Cursillos in Christianity-Diocese of St. Augustine

Rector and Rectora for Spring Weekends Announced

2009-06-18T18:51:00.003-04:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce the Rector and Rectora for the Spring English Weekends! Jacob Plicque and Jan DeVos have both said, "Yes!" to Jesus' call to serve. Please begin to offer Palanca for both of these Cursillistas as they begin to dicern and form new teams. If you are interested in serving on the next team, get yourself to the School of Leaders! The next meeting of the school is July 11th and will be held at St. Catherine's in Orange Park from 9 to 12. A schedule of the topics that will be covered can be found in the newsletter. We hope to see you there!

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHERBENEDICT XVIFOR THE 43rd WORLD DAY OF COMMUNICATIONS

2009-06-12T13:17:00.004-04:00

"New Technologies, New Relationships. Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship."
May 24, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

In anticipation of the forthcoming World Communications Day, I would like to address to you some reflections on the theme chosen for this year - New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship. The new digital technologies are, indeed, bringing about fundamental shifts in patterns of communication and human relationships. These changes are particularly evident among those young people who have grown up with the new technologies and are at home in a digital world that often seems quite foreign to those of us who, as adults, have had to learn to understand and appreciate the opportunities it has to offer for communications. In this year’s message, I am conscious of those who constitute the so-called digital generation and I would like to share with them, in particular, some ideas concerning the extraordinary potential of the new technologies, if they are used to promote human understanding and solidarity. These technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavour to ensure that the benefits they offer are put at the service of all human individuals and communities, especially those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable.

The accessibility of mobile telephones and computers, combined with the global reach and penetration of the internet, has opened up a range of means of communication that permit the almost instantaneous communication of words and images across enormous distances and to some of the most isolated corners of the world; something that would have been unthinkable for previous generations. Young people, in particular, have grasped the enormous capacity of the new media to foster connectedness, communication and understanding between individuals and communities, and they are turning to them as means of communicating with existing friends, of meeting new friends, of forming communities and networks, of seeking information and news, and of sharing their ideas and opinions. Many benefits flow from this new culture of communication: families are able to maintain contact across great distances; students and researchers have more immediate and easier access to documents, sources and scientific discoveries, hence they can work collaboratively from different locations; moreover, the interactive nature of many of the new media facilitates more dynamic forms of learning and communication, thereby contributing to social progress.

While the speed with which the new technologies have evolved in terms of their efficiency and reliability is rightly a source of wonder, their popularity with users should not surprise us, as they respond to a fundamental desire of people to communicate and to relate to each other. This desire for communication and friendship is rooted in our very nature as human beings and cannot be adequately understood as a response to technical innovations. In the light of the biblical message, it should be seen primarily as a reflection of our participation in the communicative and unifying Love of God, who desires to make of all humanity one family. When we find ourselves drawn towards other people, when we want to know more about them and make ourselves known to them, we are responding to God’s call - a call that is imprinted in our nature as beings created in the image and likeness of God, the God of communication and communion.

The desire for connectedness and the instinct for communication that are so obvious in contemporary culture are best understood as modern manifestations of the basic and enduring propensity of humans to reach beyond themselves and to seek communion with others. In reality, when we open ourselves to others, we are fulfilling our deepest need and becoming more fully human. Loving is, in fact, what we are designed for by our Creator. Naturally, I am not talking about fleeting, shallow relationships, I am talking about the real love that is at the very heart of Jesus’ moral teaching: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" and "You must love your neighbour as yourself" (cf. Mk 12:30-31). In this light, reflecting on the significance of the new technologies, it is important to focus not just on their undoubted capacity to foster contact between people, but on the quality of the content that is put into circulation using these means. I would encourage all people of good will who are active in the emerging environment of digital communication to commit themselves to promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship.

Those who are active in the production and dissemination of new media content, therefore, should strive to respect the dignity and worth of the human person. If the new technologies are to serve the good of individuals and of society, all users will avoid the sharing of words and images that are degrading of human beings, that promote hatred and intolerance, that debase the goodness and intimacy of human sexuality or that exploit the weak and vulnerable.
The new technologies have also opened the way for dialogue between people from different countries, cultures and religions. The new digital arena, the so-called cyberspace, allows them to encounter and to know each other’s traditions and values. Such encounters, if they are to be fruitful, require honest and appropriate forms of expression together with attentive and respectful listening. The dialogue must be rooted in a genuine and mutual searching for truth if it is to realize its potential to promote growth in understanding and tolerance. Life is not just a succession of events or experiences: it is a search for the true, the good and the beautiful. It is to this end that we make our choices; it is for this that we exercise our freedom; it is in this - in truth, in goodness, and in beauty - that we find happiness and joy. We must not allow ourselves to be deceived by those who see us merely as consumers in a market of undifferentiated possibilities, where choice itself becomes the good, novelty usurps beauty, and subjective experience displaces truth.

The concept of friendship has enjoyed a renewed prominence in the vocabulary of the new digital social networks that have emerged in the last few years. The concept is one of the noblest achievements of human culture. It is in and through our friendships that we grow and develop as humans. For this reason, true friendship has always been seen as one of the greatest goods any human person can experience. We should be careful, therefore, never to trivialize the concept or the experience of friendship. It would be sad if our desire to sustain and develop on-line friendships were to be at the cost of our availability to engage with our families, our neighbours and those we meet in the daily reality of our places of work, education and recreation. If the desire for virtual connectedness becomes obsessive, it may in fact function to isolate individuals from real social interaction while also disrupting the patterns of rest, silence and reflection that are necessary for healthy human development.

Friendship is a great human good, but it would be emptied of its ultimate value if it were to be understood as an end in itself. Friends should support and encourage each other in developing their gifts and talents and in putting them at the service of the human community. In this context, it is gratifying to note the emergence of new digital networks that seek to promote human solidarity, peace and justice, human rights and respect for human life and the good of creation. These networks can facilitate forms of co-operation between people from different geographical and cultural contexts that enable them to deepen their common humanity and their sense of shared responsibility for the good of all. We must, therefore, strive to ensure that the digital world, where such networks can be established, is a world that is truly open to all. It would be a tragedy for the future of humanity if the new instruments of communication, which permit the sharing of knowledge and information in a more rapid and effective manner, were not made accessible to those who are already economically and socially marginalized, or if it should contribute only to increasing the gap separating the poor from the new networks that are developing at the service of human socialization and information.

I would like to conclude this message by addressing myself, in particular, to young Catholic believers: to encourage them to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I ask you to introduce into the culture of this new environment of communications and information technology the values on which you have built your lives. In the early life of the Church, the great Apostles and their disciples brought the Good News of Jesus to the Greek and Roman world. Just as, at that time, a fruitful evangelization required that careful attention be given to understanding the culture and customs of those pagan peoples so that the truth of the gospel would touch their hearts and minds, so also today, the proclamation of Christ in the world of new technologies requires a profound knowledge of this world if the technologies are to serve our mission adequately. It falls, in particular, to young people, who have an almost spontaneous affinity for the new means of communication, to take on the responsibility for the evangelization of this "digital continent". Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. You know their fears and their hopes, their aspirations and their disappointments: the greatest gift you can give to them is to share with them the "Good News" of a God who became man, who suffered, died and rose again to save all people. Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. Our faith can respond to these expectations: may you become its heralds! The Pope accompanies you with his prayers and his blessing.

IV World Ultreya (en Espanol)

2009-06-05T08:54:00.001-04:00

Apreciados Amigos:
Favor de compartir este mensaje con todos sus contactos en el mund Cursillista
En menos de de 60 días los cursillistas del mundo nos reuniremos, en un mismo Espíritu, en nuestra IV Ultreya Mundial, compartiendo

“La Belleza de ser Cristiano y La Alegría de Comunicarlo.”

Va a ser un evento memorable!.. Especialmente considerando que sólo han habido tres Ultreyas Mundiales in la historia de nuestro movimiento.

Es importante saber que NO SE PLANEA TENER A LA VENTA BOLETOS PARA LA ULTREYA EL MISMO DIA DEL EVENTO.

Estos sólo se están vendiendo por compra anticipada.
El costo es $25.00 US.

Los boletos comprados desde el extranjero se pueden recoger en la ventanilla de la entrada principal de la Arena en la tarde del 31 de Julio o en la mañana del sábado 1 de agosto.

Para información sobre la ultreya pueden ver las páginas de internet del OMCC:
http://www.orgmcc.org/events/index.htm

O de la Oficina Nacional de EEUU :
http://www.natl-cursillo.org/

https://www.natl-cursillo.org/world/

Ya sea que participen asistiendo a la Ultreya o no, se pide a los Cursillistas del Mundo que participen con sus oraciones (Palancas) por el éxito de la misma. Todos podemos participar de la Ultreya con nuestra presencia y/o nuestras oraciones! Pidamos a Dios…

· Que envíe su Espíritu sobre todos y cada uno de los participantes para que logremos vivir y convivir el Evangelio de Cristo en cada metro cuadrado donde nos encontremos.
· Que llene los corazones de los asistentes para que disfrutemos ver a Cristo en el uno y en el otro.
· Que veamos la riqueza manifiesta de nuestras diferentes culturas fundirse en un sólo amor a Cristo y a los hombres.
· Que logremos alentarnos unos a otros a perseverar en alcanzar el ideal de un Cristianismo auténtico.

Quienes deseen poner de manifiesto su apoyo en oración, pueden comunicar a los asistentes sus intenciones de oración, y sus Buenos deseos. Estamos aceptando estas manifestaciones en diversas formas. Pueden enviar sus Cartas Palanca en los diferentes formatos disponibles (preferiblemente Microsoft World, Power Point, etc.). Inclusive, pueden enviarnos mensajes grabados en video.

Quienes opten por enviar mensaje en video, pueden incluir
· imágenes de sus comunidades en “acción.”
· mensajes de saludos manifestando sus deseos de éxito.
· videos de individuos o grupos cantando “De Colores” (en Español u otro idioma), o alguna otra canción apropiada.
· Imágenes de individuos o grupos con sus vestidos regionales.
· Imágenes con los emblemas y banderas locales.
· Imágenes y mensajes según consideren oportuno.

Las posibilidades son multiples.

En todos los casos, el mensaje debe ser corto (menos de un minuto o hasta de 3 minutos). Seamos, Creativos, sencillos y cortos.
Tomen en cuenta que puede ser necesario editar los videos que se reciban.

La dirección de email para enviar sus mensajes es:

WORLDULTREYA@YAHOO.COM

Para terminar, sólo cabe señalar que queda poco tiempo.
Hay que actuar inmediatamente.

Nos vemos en nuestra IV Ultreya Mundial, compartiendo

“La Belleza de ser Cristiano y La Alegría de Comunicarlo.”

De Colores!

Omar Palacio
Los Angeles, CA.

IV World Ultreya

2009-06-05T08:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends: (ver más abajo para Español)
Please share this message with all your contacts in the Cursillo world)
In less than 60 days the Cursillistas of the world will gather in one same Spirit, in our IV World Ultreya, sharing
“The Beauty of being a Christian,
and the Joy of communicating it.”

It’ll be a memorable event!... Especially considering that there’s been only three World Ultreyas in the history of our Movement.

It’s important to beware that THERE ARE NO PLANS TO SELL TICKETS AT THE DOOR ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT..
These can only be acquired by advance purchase.
The cost is $25.00 US.

The tickets purchased from abroad can be picked up at a booth next to the Main Door of the Arena, on Friday evening (July 31) or Saturday morning (Aug 1st) the day of the event.

For more information see the websites for:

OMCC:
http://www.orgmcc.org/events/index.htm

Or the US Cursillos National Office:
http://www.natl-cursillo.org/

https://www.natl-cursillo.org/world/

Whether you attend or not, we ask for the Cursillistas of the world to your participate through your prayers (Palancas) for the success of our World Ultreya. We, all, can participate on the Ultreya with our presence and/or our prayers.
Let’s pray to our Lord…

· To send His Spirit over each one of the participants so we get to Live and share Christ Gospel in each square meter where we find ourselves.
· Asking Him to fill our hearts so that we enjoy seeing Christ in one another.
· That we may see the manifest richness of our different cultures fused into one Love for Christ and men.
· Asking Him that we get to encourage one another in persevering to reach the ideal of an authentic Christianism.

Those who want to manifest their support for the attendees may communicate their prayer intentions and good wishes. We are accepting these manifestations in diverse forms. You can send your Palanca Letters in the different formats available (preferably Microsoft Word, Power Point, etc.). You can even send messages recorded in video format.

Those who opt for video messages, may include:
· Images of their communities in “Action.”
· Greetings from individuals & groups expressing their well whishes
· Videos of individuals and/or groups signing “De Colores” in Spanish or other language), or other appropriate songs.
· Images of individuals and or groups wearing their regional clothing
· Images of individuals and or groups with their regional banners or flags national
· Images & messages as you see appropriate.

Multiple are the possibilities.

In all cases, the message ought to be short (from half a minute & up to three minutes). Keep in mind that it might be necessary to edit the videos received.

The address to send your messages is:

WORLDULTREYA@YAHOO.COM

In ending, let’s point out that there’s little time left.
Need to act immediately.

Will see you in our IV WORLD ULTREYA, sharing
“The Beauty of being a Christian,
and the Joy of communicating it.”

De Colores!

Omar Palacio
Los Angeles, CA-USA.

Women's Spanish Weekend

2009-04-09T17:54:00.003-04:00

Please pray for the following candidates and team from the upcoming Women's Spanish weekend April 23-26:

Candidates

Alicia, Evelina San José
Álvarez, Anna St. Magdalena
Ángel, Susana St. Edward’s
Barrera, Laura St. Francis Xavier
Bayonet, María San José
Berríos, Yasha M. San José
Brumo, Emilda
Castro, Bertha Epifhany
Díaz, Ángela Blessed Trinity
Dorantes, Blanca
Espinoza, Altair Queen of Peace
Esteban, Imelda St. Francis Xavier
Fores, Carmen St. Francis Xavier
German, Ingrid San José
Gómez, Irma St. Francis Xavier
González, Francisca St. Francis Xavier
González, Gloria St. Francis Xavier
Guerrero, Isabel St. Francis Xavier
Hernández Josefina Blessed Trinity
Jara, Beatriz St. Luke
López, María San Agustín
Luna, Sandra San José
Melgar, Ana C. San José
Mora, Felicitas St. Francisco Xavier
Morales, Evelyn St. Francis Xavier
Nuñez, Yolanda St. Francis Xavier
Pacheco, Maribel San José
Phillips, Lucrecia Blessed Trinity
Quiles, Lydia St. Sebastian
Rodríguez, Karla St. Francis Xavier
Rolón, Margarita San José
Romero, Dulce St. Joseph
Urruñaga, Yolanda San José
Vásquez, Clara Inés San Sebastian
Vélez, Marcela San Sebastian
Wilhs, Marlene Queen of Peace

Team

Fr. Andres Miteras
Barbosa, Lía San José
Bayonet, Daisy San José
Calderon, Ivia Queen of Peace
Collazo, Lizzie San José
Cermeño, Ana San José
Chiriboga, Ángela San Agustín
Escamilla, María San José
Fernández, Esther San José
Fernández, Liliana Queen of Peace
Figueroa, Marisol San Sebastián
Gallegos, Alma St. Joseph
Germán, Jeanette San José
Goicoechea, Carmen Resurrection
González, Marina St. Francis Xavier
Hernández, Elezabeth San José
Hernández, Sandra San José
Munera, Beatriz San José
Muñeton, Cristina St. Joseph
Ortiz, Julie Epiphany
Pintor, Mayra Queen of Peace
Rivera, Sonia Resurrection
Rosado, Wilma San Sebastián
Torres, Marta Alicia ____________
Vega, Elia San José
Vegerano, Mirta San José
Velazquez, Martha St. Catherine

Men's Spanish Weekend Team and Candidates

2009-04-09T17:49:00.003-04:00

Please pray for the following candidates and team for the upcoming Men's Spanish Cursillo weekend at Marywood April 16-19

Candidates

Aguirre, Walter St. Catalina
Barrera, Arnulfo St. Francis Xavier
Berríos, Javier San José
Bonilla, Raúl San José
Burgos, José St. Catherine
Burgos, Ricardo St. Catherine
Calderón, Luis Inmaculada C.
Canales, Francisco St. Joseph
Carbonell, James Sacred Heart
Díaz, Wilberg St. Joseph
García, Juan St. Francis Xavier
García, Joaquín St. Francis Xavier
Germán, Néstor San José
Gonzáles, Nicolás St. Francis Xavier
Grimaldo, Juan
Jara, Luis St. Luke’s
Jerónimo, Rodrigo St. Francis Xavier
Mentha, Margarito St. Francis Xavier
Mercado, Antonio San Sebastián
Moreno, David St. Francis Xavier
Moreno, Juan Pablo St. Francis Xavier
Morquecho, Jeavani St. Joseph
Rubio, Gerardo San Sebastián
Poventud, Gilbert Blessed Trinity
Silverio, Julio San José
Sinti, Omar Blessed Trinity
Torres, Guadalupe Inmaculate C.
Velázquez, Tomas Blessed Trinity
Zarate, Julio St. Francis Xavier

Team

Fr. Tim Lozier
Alcaraz, Humberto San José
Argúello, Francisco San Sebastian
Barbosa, Oswaldo San José
Bermúdez, Pedro Quee of Peace
Díaz, Gustavo Blessed Trinity
Escamilla, José San José
Flores, Santos San José
Galera, Mauricio San José
Gallegos, Yamel St. Joseph
Guevara, José San Sebastian
Guzmán, Gustavo San José
Hernández, José Adrián San José
Hernández, Octavio San José
Ortiz, Miguel Epiphany
Pérez, José Saúl
Pérez, Sergio San José
Rodríguez, José V. San José
Roldan, Carlos San José
Rosado, Santiago San Sebastian
Sánchez, Germán Queen of Peace
Torres, Sergio San José
Vega, Milton San José
Vegerano, José San José
Velázquez, Gilberto St. Catherine

Important Notice

2009-03-17T20:07:00.004-04:00

Our regularly scheduled Jacksonville area Ultreya falls on Good Friday this month. As a result, it has been cancelled. We will not meet again until May 8th.

In addition, the School of Leaders for Jacksonville, scheduled for April 18th has also been cancelled due to a conflict with the Men's conference which also takes place on that day. The School of Leaders will reconvene in May.

The Secretariat meeting for April has also been cancelled until May.

We encourage all Cursillistas to attend: Holy Week services in their parishes, the Men's conference (where we will have a table with Cursillo information), and the Regional Encounter in Orlando (see earlier posts for details).

Thank you for your understanding.

Personal Invitation to Women’s Cursillo #99 by Angie & Terry

2009-03-03T22:53:00.002-05:00

Thursday is the start of Women's Cursillo #99 at Camp St. John. The team and candidates need your prayers and support.

It would be great to know that some of you will be in the crowd singing to us at the serenade on Saturday night. For those of you who have never been here's what you do......
1) You meet the community by 8 o'clock at the Wisdom Center on the property at Marywood.
2) You bring a candle, flashlight or whatever you need (besides your sparkling personalities) to illuminate the pathway.
3) Rosary beads (optional - since most of us have 10 fingers, you can use them in case you forget)
4) Be flexible - when the time comes you will walk down in a group to serenade the newest Cursillistas.

The Clausura (closing) for Women's #99 had to be moved to the Wisdom Center (same as above) due to scheduling conflicts with San Juan Del Rio Church - there will be Benediction. We would LOVE to see your smiling faces (and get/give lots of hugs). If you can make it you should be there between 6:00 - 6:15 PM. BRING YOUR PILGRIM'S GUIDE & NAME TAG if you can find them.

I'm sure you remember how wonderful it was on your own weekend to not only read about the palanca people were doing for you - but to actually see your Christian Community come out on a Saturday and/or Sunday evening....in support of YOU...it just solidified everything you heard on the weekend.

When your Cursillo cross was placed around your neck the spiritual director said, “Christ is counting on you.” You responded, "And I on His Grace." Come relive that feeling this weekend.

PS....we'll miss you if you can't make it....but you're not off the hook...We're counting on you for some praying and fasting - particularly during the weekend.

Welcome Ultreya

2009-03-03T21:33:00.002-05:00

Please come and welcome the Babe Chicksof Men's Cursillo #100 and Women's Cursillo #99 and thank the Men’s and the Women’s teams….

March 13, 2009

Holy Family Church on Baymeadows

7:00 PM

The Welcome Ultreya is hosted by: the entire Cursillo community.

Please bring the following to share with our brothers and sisters:

- Last names beginning with A - E Main Dish
- Last names beginning with F - K Dessert
- Last names beginning with L - S Drinks
- Last names beginning with R - Z Salad/Vegetables

See you there……

Eucharistic Adoration

2009-02-22T16:48:00.002-05:00

Don't forget that there will be two nights of Adoration during the upcoming weekends. Both will be held at Assumption. The men's vigil will take place on Friday, February 27th from 7 PM to 7 AM. The women's vigil will take place on Friday, March 6th from 7 PM to 7 AM.

We desperately need to have a warm body praying in the chapel for each and every hour during this time. A sign up sheet was available at this month's Ultreya and School of Leaders. However, if you missed signing up and would like to pray for an hour during the vigil, please e-mail Cheryl at chascin@comcast.net to let us know when you can be there.

In addition, if you would like to pray for an hour at home or in your own parish, we would like to acknowledge your prayers on our Vigil poster. Please send an e-mail by Wednesday, February 25th for the men's vigil and Wednesday, March 5th for the women's vigil, letting us know when and where you will be praying.

If you have any questions regarding the Eucharistic chapel at Assumption, please contact a member of the Secretariat.

OMCC IV World Ultreya

2009-02-15T17:56:00.001-05:00

The World Cursillo Movement (OMCC) is calling all Cursillistas to gather on Saturday, August 1, 2009, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena in Anaheim, California for the IV World Ultreya of the Cursillos in Christianity Movement. This IV World Ultreya is an opportunity to give witness to one another world wide of our conviction to Jesus Christ and to share the joy of his Love and Friendship.
The site is conveniently located within walking distance of many hotels, stores, and restaurants. This will provide a wonderful setting in which to share before and after the Ultreya. It is also located across the street from Disneyland and California Adventure Park. Click on the link (www.anaheimconventioncenter.com ) to view the grounds and see the many hotels available in the area.
A contribution of $25.00 per person will allow access into the Anaheim Arena. The Arena has a seating capacity for 8,000 people. The expectation is for seating to fill quickly, so make your plans and reservations early. To order tickets visit the National Cursillo website at www.natl-cursillo.org

19th National Cursillo Encounter

2009-02-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

The 19th National Cursillo Encounter will be held at California State University, San Bernardino, CA, (CSUSB), on July 30-August 2, 2009. The Encounter activities will include attendance and transportation to/from OMCC IV World Ultreya in Anaheim, CA.
The Encounter registration price is $360.00, if you register by May 31, 2009. You are strongly encouraged to make your plans now. You may register on-line at www.natl-ursillo.org
Capacity is 750 persons. Rooms will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. The registration fee includes three nights lodging, dinner on Thursday evening, 3 meals on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday morning. Transportation to and from CSUSB will be provided on Thursday, July 30 and Sunday, August 2, from Ontario International Airport ONLY.

Cursillo Road Trip

2009-02-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

April 24 – 25 Orlando
Regional Meeting

Hold this date for an exciting weekend! Come to the Cursillo Regional Meeting in Orlando and meet other Cursillistas from Region VII (Southeast), and have a really fun and spiritually fulfilling weekend. Stay at a local hotel or stay as a guest in the home of a Cursillista in Orlando. It is a short road trip and pilgrimage all in one, and guaranteed to be a great time! The more from St. Augustine Diocese, the merrier!

Please contact Bill Farnsworth wafarns@comcast.net be interested.

A Mardi Gras Prayer for the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

2009-02-15T17:33:00.002-05:00

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for it is from your goodness that we have this day
to celebrate on the threshold of the Season of Lent.

Tomorrow we will fast and abstain from meat.
Today we feast.
We thank you for the abundance of gifts you shower upon us.
We thank you especially for one another.
As we give you thanks,
we are mindful of those who have so much less than we do.
As we share these wonderful gifts together,
we commit ourselves to greater generosity toward those
who need our support.

Prepare us for tomorrow.
Tasting the fullness of what we have today,
let us experience some hunger tomorrow.
May our fasting make us more alert
and may it heighten our consciousness
so that we might be ready to hear your Word
and respond to your call.

As our feasting fills us with gratitude
so may our fasting and abstinence hollow out in us
a place for deeper desires
and an attentiveness to hear the cry of the poor.
May our self-denial turn our hearts to you
and give us a new freedom for
generous service to others.

We ask you these graces
with our hearts full of delight
and stirring with readiness for the journey ahead.
We ask them with confidence
in the name of Jesus the Lord.

School of Leaders Moving Sale "Held Over"

2009-01-12T18:36:00.001-05:00

Good evening Mr. and Mrs. America and all the ships at sea.
It is indeed true that “Man proposes and God disposes!”

Owing to a series of unfortunate events at Resurrection Parish the SCHOOL OF LEADERS HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!! There will be no SCHOOL this Saturday the 17th.at Resurrection Parish. But WAIT, owing to another series of fortunate events the School will take place next week on Saturday 24th. of January at St. Catherine’s in Orange Park. Let’s start the new year right, remember 9:00 A.M. sharp. Come along and bring a friend.

Your brother in Christ,
Bill Peters

Nothing Held Back
Everything Must Go!!

That’s right the Jacksonville School of Leaders is moving to a new location and everything must go. If we don’t give it away we will only have to move it. So, everything about Doctrine, everything about the Movement is being given away for FREE, all you need do is show up and carry it home. The School is moving from Resurrection after the January meeting and going across the river to St. Catherine’s in Orange Park. BUT this Saturday the 17th. will be your last chance to meet at Resurrection in Arlington. Come along and bring a friend, School starts at 9:00 A.M sharp, be ready to choose someplace to work when we do section work. The School of Leaders, where Leaders are formed and the work of the Cursillo is done.

The opportunities are:
The School of Leaders
Pre-Cursillo
The 3 days
Post-Cursillo

See you there,
Bill Peters Coordinator

Worldwide Palanca

2009-01-11T15:10:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder to offer palanca for Cursillo weekends occurring throughout the world. The Diocese of St. Augustine sends palanca to contacts who post their weekends on the national site. It states that: "The Cursillo community, the Secretariat, and the School of Leaders offers our prayers and sacrifices for the success of your Cursillo. Our prayers, daily Mass, Rosaries, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and humble sacrifices are lifted to Our Father for the good of the candidates and of those serving in His work."

School of Leaders Schedule 2009

2009-01-03T09:26:00.002-05:00

Sessions begin at 9:00 AM and end at approximately 12:00 noon.

Doctrinal Talks are from the US Catholic Catechism for Adults
NOTE: The January meeting of the School of Leaders will be at Resurrection Parish, 3383 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL
The remaining meetings of the School will be at St. Catherine’s Parish, 1649 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL

1/17
Chapter 25-The First Commandment
Lay Talk: Sponsorship

2/14
Chapter 26—The Second Commandment
Lay Talk: Preparation of Candidates

3/14
Chapter 27—The Third Commandment
Lay Talk: What is Palanca?

4/18
Chapter 28—The Fourth Commandment:
Lay Talk: Selecting potential leaders

5/9
Chapter 29—The Fifth Commandment:
Lay Talk: Selection of environments

6/13
Chapter 30- The Sixth Commandment
Lay Talk: Giving a witness- Ultreya; SOL

7/11
Chapter 31-The Seventh Commandment
Lay Talk: The Group Reunion

8/15
Chapter 32- The Eight Commandment
Lay Talk: Piety, Study, Action

9/12
Chapter 33- -The Ninth Commandment
Lay Talk: Pastoral care of the team

10/10
Chapter 34-The Tenth Commandment
Lay Talk: Working a table

11/14
Chapter 35 – God Calls Us to Pray
Lay Talk: Team meetings

Legends and Symbolism of Christmas Traditions

2008-12-03T22:19:00.001-05:00

Many of our Christmas traditions are attached to legends that serve to connect this celebration to the true “reason for the season.” While many of these legends have been debunked, the stories themselves add a hidden layer of meaning, enriching our celebrations and providing us with an opportunity to catechize our families, friends, and neighbors. Here are just a few:
The 12 Days of Christmas
The legend of the meaning of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is set in the context of the persecution of Catholics in England during the period of 1558 to 1829. It was written as a "catechism song" to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. In short, it was a coded-message, a memory aid. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, young Catholics could sing the song without fear. The authorities would not know that it was a religious song.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is in a sense an allegory. Each of the items in the song represents something significant to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The “twelve days” marks the time between Christmas and Epiphany. The lyrics state, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…" The "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.
1st Day: The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the Cross.
2nd Day: The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd Day: The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit.
4th Day: The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
5th Day: The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
6th Day: The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.
7th Day: The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
8th Day: The "eight maids a milking" are the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.
9th Day: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
10th Day: The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments
11th Day: The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th Day: The ‘twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.
So the next time you hear "the Twelve Days of Christmas" consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in keeping alive the teaching of the Catholic faith.
The Candy Cane
The candy cane began as a simple, unflavored, white stick of sugar. It is believed that they were used to keep children quiet, sort of like a pacifier. During the 1670's a German choirmaster asked a candy maker to bend these sticks into the shape of a shepherd's staff and passed them out to children attending Christmas services, in order to keep them quiet. This holiday custom spread throughout Europe and fancier candy canes, decorated with roses and the like, began to be used as Christmas decorations in many homes.
Around 1900 the white candy cane received its traditional red stripes and peppermint flavoring. At the same time, the legend of the candy cane was born. According to this legend, a candy maker in Indiana designed the candy cane to tell the true story of Christmas - a story about a virgin giving birth to a shepherd who would give up His life for the sheep.
The most obvious symbolism used in the candy cane is its shape. Turned one way, it looks like a "J" for Jesus. The newborn Lamb of God was named Jesus, meaning Savior, because He was destined to "save His people from their sins." Turned the other way, candy canes remind us of the shepherd's staff. The first people to hear of Christ's birth were shepherds guarding their flocks at night. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd.
The whiteness of the candy brings to mind the Virgin Birth and the sinless life of Christ. We also are made as pure as the snow through the cleansing action of His blood.
The traditional candy cane has 3 small red stripes to remind us of the scourging at the pillar and a larger stripe which represents the blood shed by Christ on the cross. Some people say that the 3 small stripes honor the Holy Trinity while the larger stripe reminds us of the one true God. Others claim that the small stripes represent our mini-passions or sufferings and the great stripe symbolizes Christ's Passion. A green stripe is sometimes placed on candy canes to remind us that Jesus is God's gift to us. (Green is the color of giving.)
The peppermint flavor of modern candy canes is said to be similar to hyssop. In Old Testament times, hyssop was associated with purification and sacrifice. During the first Passover celebrations, a bundle of hyssop was used to smear the blood of Passover lambs upon the doorposts of houses. A hyssop branch was used to lift the soaked sponge to Jesus just before he died on the cross.
The Poinsettia
The legend of the poinsettia is a charming story of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.
"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.
Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt down and gathered a handful of common weeds. She made a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.
As she approached the altar, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.
Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.
From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.

An Invitation-School of Leaders 2009

2008-11-30T13:02:00.001-05:00

Decolores! Here’s a personal invitation to join us from 9:00AM – 12:00 PM the 2nd Saturday of each month in 2009 for a dynamic School of Leader (SOL). Check out the attached agenda for topics and meeting location. Each month we’ll have a doctrine talk (by a priest or religious), technique talk (lay person) and section work for each of us to grow in our faith and improve the effectiveness of Cursillo in our diocese.

Why should you be interested in attending the Cursillo School of Leaders? Come to the School of Leaders if….

· You are interested in working on a Cursillo team. All talk presenters come from the School of Leaders. The SOL in a sense is year around team formation.
· You want to strengthen the “study” leg of your tripod. Next year the doctrine talks are on Christian Morality, Chapters 25 – 34 from the US Catholic Catechism for Adults. What a great way to better form your conscience.
· You are interested in becoming more active in the Cursillo Movement and learning more about the Cursillo method. There is much to do and we need your help!
· You want some wonderful fellowship, and to be involved with a super group of faith- filled people who are doing what we are all called to do.
· You just want to grow in your faith and be better a Catholic.

Remember, it is when you give of yourself that you receive. Plan to give a little to the Cursillo School of Leaders in 2009, and experience the joyful surprise of what God will give to you in return.

Please come and join us. Christ in counting on you! If you cannot make every Saturday, that’s OK, just come as often as you can.

In Christ,

Pete Royal
Lay Director

October School of Leaders

2008-11-07T05:44:00.000-05:00

Over the years I have been blessed with the opportunity to hear many Catholic Apologists give their witness about the faith. I have heard Scott Hahn, Michael Cumbie and Tim Staples, powerful witnesses all, to the truth of the Catholic faith. These men travel the country telling their stories about their conversion to Catholicism. If I am lucky, I will hear them speak once a year, if I am lucky.
We do not have to wait a year to hear a powerful witness. At the School of Leaders on Oct. 25, our own Msg. Haut gave a doctrinal talk on Sacramentals and Popular Devotions from The Adult Catechism that, had you been wearing socks, would have knocked them off. He introduced us to a number of hitherto unknown (at least to me) volumes on prayers, blessings, and indulgences that will have a number of us looking up the ISBN numbers to see if they are still available.
Bob Devereux, the Rector of the next men’s weekend, followed up with a lay talk on one of my favorite subjects “The School of Leaders” from the “Leaders Manual”. Bob emphasized the fact that the reason it is called “The School of Leaders” and not the “Leader’s School”, is because we do not train Cursillistas to be leaders, we help form Cursillistas who are already leaders.
Would like to grow in your faith? Do you feel the Lord is calling you to be more than you are now? If you truly would like to make a difference in your home, parish, diocese, and perhaps in the Cursillo Movement, you should consider “The School of Leaders” meeting at Resurrection Catholic Church. The next meeting is on November 22, 9:00 A.M. You should come and you should bring a friend or your group reunion.
Your brother in Christ,
Bill Peters

ADVENT ULTREYA!

2008-11-05T21:46:00.001-05:00

When: December 6, 2008
Where: Cathedral Basilica
(38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084)
Rosary 6:40 PM
Mass 7:00 PM, Main celebrant – Bishop Galeone
Fiesta following Mass at the Parish Hall
(South of the Cathedral on St. George St.)
Please be sure to join us on December 6th at the Diocesan Advent Ultreya!!! It is always a wonderful time and a great way to start the Advent season.
We are asking Cursillistas to bring the following:
Drinks -- last names beginning with A-C
Salads/Vegetables -- D-I
Main Dish -- J-S
Dessert -- T-Z
You can drop off your fiesta items ahead of time at the Parish Hall until 6:30 PM.
Please be sure to bring a friend!

TIME, TALENT & TREASURE…THERE IS YOUR IDEAL!

Remember these words spoken on your 3-day weekend? We’re asked to share our time with all those around us, daily. We’re asked to share our talents in our individual environments, daily. And now we have an opportunity to share our treasure, at our annual Advent Ultreya.
Our Advent Ultreya is Saturday, December 6th at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine. It’s that special time of year when Bishop Galeone celebrates Mass for all Cursillistas in our Diocese, a special time to come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A collection will be taken up during Mass to replenish the Cursillo treasury in order that we Cursillistas may continue to share our time, talent and treasure as Christ’s servants. Please come prepared to give what you can, financially, and through your prayers.
Christ is counting on us!

Cursillo Pilgrimage Opportunities

2008-11-01T13:30:00.003-04:00

Why not take a pilgrimage to regional or national Cursillo meetings? Consider asking a friend or your group reunion to attend with you! Regional meetings are held twice a year (usually in April and October). Often, Cursillistas hosting these regional meetings provide lodging in their homes to those coming from afar, so travel expenses are minimal.
2009 Regional Meetings
April 24 – 26 Orlando
Oct 15 – 16 Tallahassee
2010 Regional Meetings
April 24 – 25 Atlanta
Oct 15 – 16 Jacksonville

In addition, Cursillo holds a meeting annually. This year, a world-wide encounter will be held in San Diego, California from July 30 – August 2nd. Information is now available on the National Cursillo website.

Secretariat Vacancies

2008-09-28T19:09:00.003-04:00

There will be two vacancies on the Secretariat this December. If you would like to nominate someone to fill one of these positions, please attend the next School of Leaders on October 25th at Resurrection Parish.

Why Aren't You Attending the School of Leaders?

2008-09-11T22:15:00.003-04:00

The School of Leaders is the heartbeat of the Cursillo Movement. Everything comes from the heart. We are preparing for English weekends in less than six months and will choose teams from the School of Leaders. Do you feel called to serve Christ on a weekend? What is keeping you from attending the School of Leaders? Please let us know so that we can meet your needs. Christ is counting on you!

Rector and Rectora for English Weekends Announced

2008-08-10T20:35:00.002-04:00

The rector and rectora for the next English weekends will be Bob Devereaux and Diane Royal. Please keep them both in your prayers as they begin their work forming teams. Remember that in order to work a team, you must be grouping, attending Ultreya, and attending the School of Leaders. If you feel called to serve on the team, you can begin attending this month!

Note: The dates for the English and Spanish weekends have changed. The Men's English weekend is February 26th -March 1st. The Women's English weekend is March 5th-8th. The Men's Spanish weekend is April 16th-19th. The Women's Spanish weekend is April 23rd-26th.