Calling All Cursillistas!
July 2010

DON’T MISS THE SPONSOR WORKSHOP!

Attend either August 11 or August 14…see below!

Make a Friend, Be a Friend, and Bring a Friend to Christ!

This is our familiar call to action and is a central part of the metanoia we all experienced when living the 3 day Cursillo. Of course, our evangelical outreach extends far beyond the Cursillo movement itself. However, bringing our family members, friends, co-workers, and all of those we know, and from any number of environments of which we are a part, to live the 3 day Cursillo is of paramount importance to the success of our overall evangelical action.

Our Cursillo Movement – here in Orange – is blessed in so many ways. And one important way is that it is comprised of countless, dedicated Cursillistas who never hesitate to “Make a Friend, Be a Friend, and Bring that Friend to Christ”…with a sincere invitation to live the Cursillo. However, as we all know, the work of being an EFFECTIVE friend and sponsor does not begin with that invitation, and certainly it does not end with it! Recently our Cursillo weekends have been filled to the brim with wonderful candidates thanks to the efforts of so many dedicated sponsors! So, this is a very good time to make a renewed effort to be the BEST sponsors we can possibly be.

Thanks to the efforts of Debbie Blashaw and Sue Hamrock – Chairs of the School of Leaders – and with assistance of other veteran Cursillo leaders – there is a very important workshop planned for "How to be the Best Cursillo Sponsor Possible." The precise agenda and content is being developed currently. Input is taken from the Cursillo literature as well as from the practical successes we have experienced right here in Orange. The format will follow the regular SOL time frame, but so that it is possible for as many Cursillistas as possible to attend, this workshop is being offered twice. Please make one of them fit into your busy schedule. Attend the workshop EITHER Wednesday evening, August 11 from 7-9 PM, or Saturday, August 14, at the regular SOL time, from 9:15 – 11:15 AM. The location is La Purisima Church in Orange.

Debbie and Sue will be informing you of more details soon…but SAVE THE DATE! Remember "Christ is Counting on You!"

DeColores! See you at the workshop!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
June 2010

NEW TEAMS ARE FORMING!

Ours is a very vibrant Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Orange. No sooner are the Cursillos of April concluded then formation for the July Cursillos gets underway. As you are well aware, Cursillos in Christianity is a worldwide movement of the Catholic Church, and there are many active and vibrant Cursillo communities in every corner of the world. However, as the Holy Spirit must have intended, the Cursillo Movement in Orange stacks up very well. We are so fortunate to have such a long and vibrant history of success, over 33 years now! This record of success is the result of the ACTIONS of so many Cursillistas including past and current leaders in the School of Leaders and the Secretariat. By success, I refer to fulfilling so well the mission and purpose of Cursillo. It can be stated in several ways, but I quote below from the Leaders' Manual, page 13.

"The purpose (or goal) of the movement is to make Christian community possible in neighborhoods, parishes, work situations and the other places where people live the greater part of their lives."

One of those "places" we spend much of our time is in our families. Please allow me a little personal sharing. I am still so greatly elated as I recently watched my son Mike Jr., my daughter Jennifer, and my son-in-law Aaron all experience Cursillo in April as well as the joy in my wife as she led Cursillo #514 as Rectora. As we all know: "God is good…all the time! All the time…God is good!."

As I sat in a recent team Mass, I felt such an evident spirit of love and joy in everyone present. And it was a big and excited group as the teams are full to the brim with members and with, more importantly, the love of Christ!

A couple of concluding remarks: whenever your schedule and geography permit, join a team Mass at Marywood. You need not be a team member to attend. It a great way to support the team, and you are especially welcome to be there! (Do check the schedule on the web since every summer several team meetings are not located at Marywood.) Also, please consider attending a regional or national Cursillo event. The Orange movement needs to lend support in all ways possible to the national and regional movements since we are such fortunate recipients of God’s abundant grace in Cursillo in Orange. The next Cursillo National Encounter is July 29 - August 1, 2010, at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. (www.natl-cursillo.com). The next Cursillo Regional meeting and Ultreya is October 1-3, 2010 in Fresno, CA. (just email me for details).

DeColores to all! See you at team Mass!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
May 2010

Please allow me to share this month, the remarks I had the privilege of speaking just last night at Clausura! Thank you!

Marywood Clausura – Cursillo #514 – May 2, 2010

Sometimes I follow current events including politics, although it seems to be an increasingly unpleasant pastime as the years go by. I remember a past Presidential election when a popular slogan was "It’s the economy, stupid!" Well, current events are important, but they pale by comparison to a much more important aspect of life – our spiritual journeys here on earth. So I’d like to offer a slogan more on point, in my view: "It’s ALL about your Fourth Day, my sisters and brothers in Christ!"

Now I know that the 3 days of Cursillo #514 was a little piece of heaven here on earth for all of you. Spending the past 3 days with the team and the candidates on this Cursillo is certainly a tough act to follow. And the 3 days is definitely a vital and important beginning – but it is ONLY a beginning! The best is yet to come! Let me repeat my favorite slogan: "It is ALL about your Fourth Day!" Indeed, the mission statement of Cursillo here in the Diocese of Orange is to strive to create a De Colores way of living our Fourth Day!

By now, you must realize that however it happened in your particular life circumstances, Christ called YOU to this Cursillo and for very important purpose. He desired for you to learn, and to grow, and to enjoy, 3 incredible, faith-filled days… and you did! But truly He called you here to experience something much greater…a deep, profound, and life changing CONVERSION of heart and mind to HIM! In other words, to experience a lasting and growing metanoia!

Furthermore, Christ called you out from whatever degree of isolation you might have been experiencing before Cursillo and into the richness and fullness of Christian life in community…with your many sisters and brothers in Christ! I did say "It’s ALL about your Fourth Day!" I could just as correctly proclaim "It’s ALL about your community!"

The only way to succeed in living a De Colores Fourth Day is to join and participate and grow with a community of like-minded Christians. And that community is here tonight welcoming you with open arms, if you will only come and stay! Please don’t let everyday life as it was, and old habits, get in the way. Turn over a new leaf for Christ! I heard many of you proclaim tonight your desire to do just that…but from much experience, I know it is not easy! As you heard over and over again, nothing has changed in the world down from this beautiful and sacred hill of Marywood. You must change…and change forever!

You have already heard so much urging, from so many, to be sure to join and participate in a regular, weekly Cursillo friendship group. And also to experience Ultreya, whenever possible. So I will only reinforce that statement one more time – and every Cursillista behind you agrees – you cannot do it alone! In order to persevere in Piety, Study, and Action, you will need Christian Cursillo community! Every team member you met, every Cursillista you see here tonight, enjoys the fruits of a Christ-filled life only with the constant support of and participation in community. Sadly, however, not all Cursillistas survive. Without community, they fail.

Now we can urge you, entice you, invite you, and even persuade you – but truly…
it is ALL up to you!

So in closing, I tell you…know that you can ALWAYS count on Christ. I pray tonight that He can ALWAYS count on you!



DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
April 2010

A SPECIAL CALL TO ACTION!

The Diocese of Orange has a wide array of programs to reach many needs within our community; however, we fall short in our services for seniors. While other Dioceses have many options for Catholic faith-based senior living and accommodations for retired clergy, nothing is available in Orange County.

As part of the mission of the Diocese in Orange County, Bishop Tod Brown is committed to recognizing and responding to the retirement needs of senior clergy and lay faithful. To be called the Springs at Bethsaida, the first Catholic faith-based senior community will be built on a 7.25 acre site that was given to the Diocese 50 years ago to further the mission of the church. For the past 5 years, the diocese has worked hard to plan the community to be very compatible with the rest of the North Tustin neighborhood.

But we need your help! A vocal group of opponents have launched an aggressive campaign to stop this project. Their reasons are largely based on misinformation and speculation, but they could prevent the Diocese from building the Springs at Bethsaida, if we don’t show widespread support.

We are asking the Cursillo Community to answer the call by coming to a meeting on Thursday, April 8, from 7- 8 pm, at Providence Hall, Marywood

to learn more about the Springs at Bethsaida, the timing for the public review process and to learn how to help. Our needs include letter writing and attendance at hearings. Please visit this very informative website to learn more about the Springs at Bethsaida: www.rcboseniorliving.com

If you are already on board, but can’t make the meeting please fill out the contact information at http://www.rcboseniorliving.com/contactus.html. In the comment section please mention that you are a Cursillista and that you want to help support the project. A member of the outreach team will contact you.



DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
March 2010

ANOTHER BOOK RECOMMENDATION

In January, I used this monthly column to recommend the book: The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin. Afterwards, I heard from quite a number of Cursillistas that they had read the book and found it to be just as excellent as I did. Well, I offer another recommendation…by the same author, as indicated above. Here’s some interesting Cursillo background about the author.

I mentioned in January that Ralph Martin was a Cursillista himself. In this book, Hungry for God, he elaborates a bit more on his Cursillo experience: "I grew up in a good Catholic family. As I went through high school, however, I questioned my religion. At the University of Notre Dame, my criticism continued. In order to afford school during my senior year, I had to accept a graduate student’s offer to share an apartment. The only drawback was that Phil was a committed Christian. Halfway through that year, Phil attended something called a Cursillo; eventually Phil got me to sign up for a Cursillo too. The people in charge decided to accept my application, although they considered me a poor risk. During the first day of the Cursillo, I admired the group dynamics of the weekend. I began to get an uneasy feeling that I was perceiving something of the mind of God himself. In the talks, a variety of people spoke of Jesus as of a person they knew and were in relationship with. I began to sense his presence, as if he were in the room. There is nothing more important in the world than the reality of God and his call to us. I wanted to come to him now."

Well, by his own telling, Cursillo played a very instrumental role in the faith journey of Ralph Martin. And the results have been extraordinarily good, I’d say. Who is Ralph Martin today? He is President of Renewal Ministries (www.renewalministries.net), Director of Graduate Studies in the new evangelization at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, and also a visiting professor of theology at Franciscan University.

I found Hungry for God to be an excellent read that provides unique insights to prayer. The book’s subtitle – Practical Help in Personal Prayer – is a very accurate description of the book’s content. If you read it, I know you will not be disappointed. And perhaps you will feel some humble pride in knowing that the work of Cursillo is happening all over the world and bringing Christ to the forefront of so many lives ... including this famous Christian author and professor!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
February 2010

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOURTH DAY!

It is always so exhilarating to see and hear the personal testimony of brand new Cursillistas at Clausura. As I enjoyed hearing the words of thanks and praise to God spoken so eloquently by the new Cursillistas of Cursillos #509 and #510, I couldn’t help but reflect on how great the impact of my Cursillo has been on my life. Also, I thought of just how profoundly Cursillo might impact the lives of the 36 men and 44 women having just experienced the magnificent 3 Days of Cursillo. My primary thought: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOURTH DAY! Will they persevere, and will we help them?

On Monday, January 25, 2010, we celebrated the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Before my Cursillo, I thought Saints were examples of Christians living a faith way beyond the reach of the rest of us - just ordinary lay persons. After my Cursillo, I learned something different. I learned: Who is the Church? That’s right! We are the Church! And we are ALL called to be saints -- here and now -- by virtue of our Baptism. SO in hearing the scripture account of St. Paul’s conversion, I couldn’t help but think of my own conversion, and of your conversion, since we ALL have experienced a METANOIA by living those 3 magnificent Days of Cursillo. A metanoia that is unique -- but at the same time universally profound -- bringing about a conversion of mind and heart to Jesus Christ! Saint Paul’s conversion was deep, authentic, and everlasting. The question is: will mine be -- will yours be? The answer lies in just how we live our Fourth Day!

A very important message of the 3 Day Cursillo is that our faith is not to be lived in isolation but in Christian community. Indeed, Jesus began our Church for the holy and divine purpose that we Catholics live together in harmony and in support of one another. This precise point is emphasized in the writing of Pope Paul VI titled "On Evangelization in the Modern World." I quote:
"God did not create man for life in isolation, but for the formation of social unity. So also it has pleased God to make men holy and save them, not merely as individuals, but by making them into a single people, a people which acknowledge him in truth and serve him in holiness. So, from the beginning of salvation history He has chosen men not just as individuals but as members of a certain community." (emphasis added)

Toward the end of this wonderful book, the author offers a personal sharing and relates it to another wonderful Saint, Teresa of Avila.

Each Cursillista has received the great gift of Cursillo! However it happened in your particular life’s circumstance, God did indeed call you to Cursillo! You experienced a metanoia that brought your heart and mind ever so closer to Christ. For your metanoia to be everlasting, you need Christian, Catholic community! As experienced Cursillistas, you know this. You know that Group Reunion and Ultreya are the tools essential to living a Life in Grace. To truly help our newest Cursillistas to persevere on their Fourth Days, we must augment the great work of the 3 days with more work by encouraging -- in all ways possible -- Group Reunions and Ultreyas.

SO I request, please get more involved in our Cursillo community. Foster Group Reunion and Ultreya, in all ways possible, among our newer Cursillistas. Go to your Cursillo Parish Rep and offer your support in the area of greatest importance to ALL Cursillistas: OUR FOURTH DAY!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
January 2010

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Chances are if you are taking the time to read this article, you are an active Cursillista and have benefited by your regular, active participation in a Cursillo Friendship Group. I am convinced ? maybe you are too ? that anyone who is called by the Holy Spirit to live the 3 Days of Cursillo has experienced - over that very special weekend - a profound deepening of their knowledge of and love for Jesus Christ. We passionate Cursillistas might even say that we grew closer to Christ in just those 3 days than perhaps we had all the days before living our Cursillo. Okay, I know I am preaching to the choir! Here?s a recommendation.

I encourage you to read, in this New Year, a "best" book that was recommended to me by one of my groupies from St. Norbert Parish, Ed Majcher. The author is Ralph Martin, a layperson, who offers his personal reflections while quoting relevant and ample sections of the writings of five wonderful Saints. He describes his book, The Fulfillment of All Desire, as "A guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints." I found his "guidebook" to be very effective and inspiring. He reflects on much saintly wisdom in a way that clearly applies to our lives as Cursillistas who are striving to progress in our personal spiritual journeys while living our fourth day.

To entice you to read this book, I quote below two brief sections. In one the author directly quotes a writing of Saint Francis De Sales.

"For those who live in the world and desire to embrace true virtue it is necessary to unite together in holy, sacred friendship. By this means they encourage, assist, and lead one another to perform good deeds. Men walking on level ground do not have to lend one another a hand, while those who are on a rugged, slippery road hold on to one another in order to walk more safely. So also members of religious orders have no need for particular friendships, whereas people in the world need them to keep safe and assist one another in the many dangerous places they must past through." (emphasis added)

Toward the end of this wonderful book, the author offers a personal sharing and relates it to another wonderful Saint, Teresa of Avila.

"Many of the contemporary renewal movements in the Church place a strong emphasis on the importance of mutual support for perseverance on the journey to God. Right after I made a Cursillo when I was a senior at the University of Notre Dame, I began meeting in a small group with other men to help each other review how we were doing on our journey. I've been in such a group now for more than forty years, and it's been an important help for me and for millions of others as well -- just as it was for Teresa." (emphasis added)

Now was I surprised to learn that Ralph Martin was an active Cursillista? Not really. Even not knowing anything about him before I read this book, I did come to know him and admire him, the more I read. He had that familiar Cursillista joy about him!

As was demonstrated by the vast and diverse number of Cursillistas assembled this past August at the Fourth World Ultreya for Cursillo held in Anaheim, Cursillistas are everywhere in our world. And, so very often, they are not difficult to spot! Praise be to God!

I am just thankful to be a Cursillista -- here in the Diocese of Orange County -- and striving to bloom where I am planted, just like you!

I hope you will read this book.

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
December 2009

A GREAT THANK YOU TO ALL CURSILLISTAS!

The Annual Cursillo Dinner and Auction is a BIG Success!

We Cursillistas are one GREAT community. We support one another with piety, study, and action ALWAYS! We evangelize one another and offer heartfelt prayer whenever and however needed. So it is little surprise that we came out in force to celebrate and support our beautiful Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Orange on Saturday evening, November 14, 2009.

The day began with Mass and prayer and then some facility set-up by the School of Helpers (usually known as the School of Leaders) and then work continued all day by the very dedicated volunteer members of the committee. The parish hall at Saint Pius V Parish was converted into "The Pacific Islands." It was indeed a very festive atmosphere of great Cursillista joy, Catholic fellowship, great entertainment by the Samoan Choir from St. Joseph's Parish of Santa Ana, and also very good food and drink. Then there was a fabulous MC and auctioneer in Deacon Doug Cook.

The enthusiasm of Deacon Doug certainly helped to make our fundraising event a BIG success in that category also. Our community.despite the very difficult, current economic times.once again was very generous and replenished our resources going forward into 2010. Because of your generosity, Cursillo hopes to help add some major capital improvements to our Cursillo weekend home at the Marywood Pastoral Center.

A special thanks is so well deserved by the wonderful Co-chairs: Mona Spencer & Laurie Bois.as well as all the committee members: Debbie Arellanes, George Balch, Margie Balch, Lynnell Caldwell, Susie Cunningham, Nive Brown, Mike Gilmore, Susan Iglesias, George Jurica, Joe Pickett, Piera Pickett, Frances Patino, Carol Preimsberger, Jeanne Rathswohl, Misty Roman, Kim Rickard, and Dave Robinson. And thanks also to the many, many donors of wonderful auction baskets and major gifts.

Earlier this month I prayed for your support of this important event, and you gave it fully! Today I pray in thanksgiving to Our Lord for all you have done and continue to do. May you enjoy the peace and happiness in your lives that only Our Lord can provide!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
November 2009

PLEASE COME & SHARE IN SOME CURSILLISTA JOY!

“4th Day Celebration in the Pacific Islands” The Cursillo Annual Dinner and Auction

Just once a year, the Cursillo movement of the Diocese of Orange sponsors a dinner and auction event for the prayerful and financial support of the ongoing and important work of our Cursillo community. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

#1) Please purchase a dinner ticket as soon as possible (just $35).

#2) Kindly donate a gift basket or other auction item. Or perhaps consider a financial donation to Cursillo.

#3) Most importantly, please keep the success of our Cursillo movement and the personal intentions of the hearts of all Cursillistas in your daily prayers.

For all you will do to support this important event, and for ALL you have done and continue to do in support of our community and its work, I sincerely THANK YOU!

So I pray:

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!
Numbers 6:24-26

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

(Please see below for more details.)

Calling All Cursillistas!
October 1, 2009

Your personal participation in the mission of our Orange Cursillo movement is encouraged by your attendance at the

CURSILLO FALL REGIONAL ENCOUNTER.

This is a semi-annual event (generally in April & again in October). The English Secreatariat wishes to encourage participation as fully as possible in our Regional affairs and events. We were represented at this past Spring Encounter. We hope to be represented again in October.

ALL ACTIVE CURSILLISTAS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE, ENJOY, AND LEARN AT THIS WONDERFUL MULTI-CULTURAL AND REGIONAL GATHERING! PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR POSITIVE RESPONSE DIRECTLY AS INDICATED BELOW. PLEASE ALSO REPLY TO THIS EMAIL TO LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND. I HOPE YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE YOUR EXPEREINCE AT A FUTURE SECRETARIAT MEETING AND DIOCESAN ULTREYA.

CURSILLOS IN CHRISTIANITY CURSILLOS DE CRISTIANDAD FALL ENCOUNTER - REGION XI

October 23-25, 2009



Diocese of Fresno Pastoral Center 1536 N. Fresno St. Fresno, CA 93703 Registration begins at 6:30 PM prayers and meditation at 8:00PM Friday . .

Weekend concludes at 12:00 PM Sunday

The Cost is $50 per person for the weekend - dormitory style (The Center provides pillows., blankets, sheets, towel, wash cloth) If you are not staying at the center the cost is $30 per person



REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct 17, 2009 Space is limited for staying on site. Send your registration and payment to your Regional Coordinator ASAP


English: John Casarez 1215 W. Reece St., San Bernardino CA 92411 (909-888-0416) lvcnqrs@aol.com Individual information is needed for each attendee

(_) Please reserve space for __ , who will be staying at the Center.

(_) Please reserve space for __ , who will not be staying at the Center.

Name: _____________ Phone: (___)_________

Address:____________City____________ Zip: ____

Special Needs:__________________________________ Email: ____________________

Ministry (please Check) ___ Extraordinary Minister: ___ Lector ___ Music___

Make Checks Payable to Region XI



DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
Labor Day, September 7, 2009

The joy of serving on a Cursillo team!
Some Observations


“Let us offer with joy whatever work we do in service of God and his people, whether the tasks be humble or great, knowing that God has done still greater work for us through his Son Jesus Christ.” (Magnificat, September 2009, p. 93)

We are blessed with many volunteers whenever team selections are undertaken. Service on a Cursillo team is a demanding and serious commitment of time and effort. Oh, but how rewarding it is! If the time is right, you are always encouraged to sign up to volunteer to serve Our Lord and His candidates on upcoming Cursillo teams. The current teams, already in formation, will serve on the weekends beginning October 8 and 15, 2009. The teams next to be formed will serve on weekends beginning January 14 and 21, 2010. Exact dates for all the 2010 Cursillo weekends and for the related team meetings are listed on the Cursillo website: www.occursillo.org. Please permit me to offer a few observations.

1) I will never forget the very first rollos I heard (and experienced!) in July 1993 on Cursillo #251…from Ideal…to the Rector’s final words in Group Reunion and Ultreya. As impactful as all the rollos were to me – in fact, they changed my life forever, just as I know they did yours – each and every time I serve of a Cursillo team, I learn and experience so much more and grow more deeply in my Life in Grace.

2) We all realize to serve on a Cursillo team is not about us or benefit to ourselves. The objective - and great privilege - is to SERVE…to serve Our Lord and His candidates! Whatever your specific role might be - kitchen, rollo room, or back table - you are a VERY IMPORTANT and essential member of that 3-day Cursillo community. You are truly a face of Christ to the candidates and team alike.

3) FOR NEWER CURSILLISTAS: You were gifted with a wonderful and profound metanoia on your 3-day Cursillo. NOW add a powerful catalyst to your faith journey and to your Life in Grace by serving on a Cursillo team. Whether you made your Cursillo very recently or a long time ago – whether you have never served on a team or have served just once or twice – you are always welcomed to serve again! Truly, Cursillo needs you! Remember that “Christ is counting on you!”

4) FOR VETERAN CURSILLISTAS: Thanks be to God! We are so very fortunate in the Orange Diocese to have such a large and vibrant Cursillo community of experienced Cursillistas that just never stop living a Life in Grace and never stop serving Christ and His Church and His people. It is your experienced presence on each Cursillo weekend that is so vital to enriching the 3-day experience for those candidates that have been called by the Holy Spirit to also be present on the weekend. SO, I know you will say yes whenever you hear His call to again serve on an upcoming Cursillo team!

5) FINAL NOTE: The times to sign up to volunteer for a Cursillo team are: a) at the Thursday candidate receptions, b) at the Sunday morning Mananistas, c) at the Sunday evening Clausuras, or d) at the Saturday evening Post-Cursillo Ultreya. Thank you for being such a great Cursillista and for offering your time and effort to serve Our Lord and Cursillo.

“May the goodness of the Lord be upon us, and give success to the work of our hands.” Ps 89:17

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
August 2009

WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!


It has been a wonderful weekend…or should I say weekends! As always, attending Clausuras and then the Post-Cursillo Ultreya (for Cursillos #503 & 504) and to witness the metanoia as expressed so very well by all the candidates…now Cursillistas…is a remarkably rewarding experience.

Then the very next weekend…beginning last Thursday, July 30…brought some more remarkable evidence of the Cursillo Movement at its finest!

I had the privilege of attending my first ever Cursillo National Encounter in San Bernardino with my wife Sharon, Deacon Doug, and Dave and Kathy Robinson…and also our long-time friends of OC Cursillo…Marty and Carmela Van De Ven. As much as I relish all the goods works we do here in Orange County with our Cursillista - Piety, Study and Action; it was especially heart warming to share with so many, many other Cursillistas from all over the country and in many different cultures who are doing the same in their respective Dioceses. We Cursillistas truly do bloom wherever we are planted!

Following that wonderful experience was an all day spiritual celebration at the Fourth World Ultreya held on Saturday, August 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center…and it is clear that the same evangelization of the USA is truly taking place over so much of the world!

By now I am sure you get the picture, I am on a “cloud nine” of sorts today. I hope you might have been there at the World Ultreya…or if not, use your imagination to relish the love of God as Cursillistas always express so well when together and celebrating our Catholic Christian faith.

Then early this Monday morning, what a way to keep it going as I met with my faithful groupies, and we shared our journeys in faith of the past week and plan for the next week.

At the Transfiguration, Our Father spoke: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” Matthew 17:5 In our own individual and personal ways, we all heard and listened to Our Lord’s call to Cursillo. I submit we are very, very lucky to have done so.

Ultreya!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

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.

Calling All Cursillistas!
May 2009

What should I tell my candidate?


If you are reading this short column, you have most likely been gifted by living the 3 Day Cursillo. Also, you have likely passed this gift along to others by sponsoring candidates for Cursillo. Sponsorship is a responsibility of all Cursillistas. However, to be a worthy sponsor takes sincere dedication and effort. If you have questions about your role as a Cursillo sponsor, good resources for guidance are Mona Spencer, our 3 Day Secretary; Gary Gordon, our Pre-Cursillo Chairperson; and Deacon Doug Cook, our Spiritual Director. Of course, any member of the Secretariat would welcome your contact. (See the Cursillo website for contact information.) Also, The Sponsor’s Booklet and The Cursillo Movement – What is It? are two particularly relevant Cursillo booklets for your reference. (Many Cursillo materials are available for purchase at the National Cursillo website: www.nat’l-cursillo.org.)

Today, I wish to discuss just one important aspect of sponsorship that does come to mind, in one way or another, on most weekends. And that is, what should I tell my candidate?

Sometimes candidates indicate that they were not entirely aware of what was in store for them on the weekend. Now I am not talking about the wonderful surprises but rather about the regular, routine of the weekend. Candidates need to have a clear understanding of the rigor – albeit it a joyful rigor – and schedule of the weekend. Certainly, we should relate how enjoyable, spirit-filled, and exciting the weekend truly is; but, candidates also need to know that the weekend is comprised of three long days. There is daily Mass, an opportunity for confession, many inspiring talks, and ample time to share, though it is always voluntary. The life style of the weekend is different, and candidates should not be surprised by the special dormitory accommodations. We can always safely boast about the wonderful, home cooked meals! The weekend begins on Thursday evening and it is continuous until Sunday evening…a special time dedicated to Christ…truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!

If candidates have no misinformation – and they definitely should not – they will more likely open wide their hearts and minds to His Almighty Grace and Love which we know they will receive in abundance. As they listen attentively to His Word, they will hear an individual message meant just for them.

A great thanks to all the diligent apostles for Christ who sponsor candidates each and every Cursillo weekend.

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
February 2009

ACTION or Are You an Apostle for Christ?


Did you attend the most recent Post Cursillo Ultreya last Saturday evening, January 31, at St. Pius V Parish in Buena Park? If not, you missed another great evening of prayer, sharing of faith, and call to service for Christ and His Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Orange. Please don’t miss the next one on Saturday, May 9 at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

I had the personal privilege of working on Cursillo #493 with Rector Mark Costello and a great team…all for service to Christ and His candidates. I also had the further privilege of delivering the rollo about the third leg - ACTION - of our special Cursillo tripod for a Life in Grace.

“…As the Father has sent me, so I send you…” John 20:21. As my wife Sharon and I so fortunately visited the Holy Land this past fall and walked on ground that was the path for Christ so many, many years ago, I couldn’t help but recall that Christ did send forth His disciples from that special place so long ago in order to change the world for ever…and they did! Well, as we Cursillistas all know so very well, Christ is also speaking to us in this scripture - here and now today – here in our land of Orange – challenging us to continue His work by spreading the Gospel with our words and ACTIONS.

Looking at the 300 plus Cursillistas that were in attendance last Saturday night, I couldn’t help but feel such joy for all the good words and ACTIONS represented in the daily lives of those assembled – new and experienced Cursillistas alike!.

Now, just this past Tuesday evening, members of the new Cursillo teams for Cursillos #497 and #498 were selected, team meetings will begin on February 18, candidate application and selection will commence, and before you know it the miracles of Cursillo will take place once again “on the hill” of Marywood: beginning April 23 for men and April 30 for women. Then we will all come together again as the most wonderful community I know – the community of all Cursillistas – on a beautiful night; I am sure - Saturday, May 9 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Please be there. Better yet, please be a part of these new Cursillos in any and all ways you can: bring a candidate to Cursillo, offer the so important palanca and prayer, support the team and candidates in person on Thursday and on Sunday, and be a part of the Holy Spirit team, if you can. Whatever ACTION you take, know that you are helping in your own, very special way to make His Kingdom on earth just a little bit larger…Praise Our Lord for the opportunity!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
January 2009

The Church of the Loaves and Fishes


Last year my wife Sharon and I had the wonderful gift of travel to the Holy Land along with Bishop Tod Brown and a group of wonderful Catholics. We had the remarkable experience of walking in the land of Jesus: around the Sea of Galilee, in Nazareth and Capernaum, in Bethlehem, and in Jerusalem. Cursillistas, if you wish to experience the presence and power of Christ up close, this is a pilgrimage worth making.

Remarkably, Our Lord had just three short years to influence mankind for all of eternity, and he did it! However, His work is ever continuing. And as we recall of scripture: John 20:21: “…As the Father has sent me, so I send you…” As baptized Catholic Christians, we need to continue the ministry of Christ today in our everyday lives.

Of course, the mission of Cursillo is just that…to spread the Gospel of Christ by word and action to all corners of our everyday worlds. As the year 2008 concludes and 2009 begins, I reflect that so much good has been accomplished because of our combined efforts in the work of Cursillo here in the Diocese of Orange.

One of the sacred sites that Sharon and I visited when in the Holy Land last year was the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. We stood at the site where Jesus had so many years ago performed one of his better know miracles.

SO I reflect. We Cursillistas, I believe, perform a miracle of MULTIPLICATION of sorts…with great reverence to the genuine miracle of Our Lord and Savior…when in His spirit we do our work of Cursillo. Each candidate that travels “up to the hill” to Marywood, with few exceptions, experiences a metanoia and thereafter returns “down the hill” as a different Catholic Christian inspired to be an Apostle for Christ in today’s modern world. And as he, or she, lives the beautiful Life in Grace which is our Cursillo Ideal…inevitably many others are touched with Christ’s love. This includes family, friends, co-workers, fellow parishioners, and strangers met for the first time. Perhaps most importantly, most Cursillistas return to their respective parishes and join in a much more significant way to participate and enlarge the good works being done there.

SO isn’t it really a MULTIPLICATION miracle of sorts that one new and invigorated Catholic Christian…now a Cursillista…will inspire and expand the faith of so many others. I have seen this so evidently at my parish – St. Norbert in Orange – and I am sure you have seen it in your parish. Praise to Our Lord and Father that we have been granted the gift of Cursillo and are so much better equipped to live a life that spreads His Kingdom by virtue of our words and actions.

2008 was a GREAT year. Let’s make 2009 better yet. May Our Lord Jesus Christ be pleased with our daily work as Cursillistas in His vineyards…here, there, and everywhere!

Happy New Year to all!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
December 2008

Prayer and Palanca during Advent!


During this beautiful season of Advent, I have the great pleasure of working with Rector Mark Costello and all of Cursillo team #493. It is a perfect opportunity and setting for preparing for the coming of Christ. As we all know, He is present always and all around us and especially in that very special field chapel on the hill of Marywood. I also know that Rectora Laurie Bois and all her team #494 are experiencing the same spirit of preparation as we men.

On my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with my wife Sharon and inspired by the presence of our wonderful Bishop of Orange, Most Reverend Tod D. Brown, I could fell the presence of Christ in a way that was so very vivid. Now back in this holy land of Orange, I still feel His presence and especially whenever I am surrounded by my Cursillista brothers and sisters. Okay, I know I am preaching to the choir (so to speak). So let me move on to the main point of my writing this month.

PLEASE begin (if you haven’t already) your prayer and palanca for all the candidates of Cursillos #493 and #494…and also the teams, of course. As you well know, the power of the 3-Day Cursillo is quite incredible in its positive and comprehensive effect as a result of the metanoia experienced by all the candidates. And the power behind all of this is the Holy Spirit, present and at work in a very special way. Those of us working on the teams are merely His instruments.

HOWEVER, this is only possible BECAUSE of so much prayer and palanca being offered throughout our Cursillo community. Thanks to our Cursillo Palanca Chairperson, Carol Preimesberger, your prayer and palanca is communicated so effectively, not only here in Orange, but truly to Cursillos all over the world. I hope you will have the opportunity to write a personal note to each and every candidate of Cursillos #493 and #494. How better to prepare for His coming this Advent season!

Wishing all a very blessed Christmas and joyous New Year!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
November 2008

Pray for Peace in the Holy Land!


I share with you some very fresh reflections on the just concluded visit that Sharon and I made to the Holy Land. This was a long time dream come true…to take the time to make a visit to the land of Our Lord. I can’t possible convey in these few words (and really in any amount of words) just how wonderful it was to walk in the land where Our Lord spent His time of ministry and with His Passion and Resurrection gave us our salvation and everlasting life.

The journey to the Holy Land is not easy to make - time and money are required of course; however, it is the most worthwhile expenditure of both that I can now possibly imagine.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the highlight amongst so many sacred sites visited. Located at the precise site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised; this visit provided a spiritual treasure as we celebrated Mass at His tomb and prayed at the foot of His cross.

Traveling from the Sea of Galilee where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 and calmed the stormy waters, we also prayed at Mary’s home, Cana, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Particularly moving for me was our visit to Mt. Tabor, site of Christ’s Transfiguration…recalling Matthew 17:5…”This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” I believe – as you do too, I’m sure – that each of the candidates to Cursillo – in their own way hear and listen to Our Lord as they come to Cursillo by His call!

We spent much time in Old City Jerusalem where we walked the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross. We were overwhelmed at being present in the Upper Room and also the Garden of Gethsemane.

We also visited some very special and sacred sites of Our Blessed Mother Mary including the Church of the Visitation and also the Church of the Dormition of Our Lady where she was assumed into heaven, body and soul. And there was much more!

I share these few thoughts with you – my brothers and sisters in Christ – because I love our Cursillo community so much and wish you to know that on each and every day in the Holy Land I so gladly offered prayer and palanca for you and for the continued success of our beautiful Cursillo movement.

With many prayers of thanks to God for all we have to celebrate in our Catholic Christian faith!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
October 2008

It’s time again… to celebrate and support Cursillo of Orange!


Once a year, our Cursillo community comes together to celebrate the gift that Cursillo is to all of us and at the same time to assist with the financial support that…as a practical matter…is necessary to make it all possible. This year’s celebration is to be extra special! All together, Paula Lynn, our Post-Cursillo Chairperson, this year’s Event Chairpersons, Don Hunsberger and George Jurica, and so many other event leaders have worked very hard to make for a new and even better celebration. This year’s event is at a new venue and will include a catered dinner (to give all the kitchen teams of the past an opportunity to be served). And the cost has still been kept very reasonable at $35. PLEASE SEE THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOVE AND ON THIS PAGE AND, IF YOU HAVEN’T YET DONE SO,…PLEASE RESERVE A TICKET AND/OR MAKE A DONATION NOW.

In the way of a little background, you should know that in the Diocese of Orange, the Cursillo Movement has the special privilege of being an official Department of the Diocese. Cursillo is led, of course, by our Executive and Spiritual Director, Deacon Doug Cook…and what a great job he does! Our Department reports to Sister Eymard Flood and she, in turn, to our Bishop, Tod Brown. Both Sister Eymard and our Bishop have always supported our movement in very important ways, both practically and spiritually. For this, we should all be very grateful.

As just one important example, to be able to use the Marywood facilities is a great gift from the Diocese to our Movement since; if we had to substitute similar facilities privately, the cost would be very much greater. The tradition of Cursillo has always been to keep the cost for the weekend for candidates as low as possible (currently $95). Team members also pay ($50). However, if this was the only revenue, Cursillo could not cover but a fraction of our actual costs. Two recent examples of significant, extra costs were for new mattresses and a new and exclusive Cursillo storage container on site at Marywood.

Of course, we do have candidates, team members, and many others in our community who make additional and unsolicited donations periodically; and on these, we rely. But it is, without question, the annual Cursillo Dinner and Auction Event that provides the financial resources for our community to operate, fulfill its mission, and to be able to “Make a Friend, Be a Friend, and Bring that Friend to Christ and Cursillo!”

SO, please come have a great time on November 8th. You will enjoy yourself, enjoy the special fellowship of your many brothers and sisters in Christ, and at the same time help to make Cursillo possible here in Orange. Paula, Don, George, and the event leaders have planned an extraordinary evening of fun and fellowship. We will raise some very much needed funds…but clearly, just coming together to celebrate the gift of Cursillo, is what it truly is all about.

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
September 2008
How’s Your FOLLOW UP?

FOLLOW UP: to pursue in an effort to take further action.
(According to one definition in the Merriam-Webster dictionary)

There are certainly many aspects of our beautiful Cursillo movement which contribute in making it so effective in creating a long-lasting, closer, and more intimate relationship between active Cursillistas and Our Lord Jesus Christ. So often I hear both new and more experienced Cursillistas exclaim that what makes Cursillo so powerful in changing lives for the better is the FOLLOW UP! Indeed, in the Diocese of Orange, we are fortunate for the hard work of many dedicated Cursillo leaders in providing a strong and consistent Post Cursillo. Leading this list of leaders is a special couple: Paula Lynn, our Post Cursillo Chair and Bill Lynn, our School of Leaders Chair. Both are so strongly committed to the Cursillo community and do so much to provide a very effective FOLLOW UP to the 3-Day experience. Thank you Paula and Bill!

While none of us will ever forget the impact that our personal encounter with Christ in the 3-Day Cursillo provided, we will also agree that it is the FOLLOW UP that has made the impact of the 3-Days even better and more powerful with each passing year of our Fourth Day. Here is just a sample of what is available to our community to help us FOLLOW UP and live a De Colores Fourth Day!

1) Weekly Group Reunion: There is just no other bond of friendship more meaningful than between Groupies…such strong and binding friendships centered on a common love of and dedication to Jesus Christ. For most of us, this is the bedrock of our Cursillo Fourth Day.

2) Quarterly Diocesan Ultreyas: We all have the opportunity to come together each quarter with the most recent teams and newest Cursillistas from the past two Cursillo weekends. The celebration of joy is so very fulfilling as Christ is in our midst! Remember, the next Post Cursillo Ultreya is on Saturday, October 25 at St. Irenaeus in Cypress. We also can enjoy any of the local Ultreyas that are often scheduled at so many Parishes.

3) School of Leaders: It is just once a month, but what a difference it makes to you and to our community when you commit to being a leader for Cursillo at SOL. This is important work that is great fun and joy at the same time. Remember SOL next meets on Saturday, September 13 at St. Cecilia’s in Tustin and the second Saturday of every month.

4) Multi-cultural Ultreyas: Three times a year, the English, Spanish, and Vietnamese communities of Cursillo come together in joyful celebration of our Fourth Day! These gatherings remind us so forcefully that we are really all one culture…a culture for Christ…and what great love we all experience when we are among our Spanish and Vietnamese brothers and sisters. Don’t miss our Multi-Cultural Ultreya at the Vietnamese Center on Friday, September 12.

5) Cursillo Weekends: We all treasure the opportunity to take an important break from our busy, secular lives to serve Christ and His candidates. We do so as much as we can, whenever we can: sponsoring a candidate, working on a team, welcoming the candidates on Thursday night, and joining in a joyous Mananitas and Clausura.

The above are just some of the frequent and regular activities of Post Cursillo. Of course, most Cursillistas are very dedicated to the Catholic communities of their own Parishes, and they strive to serve Christ and His Church in many different and varied ways. Altogether, living a De Colores Fourth Day is quite simple and fulfilling if we just do the FOLLOW UP!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
August 2008

Great Thanks to all Sponsors for your ACTION!

I know that if you are reading this column, very likely you are an active Cursillista and greatly appreciate the HUGH gift of Cursillo. You are truly one of a small number, compared to all Catholics in Orange County, that was called to experience and live a 3-Day Cursillo.

It is also very likely that in the past you have invited and sponsored other Catholics to come and live the 3-Days and in so doing to encounter Our Lord in a very special and unique and impactful way! I know that your ACTION of sponsoring certainly pleases Our Lord because “He is Counting on You!” We all recognize that as baptized Saints in His Church, we are called to follow and to serve Jesus Christ. It is He who we should strive to please in the conduct of our lives. Nonetheless, I wish to add my humble and earthly praise and thank you on behalf of our entire Cursillo community for all your past ACTION in sponsoring and bringing so many other Catholics to our Cursillo movement.

While we know that Cursillo is a movement, and not an organization per se; it does have some organizational features. It is only through the combined efforts and responsibilities of so many dedicated Cursillistas that all parts of the movement function so well. I believe – I hope you agree – that our Cursillo movement of the Orange Diocese is very vibrant and effective; and it has been so for many, many years…30 years to be exact! This is so because of the guidance of the Holy Spirit and all of us - His instruments - who work diligently in the Pre-Cursillo, 3-Days, and Post-Cursillo. Please keep it up! Cursillo needs you!

Today I extend a special thank you to all the Cursillistas that have “made a friend, been a friend, and brought that friend to Christ” by sponsoring one or more candidates for the Cursillo weekends of 2008. You have evangelized in strong fashion and graciously shared the gift of Cursillo with so many men and women – over 200 – during just the past seven months. Each of the lives of these candidates is precious to Our Lord and surely He is pleased that you took the time and effort to sponsor one of His children.

SO thank you again! PLEASE keep it up! The weekends of 2008 will conclude with men beginning October 9, led by Rector Joe Pickett, and women beginning October 16, led by Rectora Jody Millspaugh. If you have not yet sponsored a candidate this year, perhaps Christ is Counting on You NOW! Please say YES!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
July 2008

The Story of a Doubting Thomas

Last Thursday morning, July 3, I was sitting in my usual pew, surrounded by a group of fellow Cursillistas, at 8:30 AM Mass at St. Norbert Parish. It was the Feast day of Saint Thomas, the Apostle…widely known by so many as a “doubting” Thomas. On this morning, the Mass celebrant was a wonderful young priest and my friend, Rev. Joseph Tran, Parochial Vicar for St. Norbert; and he was to present a brief but very moving and powerful homily. It touched me deeply and stirred within me my ever present love of the Catholic faith and of Jesus Christ and also reminded me of my passion for the gift of Cursillo.

We are all familiar with the scripture that relates the “doubting” of Thomas after Jesus appears to the Apostles in the locked Upper Room at a time that Thomas is not present. Not long after, you certainly recall, Jesus again appeared…this time when Thomas was present. Thomas now sees and touches Jesus and therefore comes to believe: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) Jesus replies “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)

I will not do justice to Father Joseph’s excellent homily with this brief summary, but Father Joseph made the powerful point that perhaps we all experience times of unbelief and doubt and that we come to believe by our own personal and unique experiences of “seeing” Jesus in our lives.

Well this is where Cursillo came rapidly to my mind…you probably have guessed by now. Back in July 1993, before living my Cursillo, I regarded myself as a faithful Catholic and certainly believed strongly in the reality of Jesus. However, on that weekend, for me and I am sure for you too, I saw a face of Jesus I had not witnessed before…in each of the team members, in each of my fellow candidates, in all of the living community of the team and candidates together – and of course in the greater Cursillo community on a special occasion or two that weekend!

Thank you Father Joseph for this great homily (and so many others) that help make my faith and belief strong and present in my life. And thanks to a great community of Cursillistas in Orange County who help make believers out of some nonbelievers with each Cursillo weekend. The story of Saint Thomas will surely be relived again in the minds of many of the candidates living their Cursillos during the July Cursillos #487 and #488.

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
June 2008

Is the FIRE still burning?

So often I hear the words – and I often say them myself – look at that new Cursillista! He or she is on FIRE for Our Lord! What is meant by this vivid statement?

Perhaps it creates the image in your mind – as just one possibility – of an individual who is so excited about their love of Christ and His infinite love of them that they exude an overwhelming enthusiasm in their very appearance and by their actions and words. All Cursillistas enjoy the remarkable experience whenever attending a Clausura of hearing such profound witness by brand new Cursillistas…each testifying in such a unique and moving way how a metanoia is at work in them as a direct result of the 3 Day Cursillo.

Okay, but let’s get down to earth now– to the Kingdom of God that is here and now – in the world of today. We all know that it takes more then just excitement of the moment (As good as it feels!)– to be truly converted by the 3 Day Cursillo and to live out what is fundamental to being a Christian…which is truly the calling one receives from Cursillo. It really takes – not just excitement – but a permanent and life long commitment to live a DeColores Fourth Day.

Now I am not an expert – I readily admit – in Cursillo doctrine and principles – thought I am striving to become better informed by including much more Cursillo literature in my study leg of the tripod. However, I can get some good help in sharing some of my thoughts this month by quoting the Cursillo literature and specifically The Fundamental Ideas of the Cursillo Movement…a very important Cursillo reference we all need to read and re-read.

“Everything done by means of the Cursillo method to attain the purpose of the Movement as a whole has the Postcursillo as its final objective. The purpose of the Cursillo weekend is to bring people from the Precursillo into the Postcursillo stage.”

It would take a great deal of writing to describe all that is involved in the Post-Cursillo stage of life and the living in your life of what is fundamental to being a Christian. However, the following questions provide a very good starting point.

  1. Are you in weekly group reunion? Do you bring the depth of the experiences of your personal faith journey, with its related accountability, to your brothers or sisters in Christ each week?
  2. Do you attend Ultreyas regularly? We all have the obligation in Cursillo to evangelize one another and to nurture our own Cursillo mentality; and the Ultreya is a great way to do it. The quarterly Post-Cursillo Ultreyas are especially effective and are not to be missed! (Next one: Saturday, August 2, La Purisima, 6:30 PM)
  3. Have you sponsored a candidate for Cursillo lately? What gift is greater to someone you know or meet than “Making a friend, Being a friend, and Bringing that friend to Christ?”
  4. Do you attend the School of Leaders regularly or at least whenever you can? If you treasure the gift of Cursillo, please help the movement to continue its very important work. Remember, you are a Leader for Christ!
  5. Do you work team periodically? It is a wonderful way to serve Christ…by serving his Candidates! The Cursillo teams need both new Cursillistas and also experienced Cursillistas. Please check your schedule for the next weekends of October 9-12 and October 16-19, 2008. You can sign-up for team at Mananitas or Post-Cursillo.

I know that so many Cursillistas do so very much for our Church in so many different ways in addition to the Cursillo related action items above. I pose the above questions just as a reminder for you and also for me. Our wonderful Cursillo movement accomplishes such good work for Christ. It is important that we never become complacent but always stay energized for the good of our Cursillo movement, its mission, and all of our environments. Cursillo needs you!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
May 2008

Pray And Study – Then Act

Living Faith is one of my favorite Catholic publications (along with the Magnificat.) It is a quarterly booklet of daily reflections on one of the scripture readings from the day’s Mass. Check it out at www.livingfaith.com. You can check the Magnificat out at www.magnificat.com. Like so many Curstillistas, I strive to live a Life in Grace by keeping in mind always that special template for daily living…namely, our famous Cursillo tripod. We all learned - while living our personal 3-days - whenever that might have been – that it is the regular exercise of piety, study, and action that will make our Fourth Day…a DeColores Fourth Day! I find that Living Faith and the Magnificat are important daily aids in keeping the tripod at the forefront of my day.

Recently – on Thursday, April 10 to be exact – the above listed title “Pray And Study – Then Act” appeared in Living Faith and caused me to think of Cursillo and to thank God once again for having called me to Cursillo #251 in July 1993. I never tire of giving thanks to God for our beautiful Cursillo movement of Orange and for the introduction into my life of a very simple, yet truly profound, image of a tripod with three legs: piety, study and action. Indeed, this tripod has bought me, and I know you too, much comfort and joy in living my Fourth Day. Truly, it would be difficult to imagine life without it!

On this day, I was particularly inspired by the word “Act” and what it means to us Curstillistas.

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” MK 16:15 This urging by Jesus to His Apostles, as is written in the Gospel of Mark, applies, we know, to ALL baptized Catholics. As Curstillistas, it is a very important part of our ACTION that we strive to spread His Gospel in what we say and do, everyday…as best we are able.

This brings me to the main point of my writing this month…and it is to give thanks…GREAT THANKS…to all Curstillistas for their ACTION in working so hard to spread the message of Cursillo to so many worthy Catholics in Orange County. It has not happened by accident that our recent Cursillo weekends are so very well attended. It only happens by virtue of the evangelizing efforts of so many Curstillistas in “making a friend, being a friend, and bringing that friend to Christ!” To live a DeColores Fourth Day means to evangelize at this time and in our present environments and in all ways possible. This, I believe, our Cursillo community of Orange is doing so very well!

A special thanks to all the sponsors of the candidates to Cursillos #482 and #481 and to the leadership of our team members and especially to Rectora Paula Lynn and Rector Oscar Valenzuela. It is difficult to image a more fulfilling realization of the joy of Christ then to see the radical transformation – the metanoia - of so many individuals from candidate to Curstillista in just 3 days.

Now please allow me to close with a special, personal sharing. It was the very special good fortune of my wife Sharon and me to have been in attendance at the Papal Mass celebrated in New York City on April 20 of last month. There is much to share about this very spiritual event, and I have already shared with many of you; and I hope to share more of my experience with more of you in coming weeks. Suffice it to say that when Pope Benedict XVI entered Yankee Stadium that afternoon, I could barely stop from crying with my love for Our Holy Father and all that he represents to me and to you. His every word and action, not only that afternoon, but during his extended visit and in every way, spoke of the joy of God’s Mercy and Love and Hope. I was never more proud – or shall I say humbled - to be a Catholic in America. We have much work ahead, but together and with the guidance of Our Holy Father; we can make this world a better place. The place and time to start, we all know, is right now and in our present environments – right here in Orange County – by just striving to be a better Curstillista!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
April 2008

The THREE STEPS to Sponsoring!

As a Cursillista, you are very special! At some time in your life – you heard and listened to Our Lord’s call! You lived the experience of a 3-Day Cursillo, and your life was enriched forever in many, varied ways.

In Cursillo, we all recognize certain phrases that bring fond memories to our hearts and empower us to continue to live a DeColores Fourth Day. One such phrase is: “Be a Friend, Make a Friend, and Bring that Friend To Christ!” As I wrote last month, STEP #1 to sponsoring is to invite a friend to Cursillo NOW. How better can we answer Christ’s call to evangelize?! Now for steps #2 and #3.

STEP #2 is to take the time to make certain that your candidate is well informed and prepared to enjoy a meaningful and appropriate 3-Day Cursillo experience. I am not speaking of describing the wonderful “surprises” we all wish for candidates to experience firsthand for themselves. I am speaking of candidates being very aware of the Cursillo 3-Day schedule and routine. Candidates need to understand the basics – before arriving for the weekend. Just to mention a few: early morning prayers, daily Mass, special spiritual talks presented each day by lay persons as well as Deacons and Priests, some sharing about the talks, evening prayers; and, of course, three very good meals. And don’t forget to describe the Marywood Hilton as it is; dormitory style with “good and new” mattresses on the floor as well as the very full time schedule that concludes – after three days – on Sunday evening! Finally, candidates should be made aware of the follow-up plan that makes the Cursillo movement so highly effective: friendship reunions and Ultreya! Let your candidate know that they will hear much more about this on the weekend.

STEP #3 for effective sponsoring is continuing in friendship with your candidate AFTER the 3-Day Cursillo. Please assist your candidate in all ways possible to truly live a DeColores Fourth Day. This is so very important! The best follow-up for each candidate will vary, of course; but the objective is the same: we want candidates to live a DeColores Fourth Day and that requires grouping and Ultreya. As a sponsor, please do your vital part!

The very best advice and guidance I can offer all sponsors comes directly from the Cursillo literature! Please be sure your candidate has read the Cursillo booklet “What is it?” and that you have recently read the “Sponsor’s Booklet.” Both are available at all team meetings or just contact Gary Gordon, Pre-Cursillo Chairperson, or me.

Thanks for taking the time to read about STEPS #2 and #3. But do remember, it all starts with STEP #1!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
March 2008

The THREE STEPS to Sponsoring!

As a child of God, we are His chosen people and the recipients of many, many spiritual gifts during our lives. The Sacraments are most special among so many others. At the time of our Baptism, God anointed us in a special way. Among other dimensions, one powerful calling of Baptism is to live our lives as saints in this world – wherever we might be – and in all ways possible - by spreading the Gospel in what we say and in what we do. The power of this calling never ceases to overwhelm me with thoughts of high privilege and great responsibility.

Having been called to live a 3-Day Cursillo AND a DeColores Fourth Day is surely among the most profound and special gifts received of God! For me and my faith journey, Cursillo was a strong catalyst that brought together and amplified so many of God’s gifts in my daily life. It made me aware that evangelization is a natural part of Catholic life and an everyday goal.

One of the ACTIONS in my DeColores Fourth Day that brings so much joy to my heart and soul is whenever I am sufficiently motivated to reach out to another Catholic and truly “Be a Friend, Make a Friend, and Bring that Friend To Christ!” And, of course, I have found one of the very best ways to “Bring a Friend to Christ” is by inviting them to live the 3-Day Cursillo. I realize we all have many callings in our spiritual lives, but for we Cursillistas sponsoring our friend to Cursillo is surely a very huge calling that at the same time offers great personal fulfillment and reward.

I am motivated today to once AGAIN call upon ALL Cursillistas (including me) to please invite at least one friend to an upcoming Cursillo weekend. While I’m at it, might I suggest you extend that invitation NOW for Cursillos #481 and #482. You know that Paula Lynn and Oscar Valenzuela are both hard at work with all the team members preparing to be the face of Christ to all the candidates.

SO STEP #1 is to invite a friend to Cursillo now. STEP #2 is to be certain to take the time when extending that invitation that your candidate is well informed and prepared to enjoy a meaningful and appropriate 3-Day Cursillo experience. STEP #3 is continuing in friendship after the 3-Day Cursillo to assist your candidate in all ways possible to truly live a DeColores Fourth Day.

Thanks for taking the time to read about STEP #1. I hope to share some thoughts on the importance of STEPS #2 and #3 next time.

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
February 2008

Especially the Newer Cursillistas!


So you have recently been given the beautiful gift of a 3 Day Cursillo weekend…a truly remarkable spiritual experience in your very personal faith journey, I know you will agree!

Our Lord knows each of us – His children – so very well. He knows our needs and our wants. He knows of our personal talents and abilities. And he definitely has a plan for us!

For you – and for me – the Cursillista – that plan includes living a Life in Grace during our Fourth Day. So how are you doing?

I wish to extend a very warm and hearty welcome to all Cursillistas – and especially the new Cursillistas of 2007 and 2008 – and invite you to make Cursillo a central part of your faith journey. There are so many ways you can aid our beautiful Cursillo movement.

Whenever a brand new Cursillista shares about their 3 Day experience either at Clausura or at one of the Post-Cursillo Ultreyas, you provide we “experienced” Cursillistas a real spiritual shot-in-the-arm! We witness your fresh enthusiasm for perhaps a “new found” love and passion for your Catholic faith and a spirited determination to evangelize your many personal environments.

I wish to close these brief comments this month with yet again a special call to action - a call to action for ALL Cursillistas – with special emphasis for the NEW Cursillistas. Please pass the gift you have been given in Cursillo on to someone else. Surely you have a friend, a co-worker, and/or a family member that deserves an invitation to experience Cursillo. Remember our Cursillo call: “To make a Friend, Be a Friend, and Bring a Friend to Christ!” I believe Christ is urging us – right at this moment - to take ACTION in this very special way.

I look forward to seeing you at Marywood in April. We can introduce our candidates to each other!

DeColores!

Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
January 2008

The Basics of Cursillo

SO, here we are beginning another New Year! It is the time of resolution to improve ourselves and our environments. I know that if you are reading this brief January message, you recognize the very important call of Our Lord to you and to me to strive to be saints in our everyday world. However, I don’t know about you; but I seldom feel like I measure up to the gift of my sacramental Baptism or now, in my later life, the beautiful gift of Cursillo, received some 14 years ago.

SO, I suggest a theme for the New Year by borrowing a phrase right out of the game book of so many college football teams playing their hearts out in so many bowl games this time of year…”execute the basics!” As we all go about playing our hearts out striving to live the best Fourth Day we can in 2008, how about more faithfully executing the basics of Cursillo. Now, I am speaking to myself here, but feel free to join in if you care too!

  1. Keep Piety, Study, and Action (PSA) at the center of your life.
  2. Be faithful to your weekly group reunion – it not only benefits you but also your groupies.
  3. Attend Ultreya regularly. I suggest you put the dates of our upcoming Post-Cursillo Diocesan Ultreyas on your calendar now: February 2, May 3, August 2, and October 25
  4. And while you are at it, how about the dates of our Cursillo School of Leaders: the second Saturday of every month.
  5. Pick one Cursillo team to join in 2008: in April, July, or October.
  6. Also, if not on the team, please join in supporting the candidates at the Thursday evening welcome, Mananistas, and Clausura.
  7. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, give the gift of an invitation to Cursillo to someone in one of your environments who can lead others to Christ if only they experience the catalyst of a Cursillo weekend.

Tall orders! Difficult resolutions! I think not because, as we all know, “Christ and I are an overwhelming majority!”


DeColores,
Mike Blasi

Calling All Cursillistas!
December 2007

Have you attended Clausura lately?

As we all well know, attending the Clausura for any men’s or women’s Cursillo weekend is a tremendously enriching and inspiring experience. While we are well aware and have witnessed so many times, the “miracles” of a Cursillo weekend, one can never tire of hearing first hand from the new Cursillistas as they share just how much the 3 days has impacted them! I offer just a few personal observations.
 

Events

Diocesan Ministries Celebration 2010Sat Sep 11th, 2010 @ 7:00 AMMen's Spanish Cursillo #521 September 23rd - September 26thThu Sep 23rd, 2010 @ 7:00 PMWomen's Spanish Cursillo #522 September 30th - October 3rdThu Sep 30th, 2010 @ 7:00 PMCursillo Region XI Fall 2010 EncounterFri Oct 1st, 2010 @ 5:00 PM2010 Orange County Catholic Prayer BreakfastThu Oct 7th, 2010 @ 6:30 AMMen's English Cursillo #523 10/07/10 thru 10/10/10Thu Oct 7th, 2010 @ 7:00 PMWomen's English Cursillo #524 10/14/10 thru 10/17/10Thu Oct 14th, 2010 @ 7:00 PMCursillo #523 and #524 Post Cursillo Diocesan UltreyaSat Oct 23rd, 2010 @ 6:30 PMMen's English Cursillo #525: 1/13/11 - 1/16/11Thu Jan 13th, 2011 @ 6:00 PMWomen's English Cursillo #526: 1/20/11 - 1/23/11Thu Jan 20th, 2011 @ 6:00 PMCursillo #525 and #526 Post Cursillo Diocesan UltreyaSat Jan 29th, 2011 @ 5:30 PMMen's Spanish Cursillo #527: 3/3/11 - 3/6/11Thu Mar 3rd, 2011 @ 6:00 PM