This is the time of year when working men and women are putting in for vacation time for the coming year. And while we’re not asking anyone to spend their hard-earned vacation time on a Cursillo weekend, it has proven to be beneficial to ask for days before and/or after the Cursillo weekend to ensure you get the time off requested.

There are some things a person should consider when determining if “this is the year” to make a Cursillo. First, what is Cursillo, and why should I consider making a weekend?

The real name of Cursillo is “Cursillo de Christianidad” and means “a short course in Christianity.” It is 72 hours of living and learning the principles of Christian living and discipleship. On a Cursillo weekend, a person can gain the tools to live a better, and more Christian life. It is, in a sense, an opportunity to have the mountain come to you, rather than you having to go to the mountain (if you disregard the short trip to Peterstown and staying at the Peterstown Hilton as a trip to the mountain).

There are 5 talks given on each of the three days, with three being given by a lay person and two given by mem- bers of the clergy. Before the Cursillo weekend begins officially, there is a period of silent retreat to set the tone for the weekend and get the participants into a more spiritually oriented frame of mind.

Everything a person would need is provided, including meals and a mountain of cookies. The participant in the Cursillo weekend can expect to experience true Christian living as is described in the Acts of the Apostles. The week- end is so well organized that virtually every need is attended to with the peace, love and grace of Christ and his chosen disciples.

If you would like more information or would like to register for the Men’s or Women’s Cursillo weekend, you can talk to Deacon Ray Fischer, or Brian Corrigan in the Holy Family Catholic Church in Mendota, or any number of parishioners who have stepped into the deep to experience this life-changing week- end.