2025 Women's Weekend Rectora
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
My name is Mary Palmer and I have been given the honor of being the Rectora for this year’s Women’s Cursillo, which will take place on the weekend of October 23 - 26, 2025. I have chosen the scripture quote above as the focus of the weekend.
I lived my Cursillo in the spring of 2019 and had an encounter with the Holy Spirit that has changed my life. Since then, I am constantly aware of God’s presence in my life and have learned to surrender. I surrender my troubles as well as my joys to Jesus, who always has my back. I served on the women’s team the last four years and have met so many wonderful, beautiful, holy women! I also serve the Cursillo movement as the Secretariat treasurer and occasionally sing with the band.
I am a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Elk Grove, where I have served as cantor, for 33 years. Another of my ministries that is dear to my heart is that of bringing the Eucharist to those who are homebound. What a privilege it is to carry Jesus to others!
I am married with three grown children and have recently become a grandma! It is in regard to my children and new grandson that I have truly learned to surrender. I pray for them all the time, and put them in God’s hands. He loves them more than I ever could.
Pope Francis has designated the jubilee year of 2025 as one focused on our being Pilgrims of Hope. As we go as missionary disciples to share this hope of salvation, we must surrender ourselves to the Lord as well as those to whom we minister.
Not long ago, I discovered the hymn, I Surrender All, which was first published back in 1896. This beautiful song speaks to my heart and will be our theme song for the weekend.
Please keep both the men’s and women’s teams in prayer as we begin our team formation. Share Cursillo with others. Go out and make a friend, be a friend, and bring a friend to Christ by sponsoring a candidate for the 2025 Cursillos.
DeColores!