Cursillo #155 – Bind Us Together – Message from Rectora Jo Simpson

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Jo Simpson
Rectora
Cursillo #155

Fellow Cursillistas.

My name is Jo Simpson and my Cursillo was #129, in 2015 at DaySpring with the family of St. Matthew.

Worshipping at All Saints Episcopal Church in Tarpon Springs is a gift and has led me to co-chair Cursillo, belong to Daughters of the King, play handbells, etc. Then, of course, there is weeding at home in Dunedin, walking and playing golf. Although a hole in one came my way this year, don’t let it mislead you on my golfing prowess. Time spent with my 2 adult sons, lovely daughters-in-law and wonderful grandchildren is a blessing. Unfortunately, my husband of 30 years is not here to share this joy as he passed away in 2010.

Cursillo was a long time coming for me. It started with a seed in 2006 and a commitment on a Cursillo Sunday in 2015. Since my Cursillo, I have served teams, participated in Cursillo events, helped out in various capacities in church. In short, I’ve tried to live my 4th Day. Cursillo was life changing and I shudder to think where my life would be now without it.

Being called to be Rectora for #155 was a surprise, an honor and baffling. Accepting God’s invitation to work with a team to “empower others to go into the world equipped to witness to the wonder of being God’s Church” (the stated goal of the Cursillo weekend) is both daunting and exciting. Knowing that God “does not always call the equipped but does equip the called” gives me courage and energy

Our theme, “Bind Us Together”, emerged while reflecting on where we find ourselves today: surrounded by change (personally, in the diocese, and in the world). Change will be best managed through unity. Our Cursillo community gives us this sense of unity through our fellowship with and in Christ. In short, we are bound together as workers for Christ.

Having shared all this, I ask for your prayers for Cursillo #155 on February 11th – 14th, and I invite Cursillistas from Cursillo #154 to Cursillo #1 to prayerfully consider being some part of this “Bind Us Together” team. Thank you and God Bless You.

If you are called to be on this team – Download the Team Application Here

Ultreya!

Yours in Christ,

Jo Simpson

Rectora #155

Update from the Secretariat

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Arlene Maloney
Lay Director

With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our sincere thanks to Jan Diulio, Fr. Bryan O’Carroll, and Ron Joy for their three years of faithful service on the Secretariat. Your dedication, commitment, and generous sharing of your gifts have been a blessing to the Cursillo community and are deeply appreciated.

We also offer a special note of gratitude to Mother Marcella Drawdy for extending her service for another year as Spiritual Advisor. We are grateful for her continued guidance, prayerful presence, and faithful support of our community.

It is also with joy that we introduce our new Lay Director, Arlene Maloney. Arlene worships at Holy Innocents in Valrico. She made her Cursillo in February 2010, Cursillo #118, and later served as Rectora of Cursillo #151. We welcome Arlene into this new role and look forward to her leadership and service.

We are also delighted to welcome new members Fr. Mike Brady, Christ Church, Bradenton, Janet Spooner, St John’s, Brooksville and Cindy Huffman, Good Shepherd, Dunedin.   We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the gifts, wisdom, and faith-filled spirit they will bring to the Secretariat and the wider Cursillo community.

May we continue to support one another in faith, friendship, and service as we move forward together.

De Colores,

Arlene Maloney

Update Cursillo #154 – From the Rectora

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Pam Monroe
Rectora Cursillo #154

“Christ is Counting on You”

The first Cursillo team meeting was held at Church of the Nativity and started with a beautiful rainbow. The team is complete and filled with faithful and spirit-filled leaders who are anxious to use their time and talents for the glory of God.

Although the team for 154 “Seek ye First” is complete and on our way to a smooth and spirit- filled weekend, we still need you. Consider helping by using your time and talents to grow this community with prayers, sponsoring a candidate or donating much needed green palanca. (See Set-Up Info by Clicking Here)

Don’t forget to sign up for the prayer vigil. Click Here

Remember what your weekend meant to you and know this weekend will more than likely change someone else’s life. Christ is counting on you!

De Colores!

Pam Monroe

Rectora Cursillo 154.

Cursillo #154

Team & Leadership

(It’s not too early to start writing palanca!)

Pamela Monroe – All Souls Episcopal – N. Ft. Myers

Rev. Kristina Hodge – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Rev. Tim MacDonald – Church of the Nativity, Sarasota

Rev. Jim Teets – St. Mary’s – Dade City

Jo Simpson – All Saints – Tarpon Springs

Beth Rathman – All Souls Episcopal – N. Ft. Myers

Bruce Greenlees – All Saints -Tarpon Springs

Scott Schieb – Redeemer – Sarasota

Jeremy Rudacille – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Charlie Kunath – Holy Trinity – Clearwater

Arlene Maloney – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Jan DiUlio – Christ Church – Bradenton

Gerry Boone – Good Shephard, Dunedin

Jan Harrington – All Souls, N. Ft. Myers

Richard Monroe – All Souls, N. Ft. Myers

Jessica Church – All Souls, N. Ft. Myers

Phil Allen – Church of the Holy Spirit – Osprey

Sally Allen – Church of the Holy Spirit – Osprey

Brenda Roshaven – St. John the Divine – Sun City

Bo Bray – Holy Innocents Valrico

Karen Zummo – St. Mary’s Dade City

Mary Page Hill – Redeemer – Sarasota

Gussie Haeffner – Redeemer – Sarasota

Mike Chapman – All Saints Tarpon Springs

Scott Gardner – Church of the Holy Spirit – Osprey

Dan Snead – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Carolyn Hughes – Good Shepherd Dunedin

Mark Ladewig – Holy Innocents Valrico

Scott Lange – St. Johns – Naples

Courtney Bailey – Holy Innocents Valrico

Frances Lingrel – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Mike Magnant – St. John the Divine, Sun City

Thomas Beer – St. Paul’s Wesley Chapel

Jean Chappell – St. David’s Church, Engelwood

Beth Johnson – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Cathy Bennett – St. Mary’s Dade City

Sharon Teets – St. Mary’s Dade City

Scott Lyons – Church of the Redeemer Sarasota

Pilgrims

Last name Goes by Church
Baum Ruthie St. David’s, Englewood
Bookman Glenn Holy Trinity, Clearwater
Cashbaugh Dave Church of the Nativity, Sarasota
Collyer Crystal Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
Cordle Cathy Church of the Nativity, Sarasota
Davis Kathy All Soul’s, N. Ft. Myers
Delphia Pamela St. Mary’s, Dade City
Devitt Steve Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota
Devitt Marsha Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota
Devitt Caroline St. John’s, Tampa
Emmanuel Theresa St. David’s, Englewood
Frankfort Katie St. Mary’s, Dade City
Griepenburg Vicki St. Mary’s, Dade City
Hinkle Elizabeth Holy Innocents’,Valrico
Horn Shannon Holy Innocents’,Valrico
Kirchubel Linda Holy Innocents’,Valrico
Kirchubel Robert Holy Innocents’,Valrico
Mattson Lori Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
Maxwell Sam Church of  the Redeemer, Sarasota
Pardy Bill Church of the Apostles, Parrish
Perschall Alex Holy Innocents’,Valrico
Perschall Ashley Holy Innocents’,Valrico
Pielack Gerry St. David’s, Englewood
Smith Zach St. Mary’s, Dade City
Smith Gaby St. Mary’s, Dade City
Spencer Noreen St. David’s, Englewood
Stafford Landon Church of the Nativity, Sarasota
Strom Bella Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota
Sullivan Laurie Holy Trinity, Clearwater
Thompson Susan All Soul’s, N. Ft. Myers
Waldhauser Mason Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota

Cursillo #154 Seek Ye First Servant Chair Requests

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Scott Schieb
Cursillo #154 Servant Chair

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We are quickly approaching Weekend #154 “Seek Ye First” with Rectora Pam Monroe from All Souls Episcopal Church in Ft. Myers at the helm. Our leadership team is filled with the Holy Spirit, and we are grateful to each one of you for your amazing support. God has called us to create a special weekend at Dayspring where pilgrims can deepen and rediscover God’s outpouring of His love, His grace, and His purpose for their spiritual journey.
As Servant Team Chair, I ask you to assist our team in the following ways: 
  1. Prayer first. Cover every moment of the weekend in intercession by signing up for the remaining slots in the Prayer Vigil. Click Here to Sign UP
  2. Complete the coloring of Placemats to enhance the Pilgrims’ table settings at the meals. Placemats have been distributed to leadership chairs. If asked, please complete and return the finished placemats to your Parrish Cursillo representative.
  3. Complete Scripture Verse Cards which have also been distributed (or will be) to your Parrish Cursillo representative(s).
  4. Show your Cursillo community support by writing Palanca notes and providing “pillow Palanca”.
  5. Complete and submit a Parrish Poster to show your love for Pilgrims on the weekend. Poster should be larger than standard letter size for display in Rollo Room.
  6. Pray for all Pilgrims by name: Ruthie; Dave: Crystal; Kathy; Pamela; Theresa; Katie; Vicki; Elizabeth; Linda; Gerry; Shannon; Zach; Gaby; Noreen; Landon; and Susan
  7. Pray for all team members, including our spiritual/clergy team, Rev. Kristina Hodge, Rev. Tim MacDonald, and Rev. Jim Teets.
  8. Send more team members for the weekend. (Need 8 more!)
  9. Send more Pilgrims to reach the limit of 36.
  10. Lift Kairos Pilgrims and Kairos Team in prayer. The Kairos weekend is the same weekend. (September 17-20).
All Cursillistas in the SWFL Diocese are asked to do exactly what God’s theme for the weekend commands: “Seek Ye First the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Your obedience, your humility, your love, and your steadfast faith ensure  the exact setting for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to transform everyone’s hearts, all for God’s glory!
De Colores,
Scott Schieb (Servant Chair)

Pilgrims

Last name Goes by Church
Baum Ruthie St. David’s, Englewood
Cashbaugh Dave Church of the Nativity, Sarasota
Davis Kathy All Sooul’s, N Ft. Myers
Emmanuel Theresa St. David’s, Englewood
Frankfort Katie St. Mary’s, Dade City
Horn Shannon St. Mary’s, Dade City
Kirchubel Linda Holy Innocents’, Valrico
Kirchubel Robert Holy Innocents’, Valrico
Pielack Gerry St. Mary’s, Dade City
Spencer Noreen St. David’s, Englewood
Stafford Landon Church of the Nativity, Sarasota
Waldhauser Mason Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota

Team & Leadership

(It’s not too early to start writing palanca!)

Pamela Monroe – All Souls Episcopal – N. Ft. Myers

Rev. Kristina Hodge – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Rev. Tim MacDonald – Church of the Nativity, Sarasota

Rev. Jim Teets – St. Mary’s – Dade City

Jo Simpson – All Saints – Tarpon Springs

Beth Rathman – All Souls Episcopal – N. Ft. Myers

Bruce Greenlees – All Saints -Tarpon Springs

Scott Schieb – Redeemer – Sarasota

Jeremy Rudacille – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Charlie Kunath – Holy Trinity – Clearwater

Arlene Maloney – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Jan DiUlio – Christ Church – Bradenton

Gerry Boone – Good Shephard, Dunedin

Jan Harrington – All Souls, N. Ft. Myers

Richard Monroe – All Souls, N. Ft. Myers

Jessica Church – All Souls, N. Ft. Myers

Phil Allen – Church of the Holy Spirit – Osprey

Sally Allen – Church of the Holy Spirit – Osprey

Brenda Roshaven – St. John the Divine – Sun City

Bo Bray – Holy Innocents Valrico

Karen Zummo – St. Mary’s Dade City

Mary Page Hill – Redeemer – Sarasota

Gussie Haeffner – Redeemer – Sarasota

Mike Chapman – All Saints Tarpon Springs

Scott Gardner – Church of the Holy Spirit – Osprey

Dan Snead – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Carolyn Hughes – Good Shepherd Dunedin

Mark Ladewig – Holy Innocents Valrico

Scott Lange – St. Johns – Naples

Courtney Bailey – Holy Innocents Valrico

Frances Lingrel – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Mike Magnant – St. John the Divine, Sun City

Thomas Beer – St. Paul’s Wesley Chapel

Jean Chappell – St. David’s Church, Engelwood

Beth Johnson – Holy Innocents – Valrico

Cathy Bennett – St. Mary’s Dade City

Sharon Teets – St. Mary’s Dade City

Scott Lyons – Church of the Redeemer Sarasota

Cursillo #152 Team is Ready to Shine Christ’s Love – Your Support Needed!

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Dear Beloved Trinity Cursillo Community,

With hearts full of joy and anticipation, the Cursillo Team #152 has wrapped up our final team meeting, and let me tell you—the room was absolutely radiant with the loving power of Christ! Every detail is in place, every box checked, and our team is fired up to welcome our new pilgrims. We’re ready to guide them on a transformative journey to deepen their appreciation of Christ’s boundless love, equipping them to carry that light back to their communities.

Now, we turn to you, our incredible community, to help make this Cursillo Weekend a beacon of grace and support. Here’s how you can join us in this sacred mission:

  • Lift Us Up in Prayer: Sign up for our Prayer Vigil to cover the weekend in prayer. Every moment of intercession strengthens our pilgrims and team. Click here to sign up.
  • Pray for Our Team and Pilgrims: Check out the prayer list here and hold each name in your heart. Click here to view weekend details
  • Share Palanca to Bless Our Pilgrims:
    • Bug Spray (to keep those pesky critters at bay!)
    • Bite-Size Candies (sweet treats for sweet moments)
    • Bug Foggers for Outside Service (let’s keep the outdoors comfortable)
    • Green Palanca (your notes of encouragement mean the world) Click here to make green palanca
    • Square Boxes of Tissues (for those heartfelt moments)
    • Travel-Size Toiletries (small comforts make a big difference)
    • Sugar-Free Candy (for those watching their sugar)
    • Individually Wrapped Snacks (fuel for the journey)
    • More Prayers and Green Palanca (you can never have too much!)
    • Scholarships ($235) to ensure everyone who feels called can join us

Russell Tuff

Let the Holy Spirit guide you in how you can support this Cursillo Weekend. Your prayers, gifts, and love will create a foundation for miracles to unfold.

With gratitude and in Christ’s unending love, Russell Tuff Rector, Cursillo #152 SW Florida

Cursillo #151 Update and Team

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“We not only have a savior who calms the storms of life, but in Christ we have an anchor that securely positions us in a safe harbor”. Hebrew 6:10

Arlene Maloney

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There is a “New Day Dawning” and Cursillo #151 is rapidly approaching.

The leadership is in place and I would like to share the team with you

Cursillo #151 Team

May 8-11, 2025

CORE LEADERSHIP

Rectora: Arlene Maloney

Spiritual Director: Bishop Doug Scharf

Asst. Spiritual Directors: Rev. Michael Brady, Rev. Marcella Drawdy

Observing Rector: Russell Tuff

Bell Ringer: Audrey Cull

Flotora: Sharon Stoll

Set Up Co-Chairs: Beth & Michael Johnson
Servant Co-Chairs: Sara Lemley, Pat Magnant
Music Chair: Jeremy Rudacille

ROLLOS

IDEAL: Pam Monroe
GRACE: Mother Marcella Drawdy
LAITY: Kent Gallamore
FAITH: Fr. Michael Brady
PIETY: Sally Allen
STUDY: Gussie Haeffner
SACRAMENTS: Bishop Doug Scharf
ACTION: Michele Rudacille
OBSTACLES: Fr. Michael Brady
LEADERS: Ray Stoll
STUDY OF ENVIRONMENT: Beth Johnson
LIFE IN GRACE: Bishop Doug Scharf
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ACTION: Phil Allen
GROUP REUNION: Pat Magnant
ULTREYA: Arlene Maloney

TABLE FAMILY WORKERS:

Phil Allen, Sally Allen, Kim Balke, Kent Gallamore, Gussie Haeffner, Susan O’Carroll, Maisie Reddy, Brenda Roshaven, Ray Stoll, Sharon Stoll, Russell Tuff, Marte Toohill

MUSIC: Jeremy Rudacille, Matt Estes Susan O’Carroll, Michael Turcotte

SET UP TEAM: Beth & Michael Johnson, Pam Monroe, Jo Simpson, Janice Harrington (Cha-Cha), Frances Lingrel (Cha-Cha), Mike Magnant (Cha-Cha) Scott Schieb (Cha-Cha)

SERVANT: Sara Lemley & Pat Magnant, Karen Bauer, Debra Hladky, Michele Rudacille (A/V), Sharon Soto

FRIENDS OF TEAM: Gordon and Sylvia McIntyre

The team is shaping up very nicely and it is just about complete. I am now calling on each of you to “make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ”. We need pilgrims! If you know of someone that would be a candidate for the weekend, please speak to your parish priest, talk to the person and be willing to be a sponsor on this wonderful spiritual journey. 

DeColores,

Arlene Maloney

Download a Pilgrim Application Here

Cursillo #151 Pilgrims

Ariss-Menendez Melissa St. John’s, Tampa
Bess Kathi St. Mark’s, Tampa
Corcoran Jason Church of the Ascension, Clearwater
Doty Gail Holy Innocents’, Valrico
Duncan Ken Church of the Apostles, Parrish
DuPuis Amy St. John’s, Clearwater
Free Sam St. Mark’s, Tampa
Free Gipcell St. Mark’s, Tampa
Greene Sue Good Shepherd, Venice
Greenlees Bruce All Saints, Tarpon Springs
Gotschall Cathy St. Nathaniel’s
Hadley Linda St. Mary’s, Dade City
Henderson Lynne Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
Huffman Cindy Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
Hughes Carolyn Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
Jackasal-Labonte Sherry St. Alfred’s, Palm Harbor
Juarez Susie St. Mark’s, Tampa
Kita Dawn St. Mark’s, Tampa
McRae Donna St. Augustine’s, St. Petersburg
Minstrel Jim St. Mark’s, Tampa
Moses Louise Church of the Ascension, Clearwater
Mudgett Pat Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota
Mudgett III Bill Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota
Nichols Lilli Holy Innocents’, Valrico
Opitz Connie Church of the Ascension, Clearwater
Palaia Kathleen St. Mary’s, Bonita Springs
Pedretti Julie Trinity-by-the-Cove, Naples
Rathman Beth All Souls, North Fort Myers
Snead Dan Holy Innocents’, Valrico
Steponaitis Ed Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
Sutton Melinda Church of the Ascension, Clearwater
VanCura John Holy Innocents, Valrico
VanCura Kim Holy Innocents, Valrico
Vaughn Gretchen St. Mary’s, Dade City
Watts Thomas Church of the Ascension, Clearwater
Watts Ken Holy Innocents’, Valrico

 

Cursillo #151 – “A New Day Dawns” May 2025

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Arlene Maloney

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

My name is Arlene Maloney and I made my Cursillo at Dayspring in February, 2010 , weekend #118 and sat at the table of St. John. I worship at Holy Innocents’ Church in Valrico.  I have been a member of Holy Innocents since I arrived in Florida twenty years ago. Cursillo  has had such an impact on my life and my spiritual journey. I have served on many teams since my weekend and each one has deepened my relationship with the Lord.  It has led me on a spiritual journey that has been incredible. I have served as senior warden on the vestry, host coordinator for Family Promise of  Hillsborough County,  parish Cursillo representative, Eucharistic minister and Eucharistic visitor.

My journey has taken me to the Dominican Republic on mission trips as well as mission work here in Florida. It all began with my weekend at Dayspring. I am humbled and honored to be called to be the Rectora of Cursillo #151,  May 8-11, 2025.  If anyone had told me on that Thursday evening when I arrived at Dayspring, with the deer in the headlights look all those years ago, that I would be serving on this weekend, I would have thought they had lost their minds.  Yet, here I am ! I have been told, “ God does not choose the equipped, He equips the chosen”!  I am counting on Him.

As I prayed about a theme and direction all my thoughts led me to water.  I am from Rhode Island, and it is the Ocean State, surrounded by water.  The ocean has always been my place of solace and peace so I felt God was guiding me in that direction.  My theme is “A New Day Dawns” and the song is “Ten Thousand Reasons”.   On my first trip to Rhode Island after Covid, I took this picture on the beach at sunrise and thought no matter what happens in life, a new day always dawns.  I felt the presence of the Lord that day as the world was struggling to overcome the pandemic and to bring calm to the chaos it had caused. Hebrew 6:10 says, “We not only have a Savior who calms the storms of life, but in Christ we have an anchor that securely positions us in a safe harbor”.

Please pray for the Cursillo movement as we move forward in rebuilding and revitalizing the weekends.  If you have not served on a weekend or if you have not served in a long while, it is time! Christ is counting on you!

For His Sake,

Arlene Maloney

Download A Team Application here

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