Join Us SW Florida – In Naples at Trinity By The Cove
The SW Florida Secretariat for an exciting day of food, fellowship and music on Saturday, November 4th from 11 am to 2 pm. Cursillo Musicians! Bring your instruments, your voices, and your enthusiasm. Enjoy the beautiful church, the waterfront setting and the joy that will come from attending.
- Rekindle Friendships
- Welcome the New Cursillistas
- English and Spanish Speakers
- Hear from upcoming Cursillo Weekend #149 Rectora Susan O’Carroll
Welcome to Cursillo Southwest Florida
Cursillo Weekend Reunion – What A Time We Had

Left to right: Maisie Reddy, Mike Magnant, and Marta Malloy
The SW Florida Cursillo community gathered for a reunion to reengage and reinvigorate the Cursillo movement in SW Florida. The reunion was held Saturday, July 29th at Holy Innocents church in Valrico.
Familiar songs were sung as fellow people swayed to the music, excited to reconnect with friends.
Bishop Scharf lead the theme of rejuvenation with a reminder of why we are all here, that is to bring new leaders into the congregation to spread the love of Jesus in our community. His emphasis of not clinging to old traditions that aren’t critical to the message of sharing Christs love for us and the world.
Additional talks were given from new and old Cursillo participants, with a discussion from Susan O’Carroll on the next Cursillo Weekend.
A Message From The Lay Director
An Update on Cursillo

Dorothy Lowrie
We are excited to have held three Cursillo weekends since the end of the pandemic.
Cursillo is a lay led movement to develop leaders in the Christian community. The program is designed to encourage ongoing development by offering an opportunity to grow in faith within our local parishes and extend beyond our church walls to the communities in which we live, play and work.
The actual Cursillo weekend is a three-day event that holds 15 different talks, group discussions, worship and fun. The process encourages a Rule of Life to hold ourselves accountable after the weekend through small groups of ongoing meetings. Larger gatherings are held throughout the diocese for sharing and encouragement including “witness talk” that is centered on apostolic action.
The movement in SW Florida has been ongoing for 42 years and efforts are underway to enhance the Cursillo movement and reach new heights in this ministry.
If you are looking to enhance your walk with Jesus, or feeling a call to serve but not sure of the next step, please review the pages on this website. We are all about living a Christ-centered life and would like to help you on your journey.
Dorothy Lowrie
Lay Director
About Cursillo
Cursillo is a three-day weekend, held at DaySpring Conference Center in Ellenton. It begins on a Thursday evening and ends on Sunday. During the three days, participants hear a variety of talks given by lay persons and clergy.
A Cursillo weekend is not a retreat, with fasting or extended periods of silence. Rather, it is an experience in Christian education where participants meet clergy and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith. Shared prayer, worship, study, music, fellowship, laughter, and tears all work together to create a loving atmosphere where one can feel the reality of God’s free and unconditional love. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated daily.
Cursillo, spanish for “A Short Course in Christian Living,” is an opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality. Through weekend events, Cursillo participants gain:
- an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve him.
- an experience of living in a loving and caring Christian community.
- a continuing community that gives support and encouragement empowering the renewed Christians to persevere in carrying out their Baptismal vows.
For more info about Cursillo and its history, go to What is Cursillo?