By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

The Cursillo community in the Diocese of Trenton gathered Sept. 7 in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, Hamilton, where they prayed and supported each other on their journeys of faith.

Photo Gallery: Cursillo Mass

“It’s so wonderful to see you here tonight. It seems as though in a real way, when school starts, everything starts back again.  But our worship never take a vacation and it’s good to give thanks to the Lord year round,” said Father Edward Blanchett, diocesan spiritual adviser to the Cursillo movement and pastor, Visitation Parish, Brick, said as he welcomed more than 50 members in attendance who gathered in the Mercer County parish for Mass and to share camaraderie.

In the Diocese of Trenton, the Cursillo movement began as a Spanish-language outreach in 1971 and was introduces in English the following year.  The Cursillo weekends consist of prayer, mediations, presentations led by both lay and spiritual directors and small group discussion.  During the Cursillo weekends, participants examine their relationship with God and reflect upon the how to live the will of God by attending Mass, reception of the Sacraments and by praying the Rosary and the Way of the Cross.

In his homily, Father Blanchett mentioned the current challenges that the Catholic Church is facing, saying, “this has been an unprecedented summer… The trustworthiness of teachers in the lives of the faithful has come into question,” he said.

“It is Jesus the Good Shepherd who brings us back to the truth that allows us to recognize the truth and to bring us back home.” He also encouraged the faithful to continue to “Receive the graces from the Sacraments that are always available.  Ask Jesus to heal, to feed and give us the grace we need to go beyond the walls to proclaim the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord to the whole world.”

After his homily, the members professed their dedication and recommitted themselves to “piety, study and action.” Following the reception of Holy Communion, two participants gave witness statements affirming their love of God and their faith.

Participants such as Kathy Tucker of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, enjoyed reflecting on how they became involved with Cursillo. Tucker, who has been involved for about 11 years and spoke of how much she enjoys attending events with fellow members.

“We’re spread out so far and in all counties; it’s nice to get together to share Mass, to share camaraderie and to see each other, to share our spirituality,” said Tucker.