Learn More About Cursillo
Next Women's Cursillo Weekend
Cincinnati, OH Sept 18-21, 2025
Location: Milford Retreat Center
5361 S Milford Rd, Milford OH 45150
Thursday 6:00 PM to Sunday 5:00 PM
More details of the weekend - click here
Next Men's Cursillo Weekend
Cincinnati, OH February 12-15, 2026
What is Cursillo All About?
The Cursillo Movement is an innovative and profound way to experience Catholic Christianity in a community setting. Rooted in the principles of spiritual growth and fellowship, this movement aims to revitalize and deepen one's relationship with Jesus Christ through experiential learning and communal interaction.
Cursillo, which means "a short course," invites individuals to explore their faith over a three-day weekend experience. While other programs call their time of prayer and reflection a "retreat" we like to call our Cursillo three day event an "experience". Another way to look at is is to call it an "advance". An advance in your relationship with Christ and His Church. Through a series of talks, discussions, and communal activities, attendees learn how to live as disciples of Christ in today's world. The intent is not only personal transformation but also empowerment to influence others in everyday life and to carry on the transformation in a structured, methodical way.
History of the Cursillo Movement
The Cursillo Movement was founded in 1944 in Spain by a group of Catholic laypeople and clergy, the founder Eduardo Bonnin. Initially designed as a method for Catholic renewal and evangelization, it quickly spread to other countries and Christian denominations.
By the 1960s, Cursillo had established itself in the United States and, subsequently, worldwide. Today, it encompasses various national and international organizations that adhere to its foundational values of community, spirituality, and outreach.
Core Principles of the Cursillo Movement
The Cursillo Movement is built on several key principles:
1. Essentials of Catholic Christianity: Focuses on personal experiences with Christ, the importance of community, and the call to live out our Catholic faith actively.
2. Accompaniment: Encourages ongoing spiritual and community support among participants (often referred to as "Cursillistas").
3. The "Three Days" Experience: The transformative experience comprises (more details on the weekend here: click here)
- Day 1: Introduction to key Gospel themes and personal testimonies to understand self.
- Day 2: Deepening understanding of Christ through teachings and personal reflections.
- Day 3: Preparation to bring the experience back home and continue the journey of faith through and with others.
4. Transformation: Encourages participants to take their faith into the world, promoting a Christian lifestyle in all aspects of life.
Structure of Cursillo
The Cursillo Movement is organized at various levels:
- Local/Cursillo Groups: Often hosted by parishes, these groups initiate and run the Cursillo weekend events.
- Diocesan Communities: Coordinating multiple local groups, ensuring consistency and broader outreach.
- National and International Organizations: Provide guidance, resources, and facilitate connections between different diocesan communities.
Each level promotes collaboration, sharing of resources, and mutual support among participants and leaders.
How to Get Involved
To participate in the Cursillo movement:
1. Find a Local Group: Reach out to your local parish or check the official Cursillo website for information on upcoming events.
2. Attend a weekend: Engage with a three-day experience that will deepen your faith and build lasting friendships.
3. Join a Reunion Group: After the retreat, continue your spiritual journey with a small group that meets regularly for reflection and fellowship.
Support Cursillo
If you are unable to participate but wish to support the movement:
- Pray for Participants: Lift up those going through Cursillo weekends and the leaders facilitating them.
- Volunteer: Help with organizing events, weekend experiences, or community service projects connected to the movement.
- Donate: Financial contributions can help support local and national Cursillo initiatives.
Summary
The Cursillo Movement is more than a retreat; it’s a pathway toward living a vibrant and authentic Catholic Christian life in community. If you’re looking to deepen your faith and connect with others in a meaningful way, consider becoming part of the Cursillo community. Join us on this journey of transformation!
Get in Touch
For more information, questions, or to get involved, please reach out to us:
- Email: [email protected] [email protected]
- Phone: (937) 554-2693
- Book a Call to Find Out More: https://link.cursillo-cinti.org/alexcalendar
Testimonials
My Testimonial
What would I say to a friend about Cursillo?
What Happens on the Three Day Weekend
The weekend starts at 6 PM on a Thursday and ends Sunday by 5 PM.
The general format is one of seminar style talks, small group reflection and discussion, large group sharing and team building/socializing opportunities during breaks and meals.
Interspersed will be chapel prayers as a group, adoration, confession opportunities, daily and evening prayers and mass.
Eduardo Bonnin the founder states: "All I know is if Cursillo is to remain faithful to the purpose for which it was intended and for which it was prayed and for which we have been grateful, it should not lower its target, and they should serve to give those who attend a 'living', simple, clear and true experience of the Christ of the Gospel as best as possible. He, who through his resurrection and by his Grace, is alive, normal and close in each person."
"The Cursillo Weekend is not meant to satisfy the hunger for God, it is meant to create a hunger for Him or to awaken the hunger that already exists in our hearts. It is not meant to answer questions; it is more designed to provoke questions, the kind of questions that will send each person on their own journey of discovery, to go deeper and deeper into all that is Cursillo, not in order to be better Cursillistas but to be better Christians."
Day 1 - Thursday Evening / Friday - Encounter with Self
The goal of Day 1 is to explore "you". Who you are and what drives you in your life - your ideal.
Some of the topics covered:
Meditation - Know Yourself
Way of the Cross (Stations)
Meditation - The Prodigal Son - How Christ is.
Your Ideal - What drives your life. You can be more and be better.
Meditation - Three Glances of Christ - How Christ sees you.
Habitual Grace - Jesus Christ and the life of grace He offers us.
Layperson in the Church - You can be more where you are.
Actual Grace - The presence of Christ as an active force in our lives.
Piety - Developing your holiness, discovering your heart through spontaneity.
Throughout the time: Mass, Rosary, Blessed Sacrament visits, Morning and Evening prayer,
Day 2 - Saturday - Encounter with Christ
The goal of Day 2 is to explore who Jesus Christ is and who He is to you and who you are to Him.
Some of the topics covered:
Meditation - The Person of Christ. - How you should see Christ.
Study - Applying your intelligence with conviction.
Sacraments - Encountering Christ in the seven sacraments, the source of grace.
Action - Exercising your will with conviction.
Obstacles to Grace - The enemies to living a life of grace.
Leaders - Everyone is a leader in the Church. A total surrender of your being.
Throughout the time: Mass, Rosary, Blessed Sacrament visits, Morning and Evening prayer, Confession.
Day 3 - Sunday- Encounter with Others
The goal of Day 3 is to explore who you are in relation to others; your family, friends, co-workers.
Some of the topics covered:
Meditation - Christ's message to the attendees. - How Christ loves you.
Study of Your Environments - Understanding all the environments in which you live, work and have influence.
Life in Grace - Living in grace takes work the fruits of which is in proportion to what we put into it.
Christianity in Action - Whom can you help.
Beyond the Cursillo Weekend - What happens after the Cursillo Weekend.
Total Security - How to keep growing in your life with Christ and others through friendship.
Throughout the time: Mass and Morning Prayer.