Christ is Counting on You, and So Am I

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is counting on you and so am I!

Do you remember your time as Pilgrims attending a Cursillo weekend where so many of our lives were forever changed? We came home to families and friends filled with the Holy Spirit,
and on fire to serve God wherever, and whenever, he called us.

After attending Cursillo #114 in 2008, I had a wonderful conversation with a fellow Cursillista Connie Keister. It’s been a while, and we admitted our recollections about that call may remain
lost forever with one exception – God gave us each of a personal mantra that we live by. “God will lead you where he needs you”! This became the theme for Weekend 150. In the Bible, many people came to Jesus through the actions of God. Leading each of them to a life of service sharing the news of Jesus through kindness, love and healing.

There are so many places in the Bible where people were lead to Christ, for his reasons, not for theirs. This became apparent when after attending a Cursillo weekends so many of us returned home, pouring into a life of service to Christ in ways previously unimaginable.

Won’t you please assist us in providing that Cursillo opportunity for others who have not experienced a Cursillo weekend? We need your help by filling both Team and Pilgrim openings.

Currently, we have accepted 8 applicants for Team and 8 Pilgrims for Cursillo 150. Additionally, there are a number of jobs on the weekend which do not require a great deal of physicality but bring great rewards to our Pilgrims.

Annie Hunter

Please prayerfully consider helping Gods Cursillo150 weekend to be a great success by submitting Team and Pilgrim applications to my address below.

Decolores!
Annie Hunter
Rector Cursillo#150
1811 Ft. Duquesna Drive
Sun City Center, FL 33573
anniemedic813@gmail.com
813-842-075

Download Team Application Here

Download Pilgrim Application Here

Special Announcement in Cursillo Leadership

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Greetings from the Secretariat:

 I hope this message finds you well and blessed. The Secretariat would like to share some significant updates regarding recent changes within our leadership.

 As of Saturday, February 17, 2024, Dorothy Lowrie has resigned from her role as Lay Director to prioritize her health and engage in rehabilitation. We are grateful for Dorothy’s unwavering dedication and commendable efforts in rebuilding our ministry post-COVID. Her contributions have been invaluable, and she will be sincerely missed.

 In light of these changes, the Secretariat has elected Candy Newman as the new Lay Director to complete the remaining term, which concludes in September. We extend our gratitude to Candy for accepting this responsibility and are confident in her ability to lead.

 Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the Secretariat. We appreciate your understanding and support during this transition.

 DeColores,

Candy Newman

 Secretariat

  • Rev. Mario Castro
  • Rev. Brian O’Carroll
  • Sally Allen
  • Russell Tuff
  • Jan DiUlio
  • Ron Joy
  • Rev. Marcella Drawdy

December 2023 Update

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Dorothy Lowrie

Dear Cursillo Community of SW Florida,

I trust this message finds you well and filled with the joy of the Cursillo spirit. As the Lay Director, I am delighted to share some exciting updates regarding our journey together in 2023.

Success in Rebuilding the Cursillo Ministry:
The year 2023 was a resounding success in rebuilding the foundations of the Cursillo Ministry. We have worked tirelessly to restore and strengthen our community, and we are now building on the momentum gained during the past year.

Reunions in the North and South:
We held two reunions, one in the north and one in the south, bringing our community together to celebrate our shared commitment to the Cursillo movement. Bishop Scharf graced both gatherings, sharing his inspiring vision for the future of our ministry.

Three Weekends with 44 Pilgrims:
In the spirit of renewal and transformation, we conducted three weekends with a total of 44 pilgrims. These weekends were filled with spiritual growth, fellowship, and a deepening sense of community.

Excitement within the Secretariat:
The Secretariat is enthusiastic about the journey ahead and is looking forward to collaborative efforts that will continue to strengthen our community. Together, we can achieve great things for the glory of God and the flourishing of the Cursillo Ministry.

Pilgrim and Team Applications:
As we embark on this exciting phase of our journey, we invite you to explore opportunities to participate further. Pilgrim and team applications are now open, and we encourage everyone to visit our website for more information and to submit applications.

Please check our website regularly for updates and announcements. Your active participation and support are vital to the success of the Cursillo Ministry in SW Florida.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Cursillo movement. Let us continue to walk together on this transformative journey, spreading the love and grace of Christ.

Blessings,

Dorothy Lowrie
Lay Director, Cursillo of SW Florida

A Message from Susan O’Carroll #149

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Susan O’Carroll

Dear Cursillo Community!

Many blessings to you all. My name is Susan O’Carroll, I attended Cursillo weekend #98, in September of 2001 in the Diocese of Southwest Florida and I sat at the table of St. Mary. I worship at Holy Innocents’ in Valrico.  I am looking forward to serving as the next Rectora for Weekend #149, Come to the Table, February 29 – March 3rd at DaySpring.

I have been a part of this diocese for over twenty-five years, called to serve in youth and children’s ministries (diocesan and parish), Cursillo, parish leadership and as a clergy spouse. The theme for the weekend is Come to the Table with the verse, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”  Matthew 18:20(ESV) When I was praying about the theme for this weekend, I heard the Lord speak to my heart, gather my people at my table. James 4:8a says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” As I sat in prayer, I was reminded of the years of ministry around our dining room table and fellowship with family and friends both old and new. Many of these conversations were about Jesus and I could see the parallel to the Lord’s Table and as we gathered not just on Sundays, but in the mission field, at shut-ins’ homes and at the bedsides in hospitals. The sizes of those groups varied; however, Jesus was present in all of them. Then one Sunday before service I was looking at the index in Wonder Love and Praise and found Hymn 763, “As we Gather at Your Table”, as I read the words, they were a reminder to prepare our hearts and a call to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to join me in prayer and discernment for the Cursillo movement in our diocese and for weekend #149. This is a time of great excitement as we rebuild this ministry of support, and renewal for leadership. Please pray with me to see where God is calling you to serve; as part of leadership, team, or working with your priest to sponsor a pilgrim or energizing your parish Cursillo Community.

Applications can be found on the website along with Ultreya and the Reunion Gathering in November, www.cursilloswfla.org or you can email me at ocarrolls3@gmail.com.

In Christ,

Susan O’Carroll

Rectora #149

Cursillo Reunion for Southwest Florida – Naples Location

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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

Sign Up Below So We Have a Head Count

Fill out my online form.

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)