Knoxville Cursillo

In today’s world can Christianity penetrate the many areas of secular life? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it transform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past and in keeping

with the times? The Cursillo Movement thinks so. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but simply

a method through which one’s spirituality may be developed, lived, and shared in any area of human life, where there are Christians willing to dedicate their lives to Christ in an ongoing manner. The method is introduced on a Cursillo weekend.

Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning “little” or “short course.” It begins on a Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday evening. During the three days, those attending live, pray, work together and listen to talks by priests, religious and laity. Each talk is followed by a small group discussion. The basis atmosphere of Cursillo differs greatly from the solitude of an individual retreat. Community, and personal sharing is built-in throughout the weekend in a spirit of joy.

The “after” activity of the Cursillo is known as the “Fourth Day.” During this time perseverance is important, just as it is in any method of renewal. Three means of perseverance are encouraged in your Fourth Day. Reunions of small groups of friends are formed in order to encourage one another in spiritual improvement and Christian apostolate. The “Ultreya,” a Spanish word meaning “Onward,” is a reunion of the larger Cursillo community. Lastly, the School of Leaders is a reunion of Cursillistas that reinforces, enhances and enlarges the learning of the Cursillo weekend. Through all these ways, one is exposed to the spiritual growth, example and leadership of other Cursillistas in the community.

For additional information visit the Cursillo web site www.knoxvillecursillo.org or contact Ted Newsom at tnewsom@utk.edu or (865) 951-0775.