Information for Sponsors

Cursillistas should refrain from sonsoring candidates simply for the sake of having a weekend.

It is the responsibility of the sponsors (with the support of the community at large) to: prepare the candidates for being open and accepting on the weekend by answering questions openly and honestly and not seeming to be furtive or secretive. remove impediments to the attendance of the weekend. This may include driving the candidates to and from the retreat site, arranging babysitting for the weekend, arranging house-sitting if needed, etc. This is all a form of Sponsor palanca. help the candidate overcome fourth day inertia. It is the sponsor's clear and unavoidable *duty* to make certain the candidate is invited to join a reunion group after the conclusion of the weekend.

Checklist for sponsoring a candidate

• Pray for your candidate.
• A letter will be sent to the candidate explaining what to bring.
  (basically, comfortable clothes, toiletries, and possibly a pillow and blanket, a bible and rosary if they have one).
• Special dietary needs were requested on the application form. Special dietary needs can be critical. Be sure a member of the team or the ultreya leader is aware of any special needs well before hand. The kitchen crew will provide for them.
• Transportation to the retreat weekend will be provided.
• Transportation from the retreat weekend will be provided.
• The sponsor will call the candidate with transportation information: Where to meet, what time to leave, etc…

For whom is a cursillo intended? (Choosing candidates)

The weekends are designed for committed Christians who earnestly desire to grow in Christ. If that describes you, you will probably have a wonderful time, and grow in wonderful ways you did not think possible.

People who are actually or potentially leaders, people with a dissatisfaction with the way things are, people who have an aptitude for living in and for community.

The weekends are not a panacea, and they are not for everyone. I've never been on a weekend (I've been on five so far) in which someone did not come to Christ for the first time -- yet that is not the focus for the weekend.   A Cursillo should not be the first time someone commits to a Christian way of life.  Inevitably, there are a few there who do not realize until they actually encounter the love of God shining on the weekend that they are strangers to that love, but those who do not claim to be committed Christians should not attend.

The weekends are also not for those who are not willing to grow, as the weekend is about more than love. It is a short course in Christianity, designed to help Christians to be renewed in God's love and grace. Grace is about accepting us where we are, but we are never left there. If a person really does not want to grow in Christ, they should not attend a weekend.

Cursillo is not intended to fix people. People with severe chronic or current problems (depression, loss, addictions, etc) are not good candidates. Cursillo is intended to help raise up evangelical leaders in the church, not to heal those who are broken. There are ample programs designed for healing that should be pursued with those in need.

Information for Candidates:  Print this double sided tri-fold color brochure

Last Updated:  06/13/2008