The biggest impact from my Cursillo weekend has been having Christian men friends that accepted me where I was in my faith walk. Sharing their own walk encouraged me to grow and mature in my faith. These brothers’ examples of piety, study and apostolic action have given me courage to move beyond my own perceived limits.

This faith growth has created a new awareness of God in my life that allows me to put my trust in the Holy Spirit. I am able to discern and say yes to actions that I wouldn’t have considered before my Cursillo. This awareness is both peaceful and awesome at the same time.

These friends and growth are consistent with the two main objectives of Cursillo: the continuous progressive conversion of the individual and spreading the Gospel through friendship.

- Larry

Before making my Cursillo weekend, my spiritual life was pretty superficial. My relationship with God was little more than Sunday Mass and a silent grace before meals. I had no Christian community to speak of and very little involvement in my parish. I knew something was missing, and when I started looking for deeper community, I came across Cursillo.

My Cursillo weekend encounter was meaningful. The talks, small group sharing, sacraments, and the joy and passion of the volunteers there made me see how much more abundant and meaningful my life could be. But it was after the weekend that things began to change.

I met weekly with a small group of Cursillo women, and I got involved in the larger Twin Cities Cursillo community. During this time, I began to pray for (and receive) gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit like courage, patience, trust, and wisdom. My involvement in Cursillo encouraged me to return to Eucharistic Adoration, to spend more time in silent prayer and spiritual journaling, and to work to bring Christ to others through friendship.

I went into my weekend encounter seeking deeper human connections. I definitely found that, but more importantly, I found a deeper connection with Jesus.

– Jen

The personal changes I experienced after my Cursillo Weekend have been many and ongoing.  The biggest change was learning how to move beyond the faith I had in childhood to live my faith as an adult. Being a Catholic became more personal.  My faith no longer operates on autopilot because I developed a true relationship with Jesus. 

I have learned to trust Him to lead me to be His hands and feet, to bring His love to others and into situations I encounter throughout my day. Whether these are easy or challenging, Jesus is always there developing in me the gifts and talents needed.  During these opportunities, I grow in ways I never expect. And I always end up feeling blessed.

– Jeanne