Bishop Dabney Smith Receives Retirement Gift from the Cursillo Community

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On behalf of the Cursillo Community the Secretariat Commissioned a painting for Bishop Smith upon his retirement.
Below is a picture of the painting and a copy of his letter to the community.
Dorothy Lowrie
Lay Director

Letter of Appreciation from Bishop Dabney T. Smith

My dear friends in the Cursillo Community of the Diocese of Southwest Florida,

I write to express both my affection for you, and my gratitude to you, for your loving gift of artwork to me upon my retirement from the diocese. The piece of art, beautifully and lovingly crafted by Jan Spangler is a unique expression of our souls ascending desire for Heaven. In the midst of the faithful seems to be a priest, or maybe a bishop, praying for their ascending journeys. The artwork captures, I think, Cursillo’s constantly focused work of assisting individual Christians in their allegiance to Christ in this life and the life to come. Thank you Jan; and thank you Cursillista’s.

I greatly support what Dorothy Lowrie wrote on the Cursillo webpage. “We are all about living a Christ-centered life and would like to help you on your journey.” That journey continues for the spiritually mature Christian’s and the Babe-chicks. I know as the recently retired bishop how much positive influence Cursillo has had on so many of our congregations and the diocese. I pray that this influence steadily continues. I thank all of you.

God bless each of you and all of you. De Colores!

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida (Resigned)

Weekends #145 and 146 cancelled

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The Secretariat met on January 8, 2022. We had planned to move forward with the weekends in 2022.

However, after the Bishop’s letter of January 6 and consultation with the Canon to the Ordinary and three Spiritual Directors, the Cursillo Secretariat has voted to cancel Weekends #145 and #146. We will re-evaluate in six months how to move forward.

The reason for these changes is to keep the community safe and to assure new Pilgrims benefit from the full Cursillo experience we have shared. Father Ryan said, “We need to have patience during this time. Patience is one of the Fruits of the Spirit.”

We will work with the parish reps as we move forward. There are new innovative ways of communications that we are working on to bring the community together. Please keep the ministry in your prayers.

In His Service,
Dorothy Lowrie
Lay Director

Message from Rectora Marta Meloy – Cursillo #144

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Greetings to all my Brother and Sisters!

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Th 5: 16-18

Thank you Lord for the loving Body of Christ!

Thank you for all of the prayer, Palanca, Vigil sign-ups, and placemat coloring completed as love offerings for Cursillo # 144! This glorious weekend couldn’t happen without your willingness to serve! Cursillo # 144 is just 9 days away and the excitement of the weekend is raising daily! Our God is pouring out blessing upon blessing as final preparations are being completed! My heart delights seeing the names of pilgrims attending and waiting to see those names yet to come! We still have openings to fill so prayerfully consider the blessing of Sponsorship, it is not too late to submit applications!

I can’t wait to see you at the Serenade on Saturday Feb 22nd at 7:00 as you raise a new song to the Lord in praise, rejoicing in the love of Christ and then again at the Clausura at 4:00 on Sunday Feb 23rd celebrating our newest Cursillistas!

“FREELY you have received, FREELY give.”
All glory, honor and praise is Yours, Almighty God as your will is done in all things.

Peace and love in Christ,
Marta Meloy
Rectora # 144

Palanca for Cursillo #144

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Cursillo #144       Update

From John Genter, Set-Up Chair

The weekend fast approaches, and we praise God for all the enthusiasm and many hands that make this possible! However, we do continue to need your prayers, Palanca and assistance.

Palanca needs include bottled water, both small and large bottles, a variety of soda (regular and diet), candy (with and without sugar), and “Green Palanca” additional money to cover a variety of expenses that may arise. This all can be delivered by Sponsors when luggage is dropped off at the cabins, and we thank you and praise God for your continued love, offerings and sacrifices.        

A reminder to Sponsors: Please be sure to feed and then deliver your Pilgrims (after enjoying a meal together) to DaySpring between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday February 20th. Look for the set-up people in yellow vests who will direct you to the Program Center. There the Pilgrims will be welcomed and escorted to registration. Please proceed to the cabins behind the program center to drop off Palanca and luggage. Set-Up in yellow vests will be there to unload. Then stop by St. Thomas Chapel for prayer time with Dolores and Bill Overton (Friends of Team) before you leave.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Saturday Night Serenade on February 22nd. This is a special gift! Arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. and park in the soccer field past the Bishop’s office on your left as you drive into Day Spring. Set Up in yellow vests will direct parking. Golf carts will be available for transportation to the Program Center. The Serenade is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. and finish at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday February 23rd please drive up to the Luke Cabin to pick up your Pilgrim’s luggage upon arriving. Then return and park in the soccer field and walk up to the Program Center. Golf carts will be available for transportation. Please be seated for the Clausura no later than 3:30 p.m. for fellowship, singing and the arrival of our new Cursillistas at 4:00 p.m.

The Fourth Day is scheduled for Saturday, Saturday, March 21st. Location and time to follow. Make a date with your new Cursillista to attend! It’s a day of deeper understanding, and a mini spiritual retreat for all. Look for information on the website, and your new Cursillista will have the flyer in hand.

 

DeColores!

 

 

 

Prayer Vigil for Cursillo #144

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February 20-23, 2020

 

 

“Freely you have received, freely give” of your time and loving hearts.  As the team prepares for Cursillo #144, please consider signing up to pray for a specific date and time (or multiple dates and times).  The weekend will begin at noon on Thursday, February 20 and end on Sunday, February 23 at 6 pm.  

Please send your name, date, preferred time, and email address or phone number to me at Anamcarax2@gmail.com or call me at 401-368-3275.

“The gift of God’s presence through you is your gift to the world.  With faith-filled prayer we can move mountains.”

In His Love,

Pamela Monroe

Servant Chair

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 

12 NOON 4 PM 8 PM
1 PM 5 PM 9 PM
2 PM 6 PM 10 PM
3 PM 7 PM 11 PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

12 AM 8 AM 4 PM
Taken 9 AM 5 PM
Taken 10 AM 6 PM
3 AM 11 AM 7 PM
4 AM 12 NOON 8 PM
5 AM 1 PM 9 PM
6 AM 2 PM Taken
7 AM 3 PM 11 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

12 AM 8 AM 4 PM
Taken 9 AM 5 PM
Taken 10 AM 6 PM
3 AM 11 AM 7 PM
4 AM 12 NOON 8 PM
5 AM Taken 9 PM
6 AM Taken 10 PM
7 AM 3 PM 11 PM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020

12 AM 7 AM 2 PM
Taken 8 AM 3 PM
Taken 9 AM 4 PM
3 AM 10 AM 5 PM
4 AM 11 AM 6 PM
5 AM 12 NOON
6 AM 1 PM

Update – Rectora Cursillo #144

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My Dear Cursillistas,

Christmas is fast approaching and we are busy preparing for its arrival, just as Mary and Joseph did before they began the long journey to Bethlehem. Mary packed everything she needed for the arrival of her firstborn son; filled with anticipation and faith in the angel’s proclamation, “And you will bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High”. At the same time Joseph brought food provisions and supplies; planned the travel route and obtained a donkey for Mary to ride upon; knowing this baby “is of the Holy Spirit, you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save His people from their sins”, this was no ordinary fatherhood. They awaited the Messiah’s coming; and we wait with them, soon we will observe his birth, “Christ the King is born, King of Salvation, the long awaited Messiah–Immanuel, God with us”.

After Jesus’ birth the Angels sang praising God, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”. We also raise our voices singing, “Joy to the World, the Lord has come!” We rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus! Thanks, be to God!

It is my prayer our Lord Jesus renews your spirit with heavenly joy in celebration, peace in each moment shared and an awareness of his presence within you. May he bless you with a gift of time: to truly appreciate his birth, with marked hands, and to understand the magnitude of his unconditional offering of love and grace beginning in the manger.

Although we dearly miss our sister Judy, we celebrate the joy she has being in the arms of Jesus and in the light of His Glory, celebrating her arrival home! Her first Christmas in heaven! In her honor, I pray we will all be as devoted to our Rule of Life, Grouping and building the Kingdom as she did through Cursillo. May we emulate her loving heart, may we be ready to serve and may we warm the world with a smile that brings joy, just like Judy’s. Let light perpetual shine upon her Lord, give comfort and dry the tears of all who mourn and one day may we all hear, “Well done, good and faithful Servant”. In the Mighty Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I wish you all a blessed Christmas with family and friends, filled with happiness and joy that comes from that tiny baby who stepped into the world to save us all!

Rejoicing in the Love of Christ Jesus,
Marta
Rectora #144

Cursillo of Southwest Florida Announces Endowment Fund

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Dear Brothers & Sisters of our Cursillo Community,

The Cursillo Secretariat would like to inform everyone that after prayerful discernment and discussion, we have entered into an agreement with the Diocese of Southwest Florida, establishing an Endowment Fund for Cursillo of Southwest Florida. This falls within the Diocesan Endowment Management Program of the Diocese.

The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enable our community to fulfill the mission of the Cursillo movement in our generation and future generations to come. The fund is invested according to the Investment Policy Statement under the direction of an Endowment Fund Board. The Endowment Fund distributions are subject to the Spending Rule as determined annually by the Endowment Fund Board, and no distributions can be made from the principal. All contributions are tax deductible.

How may one support the Endowment Fund?
• Direct cash gifts may be made by check to Cursillo of SWFL. Be sure to write “Endowment Fund” in the memo line. A donation as a birthday or anniversary contribution is a wonderful way to celebrate friends and family.

• Bequests, the most common type of planned gift may be made by including the Cursillo Endowment Fund in your will, by designating a specific dollar amount, or designating a specific percentage of your estate to designating specific assets.

An informational brochure is in the process of being designed that will also have more complex suggestions for planned gifts.

If you would like any additional information, please feel free to reach out to a secretariat member or our treasurer.

Direct cash gifts (check) may be sent to our Treasurer, John Genter, at the address listed below. Please make the checks payable to Cursillo of Southwest Florida and indicate “Endowment Fund” in the memo line.

John Genter
559 Ladrone Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33606

Blessings to all,
The Secretariat
Cursillo of Southwest Florida

Thank you for helping to assure that the mission of the Cursillo movement grows and continues into the future.
The Cursillo Secretariat

Cursillo #144 Rectora Update

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Cursillo #144

February 20 – 24, 2020

Join the Team – Applications Click Here

Be a Sponsor – Pilgrim Applications Click Here

Dear Cursillo Brothers and Sisters,

I am filled with a new happiness this Thanksgiving as I think of my extended family in Christ and the endless blessings the Lord has, is and will provide.  I was reading one of my favorite psalms, Psalm 100: 1-5 and it made me want to shout for joy, especially in thanksgiving for each of you and the upcoming weekends!

Let us pray…

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

Thank you Lord for the joy we have as the Body of Christ,  knowing we are worshiping and praising your Name together in thanksgiving with family and friends!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

We give you all the honor and glory of our praises, Loving Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  We lift up our voices in song and prayer thanking you for every blessing–for everything on earth is yours, O Lord.  Your generosity is beyond measure and our offering of thanks is simple and yet  given in love.

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”  We thank you Lord God, we are yours and your love is everlasting.   Help us remember the needs of others as we gather; protect all those traveling where ever they may go; renew the spirit with the joy of celebration and may we all be ready to serve at your call.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Wishing Everyone a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Love in Christ,

Marta Meloy
Rectora #144

Cursillo #144 Rectora Message

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Marta Meloy

De Colores, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

It is with a great deal of joy and anticipation I am writing to introduce myself in the usual Cursillo way as our community of Christ continues to grow every glorious weekend! This last weekend was truly a wonderful blessing for everyone, pilgrims and team alike, thank you Lord!

My name is Marta Meloy, I attend St. Anne of Grace in Seminole and made my Cursillo on weekend #49 at Dayspring in 1995, just a few years ago! Needless to say it was a life altering experience of unconditional love, with the perfect timing only God can give. Over the years I have returned to serve on weekends when called and continue to strive in fulfilling my Rule of Life, with God’s constant help! I am so grateful for these tools to guide, grow, support and account for my spiritual journey, for on my own it is definitely a struggle to abide in the presence of Jesus. What a difference Cursillo makes!

About a year ago the Secretariat asked me to prayerfully consider leading a weekend. After a time of discernment, I said yes, and the journey to Cursillo #144 began. I confess this is a very humbling experience learning patience and to wait upon the Lord’s revelation, yet at the same time, I am so incredibly excited over what the Lord has planned! I also feel relieved and deeply thankful He is in charge of it all, otherwise it would be overwhelming! He will make the weekend perfect in accordance to His will, far beyond what I can even imagine!

The theme is taken from Matthew 10:8 when Jesus sends out the disciples saying, “Freely you have received, freely give.” As I consider what I have received over my life from Christ, I am in awe of the abundance of blessings, faith, love, forgiveness, restoration, mercy and grace… now it is my time to freely give.

Cursillo #144 will be held February 20-23, 2020 and I know the Lord will bless the work of our hands as He calls us to serve on team, in sponsorship, prayer, giving palanca, or attending the Serenade and Clausura. Every offering and sacrifice magnifies the glory, honor and love of Christ Jesus.

Thank you for all of the prayer time and thoughtfulness given as you discern participation in the weekend. Should you have any questions, please contact me anytime. It will be wonderful to watch how the Lord leads us to unconditionally love and to build leaders in the Body of Christ on Cursillo # 144.

Love, peace and blessings in Christ,

Marta Meloy – Rectora #144
11763 Camphor Way, Seminole 33772
Cell: 727-421-1075 (please leave a message)
Marta.meloy@gmail.com

Download Team Application

Cursillo #143 Update – Bless the Lord Oh My Soul

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Hello Brother and Sister Cursillistas!  I pray you have had a blessed Summer!  Now that Fall is here, we look forward to cooler weather (or at least temps “only” in the 80’s), and maybe pumpkin “everything”, and of course, Ultreyas, and the Fall Cursillo weekend Oct. 24-27.

Prayer is the most important thing you can contribute to the weekend, and also it’s vital that we support one another at Ultreyas as much as possible.  Many churches are having Ultreyas now, and you receive notice about them via email or you can look at the website at www.cursilloswfla.org. There is great energy when we come together as the body of Christ, which can then carry us forth to our home churches with renewed spirit and purpose.

Another extremely important task we each have to pray about is Sponsorship.  Pilgrims don’t just show up, they are sponsored by all of us in the Cursillo community.  We cannot even have a weekend without Sponsors–you are the lifeline of a Cursillo weekend.  Sponsors are as much a part of each Team as the actual Team members.  Remember our motto?  Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ.  Look around your church this week.  Pray about a person, or persons, and talk to your Priest about whether or not he or she or they might be a candidate for the upcoming weekend or for a future weekend.

An invited candidate can always turn down an invitation and be held over to the next weekend, so you can submit applications even if a person isn’t sure about attending the October weekend.   How did you feel when you were invited to Cursillo?  What impact did it have on your life?  Did the Lord change your life through your Cursillo experience?  If you answered in a positive way, then maybe Sponsorship is for you!

Other ways to support the weekend are numerous-prayer vigil, pillow palanca, water, candy, and green palanca. Thank you for blessing #143 in all of these ways!

Blessing the Lord,
Barbara Kunath
Rectora #143