeys by offering a space where individuals can freely share their struggles, successes and prayers.

Furthermore, the Cursillo Movement encourages laypeople to take an active role in evangelizing and renewing their communities, emphasizing that the responsibility of spreading the Gospel does not lie solely with clergy and religious. This has resulted in a more vibrant lay community in many parishes and dioceses. Cursillo encourages participants to be leaders in their homes, workplaces and social circles, bringing the light of Christ into all areas of life.

Finally, the global nature of the Cursillo Movement highlights its importance in fostering a sense of universal Catholic solidarity. It transcends national and cultural boundaries, with Cursillo movements present in over 80 countries around the world. This international dimension promotes a sense of unity, as participants are united by a shared mission and a common faith. It has become a vehicle for global evangelization, inspiring countless people to live out their faith in practical, meaningful ways.

Even though I began as a doubter, I can sincerely say that the Cursillo Movement holds a crucial place in the life of the Church due to its emphasis on personal spiritual renewal, deepened faith, active community involvement and lay leadership. It invites individuals into a transformative relationship with Christ and equips them to live out their faith with purpose and intention.

Through its enduring impact, Cursillo continues to shape the lives of countless Catholics, fostering stronger communities and a more engaged global Church. Cursillo can make a difference in your life, too.

—  Father John Putnam, Special to the Catholic News Herald. Father John Putnam is pastor of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville and judicial vicar for the Diocese of Charlotte.

More online

At www.charlottecursillo.com: Learn more about the Cursillo Movement in our diocese

En www.charlottediocese.org/espanol/grupos-apostolicos: Obtenga más información sobre el movimiento Cursillo en nuestra diócesis