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Sponsors: Please read this page before downloading the application.
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Requirements
The candidate should be at least 25 years of age. While there is no upper age limit, keep in mind the schedule is physically challenging and the candidate must be able to participate in the entire weekend. The Cursillo aims at a mature living of the Christian life. The schedule is a full and demanding one which requires good health and stamina. There are separate weekends for men and women. Non-Catholics are also eligible, although Protestant versions of the Cursillo are available in eastern Massachusetts.
The Cursillo weekend is a learning experience more than a retreat. It is a busy and active time. It is not geared for serious counseling or for therapy. As a result, we discourage people who are heavily burdened by personal and emotional problems from attending. Other programs exist to meet such needs. In addition, those in recovery from substance abuse should be pursuing the spirituality that forms the basis of the twelve-step program. The candidate must be available for the entire Cursillo experience and cannot be excused to attend outside events, i.e., family functions, business meetings, etc.Prior to sponsoring a candidate please consider the following:
• The Cursillo is a three day experience with each day beginning at 7:00AM and ending no earlier than 10PM. The candidate should be at least 25 years of age. While there is no upper age limit, keep in mind the schedule is physically challenging and the candidate must be able to participate in the entire weekend. • You should inquire regarding a candidate's physical health, dietary restrictions, medicinal requirements and any emotional considerations. Cursillo is not geared for serious counseling or for therapy. In the event a perspective candidate has experienced a recent loss of a loved one, is newly involved in a recovery program, etc., the sponsor should appropriately review the situation with Retreat House staff prior to sponsoring an individual. • The candidate must be available for the entire Cursillo experience and cannot be excused to attend outside events, i.e., family functions, business meetings, etc. • The Retreat House cannot cater to Weight-loss programs. Having decided to sponsor a candidate:
• You should know the candidate well. • The application form must be filled out by the candidate. You should give the application to the candidate, then you should fill out the Sponsor form and return both forms to the Retreat House. • Total cost of the weekend is currently $195. However, no one will be turned away because of finances. If a sponsor wants to assist the candidate financially, that should be worked out with the candidate prior to the weekend. • Application and Sponsorship forms may be downloaded at www.retreathouse.org/members
Explain the following points to your candidate prior to Cursillo• Provide dates for upcoming Cursillo weekends. Let the candidate know that the weekend begins at 7PM on Thursday, and concludes no earlier than 9PM on Sunday. Further inform the candidate the Cursillo is a physically challenging three day experience. Each day begins at 7:00AM and ends at 10PM. • Cursillo is not a retreat, but an intense learning experience. The weekend includes short presentations, by clergy and laypeople on various aspects of Christian living. We suggest you refrain from sharing the experience of Palanca, Chapel Visits and the Closing as these are best experienced as a surprise. However, answer all questions truthfully. There are Cursillo brochures available from the Retreat House. • Married couples should approach Cursillo as a shared experience to enhance the Sacramental Commitment of Marriage. Whenever possible, applications for both spouses should be submitted simultaneously. Sponsor Responsibility During Cursillo:
• You as sponsor are responsible for transporting the candidate to and from the Retreat House, as well as offering any assistance the candidate may require. Arrival on Thursday evening should be between 7 and 7:30 PM. In any event, candidates should not arrive prior to 6:45 PM. • Pray and sacrifice for your candidates as well as the entire Cursillo before and during the weekend. • It is the sponsor responsibility to provide letters and posters for the candidate. All letters and posters should bear a notation of the Palanca (prayer and sacrifices) that will be offered for the candidate, i.e, fasting, prayer, rosary, Mass, service, etc. • Sponsors are asked to generate through their Cursillo acquaintances, i.e., former table mates, your own sponsor, etc., at least 12 personally written letters/notes (we discourage using photo-copied general spiritual material as Palanca) for each of the three days (Fri. Sat. Sun.) and at least 3 posters for each candidate. Due to limited wall space, poster size should be no larger than 14X22 inches. The Candidate's first and last name must be prominently displayed on the front of the posters and letters. Please do not send flowers or gifts as Palanca or bring same to the Closing on Sunday evening. • Please bring all letters and posters to the Retreat House on Thursday when dropping off your candidate. After your candidate has been registered you will be directed where to drop your Palanca. In any event, Palanca should arrive at the Retreat House no later than 11AM on the Friday of Cursillo. • Palanca must be brought to the Retreat House by 11AM on Friday to be delivered on Friday.
Palanca received after 11AM on Friday will be delivered on Saturday. Palanca received after 6pm on Friday will be delivered on Sunday. The deadline for all Palanca is 5PM on Saturday.
• Arrive at the Retreat House on Sunday evening at 6:15PM to greet your candidate after dinner. Sponsor Responsibility Following Cursillo:
• Keep in close contact with your candidate following Cursillo. Continue to show as much interest as you did prior to Cursillo. • Encourage your candidate to attend his/her 4th Day Re-Union. Provide an opportunity for your candidate to participate in a Group Reunion and Ultreya. There will be a list of Ultreyas in your candidate's packet following Cursillo. • Remind your candidate that there is an Ultreya at the Retreat House at 7:30 PM, on the Wednesday prior to each Cursillo. For a complete listing of area Ultreyas visit click here.. Candidate applications: PDF format *Sponsor recommendation: PDF formatTo view a PDF document, you need the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.
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