|
The
following are thoughts from new Cursillistas who have
just participated in a Cursillo Weekend. The original
submissions may have been slightly modified by the Webmanager.
We first
heard the word “Cursillo” back in the 80’s through
friends (it was then organized by the Roman Catholic
Church). We did not know what it meant and did not ask
questions. Last Fall, we were approached by Harris and
Thelma Huntley of Christ Church in Berwick asking if we
would consider attending Cursillo in the Spring of 2006.
We both said we would be interested and the Huntley’s
obtained the application and information sheets for us.
We were
off to Florida in October, and didn’t give the Cursillo
much thought until we got an email from Father Charles
Bull, our parish minister, who diligently sent us more
forms to fill out, which we did and returned to him
immediately. Good thing, as Marg was the last woman to
be accepted!
Rollie’s Account . . .
I was
happy in my life attending church with my wife (and
grandchildren on occasion), helping out in the Parish
whenever and wherever I could. I arrived on Thursday
night with sleeping bag and baggage and my ‘life’s cloak
of armour around me’ thinking I can accept anything that
was to be presented and would come away a better person
because I BELIEVE. I was instructed that I was to be
seated at the table of St. Francis.
The
evening started with introductions from all,
introductory chats from the team and off to a solemn
communion service. You could feel God’s Grace at the
service. “Oh, what joyous music during the service and
afterwards in the meeting area”.
Welcome
to the St. James Hilton, morning came early especially
if you wanted a hot shower. The first talk on Friday
morning was a reality check for all, as every person
there had a look inward — the looks on faces told all.
And then tears were shed — hearts were opened — souls
bared — God was certainly in our presence, working his
magical power and wonders. By noon, my cloak of armour
had a ‘crack’ in it, as God revealed himself to me (each
person in a different way). By Saturday night my cloak
of armour had been completely broken down. Food — what
can one say, enough to feed the multitudes — quality and
taste beyond belief — anyone on a restricted food intake
sure missed out!!
On
returning home, a very difficult five days as I couldn’t
convey to my wife (who was going the following weekend)
any of the activities of my weekend, only how refreshed
I felt and how glad I was that God had called me to
attend the Cursillo.
Marg’s Account . . .
I went
for my weekend next, delivered by the Huntley’s! It was
a bit confusing at first with 26 candidates plus all of
the support staff vying for floor space for their beds,
etc. Next we were assigned to tables and I was seated at
the table of Ste. Mary Magdalene with six other women,
complete strangers to me. We quickly made acquaintances,
and from then on — we soon became friends.
Friday
morning, what a morning with God showering of love on
me!! This had to be the first opening of the heart for
me and with more to come. The wonderful “talks” by the
laity and spiritual leaders. The abundance of love shown
by other Cursillistas, very overwhelming and the energy
that the whole service emitted especially the music. I
have never experienced such joy in singing and praise,
ever! Also, the greatness of the Spiritual Leaders will
always be with me, my first experience with women
priests, hopefully — not the last!
Lastly,
my thanks go out to the kitchen staff that provided the
physical food and for sharing their joy.
Rollie
and Marg Zwicker (2006)
<Back to Top>
How do you describe
spirituality?
A great bowl, of soup on a
cold day, an evening sunset with the last rays of sun
illuminating the sky, a glorious sunrise on a frosty
winter morning. These I have enjoyed or experienced.
Over the years I have reflected on past experiences. One
of the biggest moments was when I had to rely on a
higher power. At that time I chose to call on “God”
which I did. After a period of time, praying came
easier.
Many parishioners have
spoken to me about Cursillo. I always used the excuse
that I never had the time. The sun rose in the morning,
the moon rose at night, the grass still grew the birds
still sang, the only oddity in this scenario was “ME”.
So on the evening of April 27, 2006 here I was in
Kentville in the Annapolis Valley not knowing not what
to expect.
I believed that my
Christian faith was secure. It had guided me for thirty
plus years. This weekend picked me up then dropped me
down. There was a feeling that came over me, in me or
through me that I have never experienced in my life. My
first high was Friday morning and it continued,
continued, and continued. I do believe that the spirit
of the Lord Jesus Christ was present and came to me in
ways that cannot be explained.
How do you explain the how
thirty-eight men can set at a table in utter silence and
enjoy a meal? How do you explain the emotions expressed
with “Children Watch the Lambs” by Anthony Hill.
There are so many things
taken for granted in this world without giving thanks to
our Creator. The Holy Spirit was present this weekend
and his light shone brightly. Who would have believed
that Christians could have so much fun especially
Anglicans?
Cyril Stillwell (2006)
<Back to Top>
Hi! My name is Catherine Robar. I attended the 27th
Anglican Cursillo at St. James’, Kentville, in 2005,
where I sat at he table of St. Lucy.
I have looked forward for several years to the
opportunity to attend a Cursillo weekend, and finally,
this year, both my husband, Foard, and I were able to
attend. Seven others from our parish (New Germany) also
attended, including my brother and sister-in-law, and
our rector, who was on team. I came with the prayer that
I would be open to whatever was needed to take the next
steps in my walk with Christ. The weekend was a
wonderful refreshing spiritual experience - just what I
needed, at just the right time! I am overwhelmed by the
love and joy that filled us, and humbled by the
awareness of so many prayers that supported us.
It was an unexpected blessing to experience a
wonderful release as I prayed for forgiveness in the
service of reconciliation. Afterwards, I could hardly
sing the hymn “What a Friend we Have in Jesus" through
my tears of joy as the words came alive in a new way.
And then, as if that wasn’t enough, there was even more
peace as I placed the concerns I have for some of my
loved ones in God’s hands at the healing service. I now
realize they always were in His hands, I only thought
they were in mine! Thanks be to God, it’s His job and I
need only be His willing assistant! What a relief to
have that cleared up! To top it all off .... there was
such warmth, such fun, such friendship! I loved the
music! ....the dancing! ...the silliness from 5 of the
kitchen staff, not to mention the excellent food! ....
and let’s not forget the skits! Are you sure this is
part of the Anglican Church?
The Welcome Back Ultreya and the Fourth Day Seminar
confirmed for me that Cursillo is not just a marvelous
one-time experience, but a ‘colourful’ vibrant community
of which I am thankful to be a member. It gives me
joyful hope for the future!
De Colores,
Catherine Robar (2005)
<Back to Top>
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, My name is
Yvonne Timmins and I did the 27th Women’s Cursillo at
St. James in Kentville, April 2005 and I sat at the
table of St. Margaret’s . First would like to thank the
team for the marvelous job they did. I know they put in
a tremendous amount of time and energy into the weekend.
It was such an amazing experience! It was both
exhilarating and exhausting. When I first arrived at St.
James there was an immediate sense of love and warmth
from everyone and there was no awkwardness with not
knowing the others. It was like we were all invited to
this really big party and were so excited. I know God
choose this year for me to attend for a very good
reason. This is the first year in several years that my
husband was at home and was able to attend as well. It
has been wonderful to share this experience as a couple.
We have just finished writing Wheat together to some
teens for the TEC weekend being held May 2005. This is
certainly not something we would have shared before
Cursillo. It was a wonderful opportunity to fellowship
with my sisters in Christ. I met so many new people and
got to see people I had not seen in a long time. The
music was just great so inspirational. Songs of praise
really mean a lot to me. When I wake during the night,
most often there is a song of praise going through my
head. To be woken in the morning with a joyful song was
perfect. The food was excellent but I guess we did not tell the
kitchen ladies that because they went on strike! That
may have had something to do with complaints about NO
TOAST but Lisa did get her “special” toast after all.
Talk about your burnt offerings! It is such a blessing
to be fed by God in such a way and I know this has
helped me to grow as a Christian. I pray that I will be
able to continue to grow in Christ and serve Him for my
4th Day. DeColores Yvonne Timmins (2005)
<Back to Top>
DeColores,
My name is Wayne Taylor. I attended the 27th Men's
Anglican Cursillo weekend at St. James Church, Kentville,
NS in the spring of 2005, where I had the great pleasure
to sit at the table of St. Peter. For me the weekend was
a life changing experience. Before I attended I
considered myself to be a Christian, and was raised in a
Christian home. What I didn't know was that I was a
Christian in my head ( and not a very good one) and not
In my heart. I think I always wanted to be one in my
heart but never seemed to quite get there. The weekend
changed all that, I never before in my life felt so
focused on God. Never felt so accepted and protected. It
was like being in a huge dome of Love that was being
guarded by Angels, and as I came to find out, the
prayers of a multitude of fellow Christians. If I ever
doubted that the power of prayer was real I couldn't
anymore. The thing that amazed me the most was, that it
was like God, correction, that God tailor made a weekend
not only for me but as I came to learn after sharing
with others, for everyone there. It was exactly what was
needed for each individual there, as if the same
painting of an artist touched and spoke to everyone who
saw it in a very personal way, as well as in a very
collective way. I thank God for choosing me to attend
and thank Him for choosing everyone he did to be there
with me, he is very good at finding the right people for
the right jobs. As I now go forward on my fourth day
journey I pray God will help me to do the job he wants
me to do. I'm not sure just yet what exactly he has in
store for me other than to be his ambassador. But I do
know that He Loves me and will always be there for me.
As I struggle with my weakness, if I just remember to
ask he will always give me strength, comfort, joy, and
anything else I may require. God bless everyone I have
met through this experience. Thank you for inviting God
to use you. I am looking forward to seeing those I know
and meeting more brothers and sisters in Christ.
Ultreya!!!! Wayne Taylor (2005)
<Back To Top>
We have often heard
how the Cursillo experience has a profound effect on
those who are fortunate enough to attend. It has
frequently been described as being life-changing;
whether it is a renewal of oneself or an awakening to
the work of God. Since my weekend, the 27th Anglican
Cursillo for Men, held at St. James Church in Kentville,
where I sat at the table of St Peter, I can include
myself in those who have come away with a different
perception of who I am. The Cursillo weekend provided an
awakening for me. Among all of the singing and
welcoming, what I remember the most was what people saw
in me. Recognizing that they saw in me the joy of that
weekend. In the short time since my Cursillo weekend, I
have been reminded on a few occasions that when we turn
to God, the right path will be shown to us. When faced
with a difficult situation, take the time to reflect on
what is happening in our surroundings, ask for help
through prayer and God will be our guide. For myself,
the reflection that I do is not always solitary. I am
fortunate to be able to rely on friends who provide a
different insight or a different perspective. It is this
sense of community that is so important to our
existence, to our life with God; whether it is a small
group of two or three or a large gathering of friends
and family. God does have a plan for us and he is with
us. By trusting in Him, I believe that in due course,
all will be well. DeColores, Mark Grandmaison (2005)
<Back to Top> |
