DECOLORES friends,
As many of you know, at the last Ultreya in Westbank, it was mentioned that we would not be having anymore Ultreyas.
Friday Feb. 19th, Diane, Shirley and I met with the Bishop to talk about what to do, now that we have come to the conclusion that we are not getting anywhere in reviving the Cursillo movement.
A few words were used to try and call it what it really is: disbanding, quitting... In the end the Bishop suggested we call it a sabbatical. For us that was the correct word as it didn’t close the door with a tight seal never to be opened again! To quote the Bishop: “Sabbath time is a time to remember that all of time is God’s and that God is continually present and active throughout the creation. We will wait with patience and faith for what will come....”
So for now and probably a good while, there will not be any Ultreyas in Central Okanagan. We are not sure at this time if any of the other regions have many active groups and Ultreyas happening.
A team of us will go through and sort the supplies that are stored at St. George’s. We will take out the items that can be sent to the Diocesan archives for record keeping. We will look at all other items and decide what to do with them. The banners will be kept with any items we feel need to ‘stay together’ in storage.
At the moment there are a few clergy that have shown interest in pursuing and being involved with Cursillo. The Bishop will continue to listen for others who may be interested. Bishop John asks that if you have the commitment, the heart, and the drive to pursue this ministry, and want to be involved, please let him know.
What we Cursillistas have lost is the leadership, the commitment and the drive to prepare candidates; to support them, to invite them into group, and to continue to support them on their 4th day. This is what is needed in order to live the method, not only for ourselves but for those we want to have the Cursillo experience. Not everyone has had that electrifying experience; some are content to have had the experience but are not committed to pursue any further, and that’s OK.
It’s not about meeting once a month and feeling good. It’s not about sponsoring someone because you had a great weekend and you think others will too! It’s much more than that! So for now, the Cursillo movement is on sabbatical. When God’s Spirit moves in the Diocese for the purpose of Cursillo it will happen. In the meantime we leave it to God.
May you continue to live your 4th day in all ways. Christ is counting on you!
ONWARD & UPWARD, Diane, Shirley and Madeleine
One very important detail! The Cursillo lectern made by Richard Haycroft is sitting somewhere! When the Cathedral hall was being prepared for demolition I understand that some items were taken to be stored in people’s homes. We obviously have not made contact with whomever may have it stored in their household. A picture of the lectern is attached. We hope that someone will come forward and tell us they have it. It will then be stored with the other Cursillo supplies. Please pass this on to others so we can find the missing lectern. Contact Diane Mairs, Shirley Ganton or Madeleine Ford for pick-up. Thank You
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Are you familiar with Cursillo?
It is a 3 day course that teaches a method for Christian growth.
It is an opportunity to examine one's life and relationship with Christ.
The weekend (Thursday evening to Sunday (late) afternoon) starts with a silent meditation (Thursday night to Friday a.m.)
The candidates will sit at a table grouped with up to 5 other men/women to discuss the topics presented in 15 different talks. (table groups are all women or all men)
If you would like more information about the Cursillo movement, please go to Contact Us on the Main Menu and I will get back to you.
Madeleine
You can visit the Anglican Cursillo Movement by following the link
http://www.anglicancursillo.com/
ULTREYA! Onward and Upward
