As part of its quarterly outreach to the Diocese, the Trenton Cursillo Movement will host a Cursillo Diocesan Mass at 8 p.m. Sept. 7 in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, Hamilton.
Cursillo, which is Spanish for “short course,” began more than 45 years ago in post-World War II Spain as a three-day weekend of intense spiritual reflection. The worldwide movement was adopted by the Diocese of Trenton in 1971 as a Spanish-language outreach, and the following year was introduced in English.
The goal of Cursillo movement members – known as cursillistas – is to grow in relationship with God, following the tripod method of study, piety and action to witness to God’s calling, said Mary Weis, diocesan Cursillo lay director.
“Community and fellowship are vital to help us deepen our faith,” she explained, “so we come together regularly to support and encourage one another through prayer and small group gathering.”
This is reinforced through receiving the Sacraments, praying the Rosary and the Way of the Cross, and for retreat weekends that consist of prayer, meditation, presentations led by lay and spiritual directors, and small group discussions. Cursillo leaders also meet monthly throughout the year in Epiphany Parish, Brick, for continuing education and Mass. Members in the same geographic area – an Ultreya – gather periodically for reinforcement of the Cursillo weekend tenets.
Quarterly, Trenton Cursillo celebrates Mass in different parishes to spread the movement throughout the Diocese.
For more information about the Diocese of Trenton’s Cursillo Movement, visit trentoncursillo.org, or email trentoncursillo@gmail.com.