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The Deacon’s Beacon
June 2009
As summer approaches and we look for some relaxation time we try to find ways take time away from the rigors of job to be refreshed. While this is a very good thing to do, it is important that we also realize that we need to take time away from our busyness every day of the year as well. That is why I want to spend o few words on the importance of having a daily routine of prayer. At a recent retreat for the members of your English Secretariat, Sr. Breda Christopher had us focus on the important of prayer. She said “Prayer is the oxygen in the life in the Spirit.” “Silence is God’s first Language.” I wrote these down and have been meditating on them this month. I thought it would be good to share with you some other quotations on prayer for your meditation
“Christian Prayers is love. It is best understood in terms of love. Everything else we may say about prayer revolves around the fact that prayer is love” Fr. Edward Carter.
“The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service.” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
“The true source of prayer is not an emotion but an insight. As long as we refuse to take notice of what is beyond our sight, beyond our reason, as long as we are blind to the mystery of being, the way to prayer is closed to us." Abraham Heschel.
“After I enter the chapel, I place myself in the presence of God. I begin to tell him of all that concerns me, my joys, my thought, my distress, and finally, I listen to him.“ St. Catherine Laboure
“Talk to your Father, He is worried too!” Anonymous
De Colores,
Deacon Doug
Calling All Cursillistas!
June 2009
CONGRATULATIONS CURSILLO OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE!
I wish to congratulate ALL Cursillistas of the Diocese of Orange for ALL that you collectively do to make our Diocesan movement one of the very best in the country. Here is why.
Over a weekend in April, Dave Robinson (a very longtime Cursillista and currently our treasurer and a Secretariat member) and I attended a Region XI Cursillo Encounter conducted at the Pastoral Center in Fresno, CA. Orange Cursillo is a part of Region XI that includes all of California, Nevada, and Hawaii. For me, this was my first time to attend a Regional Encounter. It was a wonderful experience!
About 200 Cursillo leaders from throughout the region were present and represented many Dioceses including the English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Portuguese cultures. You can be certain that with that many Cursillistas gathered in one location, there was an abundance of Cursillista joy!
Together we prayed and celebrated Mass; were inspired with great meditations, grouping, and a Grand Ultreya; received instruction in the core principles of our movement; and also learned of the various challenges for Cursillo in so many Dioceses. A most dramatic and inspiring keynote address was delivered by Victor Lugo, the National Executive Director for Cursillo.
I left this gathering wanting to be sure to congratulate ALL of you – the Cursillistas of the Diocese of Orange! And also to remind you how very fortunate we are to be in such a vibrant Cursillo community as exists here in our Diocese. Don’t get me wrong, all the Dioceses were represented by well informed and dedicated Cursillistas. However, in all of the discussions, and I know that Dave agrees, it was apparent that the Cursillo movement here in Orange is as vibrant and effective as they come anywhere in our region. This is no accident, of course.
We have so much to be thankful for – beginning with the gift of the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all parts of our movement and at all times. Also, we have the personal dedication and leadership of a truly superb Executive and Spiritual Director in Deacon Doug Cook, who just recently celebrated his 30th anniversary of ordination! I also know that Deacon Doug joins me in gratefully acknowledging that much of our success today is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of our former and longtime Executive and Spiritual Director, Father Ray Skonezny. Furthermore, we are so fortunate that the Most Reverend Tod Brown, Bishop of Orange is himself an ardent supporter of our movement. Adding to his support are the Auxiliary Bishops of Orange: Most Reverend Dominic Luong and Most Reverend Cirilo Flores. We also enjoy today the active support of so many wonderful Pastors throughout the Diocese and, of course, the critical and practical leadership of so many dedicated lay Cursillo leaders. The success of our movement is truly a team effort.
All of us together, with the Holy Spirit continually guiding our work, welcome so many new Cursillistas each and every year to our Cursillo community. We know that those we invite to live the 3 day Cursillo inevitably grow in their Catholic faith and become more committed and dedicated disciples of Christ as a direct result of their personal and unique encounter with Christ!
So let’s pat ourselves on the back – I think it is okay – but more importantly, praise Our Lord for all the glory belongs to Him alone! Amen.
DeColores!
Mike Blasi
OC Cursillo May Newsletter
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Cursillo Schedule 2009
2009 ORANGE COUNTY TRI-CULTURAL CURSILLO SCHEDULE
