Inspire Evening at St. Teresa of Avila, Auburn
On Saturday, July 8, 2023, our Cursillo Secretariat was allowed to make a presentation to the parishioners of St. Teresa’s who were interested in finding out a little more about our Cursillo charism. We combined this presentation with an ultreya and were blessed to have a total attendance of about 40 people. About 25 Cursillistas came up the mountain to join us at Mass and the ultreya afterwards, and about 15 came from the local parish. Fr. Arbel Cabasagan, the parish priest opened us in prayer. We served pizza and soda to all attendees.
Michael Faber served as MC and keynote speaker, and we also heard presentations from Jeff Williams, Monica Small, Kathy Bauer and her husband Ron, both rector and rectora for this year’s weekend.
WB Heilmann led us in country gospel worship hymns between presentations.
During the entire event, Chris Juten and Manny Duenas prayed for the event and prayed for individuals seeking hands on intercessory prayer. Seven people availed themselves of the opportunity.
Afterward, participants indicated if they were interested in learning more. Two men from Auburn are interested in attending the weekend, and one Auburn lady was interested in joining a womens 4th day group in Rocklin. Several other potential Cursillo weekend prospects drove up to Auburn and solidified their desire to attend a weekend. Overall, it was a joy filled event.
Sponsorship
Make a Friend, Be a Friend and Bring a Friend to Christ
“The purpose (or goal) of the Movement is to make Christian community possible in neighborhoods, parishes, work situations and other places where people live the greater part of their lives. It makes possible for anyone in the world to live a Christian life in a natural way.” (Cursillo Leaders’ Manual-page 13.)
The purpose of sponsoring is to evangelize others and offer Candidates a method to continue their spiritual growth. A Sponsor is willing to identify through friendship, fellow Catholics who have the desire to be an integral part of their environments and bring the love of Christ to the world.
Know your Candidate
Sponsoring your Candidate should be viewed as a deliberate act to bring Christ into the world. Therefore, a Candidate should be a friend with whom a Sponsor has a personal connection. Your Candidate will become the agent for change in their families, work situations, neighborhood, social gatherings, etc. Your Candidate should be open to becoming an active participant in a Group Reunion, Ultreyas and School of Leaders. Your Candidate will become part of the Cursillo Christian community and look to you as their Sponsor for support throughout their faith journey.
Candidates who should be considered:
Fellow Catholics who have a natural inclination to spiritually influence their environments. Individuals who have a deep personality, are able to make their own decisions, and are “Christ Centered.” Individuals seeking a closer relationship with Christ through a supportive Christian community.
Candidates who are eligible to attend a Weekend:
Anyone who is eligible to receive the Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. The ordinary Catholic, meaning an individual trying to live the Catholic ideal to the best of their ability.
Candidates who should delay attending a Weekend:
- Non-practicing Catholics who are not eligible for the Sacraments
- Those who have a physiological or emotional problem
- Those who have a deep drinking, drug or moral problem
- Those who have a major marital problem
- Candidates age and physical condition: Youthful candidates should have sufficient life experiences to integrate the Cursillo method into their lives. Seniors should carefully consider their medical condition and the possible physical strain of the Weekend.
Registration process:
Review the Registration Process document and contact the Precursillo Chair at
About PreCursillo
Chair and Committee
The PreCursillo Chair is a member of the Secretariat of the Sacramento Diocese Catholic Cursillo Movement. The Secretariat is the local diocesan administrative board.
The PreCursillo Chair and Committee work on all activities concerning the initial education of Candidates and Sponsors wishing to better understand the Cursillo Movement and attend a Cursillo Weekend.
The Committee convenes during the School of Leaders meetings to brainstorm and discuss issues surrounding the PreCursillo section of the Movement. All Cursillistas wishing to assist the Movement in this area, or simply learn about the charism and its intended method are encouraged to attend the School of Leaders.
If you are interested in learning more about the Cursillo Movement contact your Cursillo Parish Representative or the PreCursillo Chair at
Parish Representative
Coordinator and Parish Representatives
The Cursillo Parish Representative coordinator facilitates communication within the diocese between parish representatives, the PreCursillo Chair, and the Secretariat.
Parish Representatives should be considered Cursillo resources for their respective parishioners. The Parish Representative will provide information about the Movement, its charism and method, as well as field inquiries from fellow parishioners about scheduled Weekends.
A Parish Representative may be requested to assist a prospective Weekend Candidate to better understand the Movement and make introductions to fellow Cursillistas interested in sponsorship.
Those interested in becoming a Parish Representative Coordinator or Parish Representative should contact the PreCursillo Chair at
Sponsor Checklist
First and foremost, a Sponsor should ensure a Candidate is eligible to attend a Cursillo weekend before proceeding with the registration process.
It is recommended that sponsorship be limited to one Candidate per weekend. In your efforts to meet all of your responsibilities and obligations to each Candidate, such as providing opportunities for joining a Group Reunion and information about Ultreyas and School of Leaders you may find it necessary to secure a Co-sponsor.
Sponsors are expected to participate at a scheduled Sponsor's Workshop and attend the pre-determined Sponsors’ Night meeting before their Candidate's weekend.
On behalf of your Candidate, a Sponsor will be expected to submit all registration documents as one complete package. Please refer to the Registration Process document below for further details, contact your parish representative or contact the PreCursillo Chair for direction.
Know Your Candidate and:
Evaluate: Determine if your Candidate is eligible and ready for a three day Cursillo experience (See Eligibility below). Explain the movement.
Explore: Discuss the impact that the Cursillo Movement and a Weekend may have on your Candidate’s life.
Family: Discuss your Candidate''s concerns and family needs during their absence.
Health: Discuss health and medical concerns of your Candidate.
Cost: Advise the cost is $330 for room and board, single occupancy for the weekend.
Deposit: Advise the deposit is $100 and needed to accompany their registration packet.
Assistance: Ask your Candidate about any financial concerns they may have meeting the costs of their participation.
Palanca: Offer prayer and sacrifice for your Candidate before, during and after their participation.
Eligibility Requirements for Cursillo Candidates:
Age 21 is recommended, but the maturity of each Candidate should be evaluated with his/her Sponsor.
Baptized Roman Catholic eligible to receive the Sacraments with an expressed desire to grow spiritually.
In a state of physical and emotional health conducive to full participation during the Weekend; concerns should be discussed with his/her Sponsor.