Calendar of Events
September 11, 2004       Secretariat Meeting 10:00am, Blessed John XXIII Ctr, 3700 Sheridan, Lincoln
Sept 17-18, 2004           Practice Weekend, Sacred Heart, Shelby
Sept 23-26, 2004           Men’s Weekend, Sacred Heart, Shelby
Sept 26, 2004                Men’s Closing, 5:00pm (4:15pm Mass) Sacred Heart, Shelby
Oct 1-3, 2004                Fall Regional Encounter, St. Paul / Minneapolis, MN
Oct 14-17, 2004           Women’s Weekend, Sacred Heart, Shelby
Oct 17, 2004                 Women’s Closing, 5:00pm (4:15pm Mass) Sacred Heart, Shelby
October 30, 2004          Secretariat Meeting 9:00am, Blessed John XXIII Ctr, 3700 Sheridan, Lincoln
November 5-6, 2004     School of Leaders (quarterly reunion) – 7:30pm Fri-4pm Sat, Sacred Heart, Shelby
November 13, 2004       Postcursillo Reunion – 1:00pm-3:00pm Sat, Sacred Heart, Shelby
January 7-8, 2005          Practice Weekend, TBA
January 13-16, 2005      Men’s Weekend, TBA
February 10-13, 2005   Women’s Weekend, TBA
February 25-26, 2005   School of Leaders (quarterly reunion) – 7:30pm Fri-4pm Sat, Location TBA
April 1-3, 2005             Spring Regional Encounter, Savior of the World Seminary, Kansas City, KS
July 28 - 31, 2005         Cursillo National Encounter, Benedictine College, Atchison, KS

PRAYER/ADORATION HOURS for the Shelby Weekends (listed by Ultreya Centers)
Thursday, 7:00pm - Midnight               Beatrice / Crete
Friday, Midnight - 5:00am                   Hastings
Friday, 5:00am - 10:00am                   Lincoln
Friday, 10:00am - 3:00pm                   McCook
Friday, 3:00pm - 8:00pm                     Plattsmouth/Offutt
Friday, 8:00pm - Saturday, 1:00am     Wahoo
Saturday, 1:00am - 6:00am                 Beatrice / Crete
Saturday, 6:00am - 11:00am               Hastings
Saturday, 11:00am - 4:00pm               Lincoln
Saturday, 4:00pm - 9:00pm                 McCook
Sat., 9:00pm - Sun., 2:00am                Plattsmouth/Offutt
Sunday, 2:00am - 7:00am                   Wahoo
Sunday, 7:00am - 5:00pm                   David City
 

Three Day Weekend – Sacred Heart, Shelby

     Rollo Team for Men's Weekend -- Mark Pribyl (Coordinator), Jon Junkin, Chuck Micek, John Springer,
     Fr. Bill Holoubek, Fr. Ron Homes.
     Rollo Team for Women's Weekend -- Kim Wilson (Coordinator), Joan Junkin, Joyce Micek, Roddy Spangler,
     Fr. Jeremy Hazuka, Fr. Paul York.
     Candidates -- Please be praying for the candidates who will be living their Cursillo Weekends in Shelby (candidates as
     of 10/10/04):
     Men:
          - Steve Bartek -- Touhy, NE
          - Kevin Biskup -- Orleans, NE
          - Les Gasal -- Sutton, NE
          - Ryan Tramp -- Lincoln, NE
          - Galen Warburton -- McCook, NE
    Women:
          - Janet Bartek -- Touhy, NE
          - Susan Biskup -- Orleans, NE
          - Ann Gasal -- Sutton, NE
          - Kathleen Roesener -- York, NE
          - Elaine Rosburg -- Lincoln, NE
          - Alice Trepka -- Crete, NE

Reminders:

• Palanca Letters ... Personal Palanca letters from the sponsor and/or a spouse should be clearly marked on the back side of the envelope in the lower right hand corner.  All personal and general Palanca letters (including posters) should be mailed to Kathy Springer, 1410 E 15th St, Crete, NE 68333 in time to arrive by the Wednesday prior to each Weekend (Sept. 22 for the Men’s; Oct. 13 for the Women’s).
• Time of Closing ... 5:00pm  Fourth Dayers are encouraged to begin gathering in the Church for a 4:15pm Fourth Day Mass.  After Mass, Fourth Dayers are encouraged to pray, plan for the serenade (which will be in the Church as the candidates enter for the closing), etc, prior to the arrival of the candidates at 5:00pm.
• Meal following the Closing ... After the closing, the team will make a final chapel visit, while the candidates and Fourth Day community gather for a meal and fellowship.  A $5.00 donation will be requested as in the past.

• National Encounter ... The XIV National Encounter was held July 29 - Aug. 1, 2004 at Seattle University, Seattle, WA.  It is a great blessing to gather together with cursillistas from across the country to share piety, study, and action ... there is such a richness in the way our Lord touches lives through Cursillo!  Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of Cursillo ... Live Jesus!!  (See separate article in this newsletter.)
• School of Leaders (SOL) ... The next quarterly SOL will be held at Sacred Heart School in Shelby on November 5-6, 2004.  The Doctrinal Topics will be taken from Section Two of Part Four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (“The Lord’s Prayer: ‘Our Father!’”).  The Technique Topics will be taken from the book Structure of Ideas, which was the basis for the workshops at the 2004 National Encounter.

    In addition to formation (the topics mentioned above) and holiness (Mass, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, visit to the Blessed Sacrament),  we do the work of Cursillo in the Diocese ... we evangelize the Cursillo Movement.  Even if you have never come before, please prayerfully consider coming in July ... there is no beginning and there is no end ... it is your gift to the Lord when you arrange your schedule to be there.
• Precursillo:  Please continue to pray for the teams being formed, and for the candidates that God is calling you to prepare and invite to these Weekends.  It is important that you follow the new Sponsor Guidelines (see the revised sponsor form ... blue insert enclosed) ... the guidelines are in place to direct the selection of candidates and their proper preparation, and to remind sponsors of the commitment they are making to their candidates.  Please take the time to read and review the responsibilities of being a sponsor ... the success of the candidate’s 4th day is directly related to the involvement / commitment of his/her sponsor!
• Three Day Weekend:
•  Fall Cursillo Weekends ... The Fall Weekends are scheduled as follows: Men’s - Sept. 23-26, 2004, and Women’s - Oct. 14-17, 2004.   They will be held at Sacred Heart School, Shelby, NE.

    PLEASE continue to prepare candidates early.  The earlier candidates are prepared and invited, the earlier the applications can be completed … the easier it is to keep the 4th Day community informed about the candidates for the Three Day Weekends ... and the better the sponsors can prepare the candidates for the Three Days and for the Fourth Day.  We will be posting the names of the candidates on the Diocesan Cursillo Web page as we receive the applications (click on Sept 2004 Newsletter link).
• Postcursillo:
• Survey of Cursillistas in the Lincoln Diocese ... Included in this newsletter is a survey to gather information for updating the Diocesan Cursillo Directory.  Please take a few minutes right now to complete and return this survey.  You will note that some of the information has already been printed on the survey from the information we have in our database.  Please review the preprinted information and correct as needed, and respond to the rest of the survey (including the bottom half, which asks how you might share your time and talents with the Cursillo Movement).  Thank you in advance for this gift of your time in making a response ... it will save much time for Ultreya Center representatives who will otherwise be collecting this information for the directory from those who do not respond.
• Ultreya Center Representatives ... The Beatrice and Wahoo Ultreya Centers are scheduled to elect / appoint representatives for three-year terms to run from 2004 - 2006; the Lincoln and Plattsmouth Ultreya Centers are scheduled to elect / appoint representatives for three-year terms to run from 2005 - 2007; and the David City, Hastings, and McCook Ultreya Centers are scheduled to elect / appoint representatives for three-year terms to run from 2006 - 2008.  Please discuss this at an upcoming Ultreya and provide the names of the representatives who will bring information to / from the Secretariat and the Ultreya Center ... these persons will be listed as contact persons for your Ultreya Center on the web page and in the bi-monthly newsletter.
• Planning Ahead -- A Year at a Glance ... The Secretariat continues to review a tentative/proposed schedule of Cursillo activities for the Lincoln Diocese for the next year (2004-2005).  In addition to the activities listed in the Calendar of Events at the top of the Newsletter, the following schedule lists additional activities/events.  These activities / events include:

    (1) Secretariat Meetings – 12/4/04 or 12/11/04; 1/29/05; 3/19/05; 4/9/05; 6/11/05; and 8/6/05;
    (2) SOL – 4/22-23/05; and 7/8-9/05 or 7/15-16/05;
    (3) Other Postcursillo Activities – 3/19/05 (Postcursillo Reunion for Winter Weekends); and 6/26/05 (Grand Ultreya).  The tentative/proposed schedule is intended to provide cursillistas adequate notice to allow them to adjust their schedules to participate in Cursillo to the fullest extent possible.

De Colores!!     Kathy Springer

From the Spiritual Advisor ...
    One of the presentations that I attended during the National Encounter was on Actual Grace.  It was given by a very humble priest who described actual grace as “supernatural passing help given to us by the Lord to enlighten our minds, strengthen our wills and to help us to do supernatural things.”
    St. Augustine said quoting the Lord, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”  Another way of saying that is that “Actual Grace is necessary for the performance of every supernatural act in our life.”  We can and should ask for that gift of actual grace many times throughout our lives.  Jesus told us “to ask, to seek, and to knock”.
    Our human experience reminds us that we struggle with temptation ... we experience anger, impatience, unkind thoughts, and other difficulties.  At times like these, St. Therese, the Little Flower, used to pray: “My God, I love You!”  We would do well to imitate St. Therese!  If you are struggling with another person, then ask Jesus to take that act of love in favor of the person that you are struggling with.  If you are down on yourself, then ask Jesus to take that act of love in your favor, for peace of mind and heart.
    The priest quoted a spiritual author who said: “If you are struggling with forgiving and forgetting past hurts, then keep in mind that forgiveness is first remembering and then letting it go.”  In the book of Genesis (Gen 1:26), it says “God created us in His own image and likeness” ... so God’s goodness is present in each person, even though at times we might choose to sin ... so the hope is that each person is doing his/her best at any given time / place or in any given situation.  So, we have to be willing to respond to God’s actual grace and forgive and forget.
    Jesus loves us perfectly, with total love, and we can count on His non-judgmental love all the time.  There is no place in the New Testament where Jesus met the other nine lepers and gave them their leprosy back because they did not thank Him!  Neither should we treat others like that.  The priest shared a little prayer that is helpful when we struggle with forgiveness ... say: “(Name or names), I realize that you did your best at the time, place or situation ... wanting to be one with the Heavenly Father.  (Name or names), I forgive you.  (Name or Names), I love you.”
    We must choose to use our wills to do good ... to love ... to forgive.  If a person tries to come back and hurts us again, then pray: “My God, I love You.  Thank You for the grace of generosity You have given me.”
    There are many occasions in our lives when we need God’s actual grace ... ask for it, and remember His love for you ... His love for all persons.  When you are faced with a big decision, pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Light and Love!  Come with Your light to help me to see clearly what I am to do.  Come with Your love to give me the courage and strength to do it.  Amen.”
    May His actual grace help us remember that “Christ is counting on you .... and ... I am counting on Christ.”  With His Grace, Christ and I are an overwhelming majority.  Jesus live!

De Colores     Father Mark Seiker

National Encounter – Seattle, Washington ...
    Fr. Mark Seiker, Kathy and I recently attended the National Cursillo Encounter at Seattle University in Seattle, Washington.  The focus of this Encounter was the original charism of Cursillo as given to Eduardo Bonnin, the founder.  This year the Encounter focused on the book, Structure of Ideas, written by Eduardo Bonnin (this book will be the focus of the technique talks for the next few quarterly SOLs in our Diocese).  The major presentations at the National Encounter included: What is Fundamental for Being a Christian, The Purpose of the Cursillo Movement, and The Method of the Movement.  I’d like to share a few thoughts about the Encounter, the message, and the experience.
    It is truly a blessing to experience a National Encounter.  Over 600 cursillistas from almost every state were there … people of many races and language groups (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese) … priests, bishops, religious, and laity.  Even though we see friends only once a year, it is like having seen them only yesterday.  It is always amazing to group with another cursillista through an interpreter because we do not understand one another’s language.  Such is the nature of the Cursillo community … as we joined together as one community, it was evident we were one faith, one family, one Cursillo.  The joy, the sharing, the trials and successes in living the Fourth Day were the same for everyone.
    As mentioned above, this Encounter focused on the original charism of Cursillo.  We are called by Pope John Paul II and by Eduardo to make sure Cursillo is authentic as given by the Holy Spirit … to focus on internalizing the message of Cursillo … to be one Movement … united with Christ (the theme of this Encounter was “Unity With Christ”).  No diocese can say it is entirely unique – rural, urban, spread out, cultural, few priests, internal struggles – though there may be some differences, there is a great commonality in the joys and the struggles of each.  But the goal was clear - be true to Cursillo, live the Cursillo, guard the authenticity of the Cursillo, and most of all, study and know the Cursillo.  We cannot teach something we do not understand, so we must understand it.  And we cannot understand it unless we study and live the Method (Group Reunion and Ultreya).  Therefore, Fourth Dayers need to understand and live Group Reunion and Ultreya, and be in union with the Movement.
    Finally, let me share some thoughts about what was said about living Cursillo.  One of the greatest prayers we say is our life ... our “rollo” is our living witness.  We can’t touch God directly, but we can touch Him through others, and others can touch Him through us.  If we are living the Cursillo, we are in service to others.  Our heart is like a bottle full of the love of Jesus … we just have to pull out the cork (keeping in mind that everything is the work of God’s grace).  The best way to lead others to Christ is to live in peace and joy ... to pour out His love wherever we go.  When Christ said, “Go to the end of the world and preach the Good News,” He may have been talking about our kitchen or backyard … wherever the Good News needs to be heard … The world is not evil, it has just needs to be turned back toward God.
    We should live on Earth like we want to live in Heaven.  Persevere … be active … be true … be there for others.  We should be like a school of fish helping one another find the way … we should all be swimming in the same direction … the school is not to train the fish to be fish … it is rather a means of reaching a destination as a group … sticking together and encouraging one another not to stray or swim alone.  Thank You, God, for what You have given … for what You have taken away … and for what You have kept from us … thank You for Cursillo …

God bless John Springer
 
 

(Insert #1)

The SOL (comprised of volunteers serving the Lord in the Cursillo Movement) would like to learn more about cursillistas in the Diocese of Lincoln.  We respectfully request that you take a moment to fill out and return this survey.  Thank you for all you do for the Lord - De Colores!

Are you currently in a weekly group reunion?     ____ Yes   ____ No
     If Yes: Names of group members:  __________________________________________________________________
                                                          __________________________________________________________________
                Time and place you meet:   __________________________________________________________________
                Saint’s name for your group:  _________________________________________________________________
                                                                                   (If you don’t have one, consider choosing one)

If you’re not in a group reunion, would you like information about groups currently meeting in your area?
                 ____ Yes   ____ No

As a part of my Palanca, I would like to serve the Lord in / through the Cursillo Movement by (check all that apply):
____ Serving as an Ultreya Center Representative (to take information to / from the Secretariat)
____ Planning one or two Ultreyas a year (could be done yourself or by your group reunion)
____ Providing the witness at an Ultreya (simply share how the Lord is working in your life)
____ Offering holy hours during a Cursillo Weekend or at other times on behalf of the Cursillo Movement
____ Helping with the cleanup after a Cursillo Weekend
____ Working on the Palanca team on a Cursillo Weekend
____ Providing food / drinks for a Cursillo Weekend (snacks, baked goods, grocery items, etc.)
____ Making a monetary donation toward expenses (newsletters, Weekend supplies and food, etc.)
____ Being involved in School of Leaders (SOL) to learn more about the Cursillo Movement and form community with other cursillistas
____ Other suggestions: ____________________________________________________________________________

If you are in a group reunion, and participate in Ultreya and SOL, would you like to help with any of the following?
                        ____ Serve on the Secretariat
                        ____ Lead the music on a Cursillo Weekend
                        ____ Give a talk on a Cursillo Weekend

If you are unable to share your time or talent right now … are you able to share your treasure to further the work of Cursillo?           Check enclosed for  $_____________  (payable to Cursillo of Lincoln;  you may include the check with this form)

Please complete this (today if you can) and return to:    Joan Junkin
                                                                                    7820 Sandalwood Dr
                                                                                    Lincoln, NE  68510-4358

(Insert #2)
 
 

To be completed by the above Candidate’s Sponsor

SPONSOR’S Name: _______________________________________  Parish: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________  Phone (h): _____________  (w): ____________
City/State/Zip: _____________________________________________  Phone (cell): ____________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________   Fax: __________________________________
Fourth Day Group Reunion meeting time/place: ___________________________________________________________
Are you active in a:      ____ Group Reunion       ____ Ultreya       ____ School of Leaders
How long and how well do you know your candidate? ______________________________________________________
How long have you been discussing Cursillo with your candidate? _____________________________________________
Is your candidate free to receive the Sacraments?   ____ Yes   ____ No
If the candidate is married, has the candidate’s spouse made Cursillo?   ____ Yes  ____ No     (If no, is he/she interested in the Cursillo?)   ____ Yes   ____ No  (If no, please state the reason why) ________________________________________
Has he/she experienced a death of a loved one, trauma or severe crisis within the past year?  ____ Yes   ____ No    (If yes, please contact the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor or Lay Director)
Are you aware of any reasons the candidate should not make the Weekend?   ____ Yes   ____ No   (If yes, please contact the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor or Lay Director)
Is there an active Cursillo Group Reunion in your candidate’s parish?    ____ Yes     ____ No
Have you explained the Fourth Day (Group Reunion and Ultreya) to your candidate?  ____ Yes    ____ No
Are you willing to make a one-year commitment to your candidate to bring him/her closer to Christ  (this entails, at a minimum, reminding him/her of, and inviting him/her to the Ultreyas, offering him/her a ride if necessary, keeping in contact with him/her, and trying to help him/her find a permanent Group Reunion)?    ____ Yes      ____ No
What other information or observation can you provide us with: _______________________________________________
Why do you recommend this candidate? ________________________________________________________________
Sponsor Signature ______________________________________________________     Date ____________________
 

To be completed by the above Candidate’s Pastor

Pastor’s Name _____________________________________________  Parish ________________________________
Address __________________________________________________  E-Mail _______________________________
City/State/Zip ______________________________________________  Phone ________________________________
Do you recommend this person for a Cursillo Weekend?   ____ Yes    ____ No
Comments: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor’s Signature ___________________________________________ Date _________________________________

The only requirement for candidates is that they be Roman Catholic and able to receive the Sacraments of the Church.  Sponsors should also consider candidates for strength of character, maturity, an open mind, an ability to listen, friendship, and willingness to change. Candidates should be emotionally healthy and seeking a deeper spiritual life.  The Cursillo Weekend is not designed to be a cure-all for those experiencing personal problems.

Prayer is an important part of sponsorship and sponsors should pray for candidates before, during and after the Cursillo Weekend. Sponsors are also expected to:

1)  Explain the Cursillo Weekend:

• Always confer with the prospective candidate’s pastor prior to inviting the person to live the Three Day Weekend.  This is important because the pastor might know of some reason that a person should not participate in the Weekend, and once an invitation has been extended, it is very awkward to un-invite the person.
• Answer ALL questions that your candidate might have.  You cannot tell him/her too much.
• Explain what the facility will be like (sleeping arrangements, etc.).
• Explain that dress for the Weekend is casual, with many people dressing up more on Sunday.

• Go over the application form with your candidate. Ask him or her to fill out the Applicant section, sign it, and return it to you.  Make sure the candidate understands that the information will be kept confidential.
• Ask the candidate’s pastor to complete the Pastor section of the application, including his signature. Be prepared to explain the Cursillo Weekend to priests not familiar with Cursillo.
• Complete the Sponsor section of the application, sign it and attach the $10 registration fee1.  Return the form and fee to the Diocesan Lay Director.  Please do not turn in an incomplete form to “hold a spot.” Incomplete forms will be returned to the sponsor.

• Make sure he or she has transportation to and from where the Cursillo will be celebrated. If you cannot transport the candidate yourself, try to pair him or her up with another candidate.  Please make every effort to make sure the candidate has another person to ride with.
• Try to ease any fears or anxiety that the candidate might have before, especially the week before, the Weekend.
• Make certain that a candidate’s family is informed and knows the candidate will return Sunday evening. You may want to contact the candidate’s family during the Weekend as well.

• Do Palanca for your candidate; also, you need to write a sponsor letter and send it to the Lay Director prior to the beginning of the Weekend.
• Attend the Sunday Closing. Remember that your candidate will be looking for you at the Closing. If you cannot make the Closing, you might consider finding someone else to sponsor your candidate, or at least designate someone to support the candidate Sunday evening.

• Bring your candidate to your next Ultreya.
• Remind him or her to attend the next Closing.
• Assist and make sure he or she finds a Group Reunion.

Your commitment to your candidate does not end when he or she completes the application, or even after the Cursillo Weekend. It is your responsibility to make sure your candidate feels welcomed at all Cursillo activities and is supported in his or her apostolic endeavors for at least a year.