Cursillo, or “Cursillo de Christianidad,” is defined as a "short course in Christianity.” Begun in Spain in 1949, but now a world-wide movement within the Catholic Church, Cursillo shares the fundamentals of being a Christian as an individual and in community. The Cursillo helps people discover and fulfill their personal and spiritual vocations while fostering groups of Christians who leaven their various/daily environments with the Gospel.
The Cursillo makes it possible for anyone in the world to live a Christian life in a natural way. It is the means through which men and women are able to live the Gospel. “Cursillo is an instrument raised up by God for the proclamation of the gospel in our time.” – Pope Saint John Paul II
Since it is a movement of the Church, the Cursillo Movement has the same apostolic purpose as the Church. As baptized lay Christians, Cursillo prepares men and women to go forth as apostles to proclaim the Gospel. It provides everyone with the training and tools needed to sustain their mission. As Pope Saint Paul VI said: "The Church exists to Evangelize..."
The work of Cursillo is not confined to a three day exercise, but is meant to assist Christians in their apostolic action to make Christ known, loved, and served everywhere. Through our natural gifts, we can all influence our daily environments to be more Christ-like. Cursillo is not an organization one has to join, but is a movement that asks people to live as Christians and be apostolic by using the learned Method on the 3-Day weekend.
The world can be renewed and transformed by Christians who are conscious that they are children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit in whatever they do and with whom they associate. Cursillo is, thus, an instrument of renewal for the world at the disposal of the Church. Laypersons and clergy alike are important instruments of “Christian leaven” in this endeavor in civic, social, and economic life.
There are 3 stages in Cursillo:
- Pre-Cursillo; Before attending a weekend, people are encouraged to share with their friends/family/etc. their Christian journey in a small group setting to share their joy of living a Christian life, and thus encourage others to seek out this joy via Cursillo.
- Cursillo (3-Day); The actual attendance at a Cursillo weekend. During these three days, participants will learn the basic teachings of the Church and the Method of Cursillo that can help them live more faithfully and fruitfully an authentic Christian lifestyle.
- Post-Cursillo (4th Day); To maintain contact with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to sustain and encourage everyone after attending a Cursillo weekend, there are activities in which one can participate to continue their “Fourth Day” journey. Small Group Reunions, Larger Group Ultreyas, and School of Leaders.