Dear Southwest Florida Cursillo Community,

We are thrilled to share that the first team meeting for Cursillo #152 was a resounding success! The energy in the room was electric as we gathered for hearty breakfast and lunch, broke into small groups, and connected in fellowship.

The music team brought incredible enthusiasm, setting the tone for a transformative weekend, and we finalized key adjustments to ensure everything is ready for September 25–28, 2025.

Our team is complete, and now we need your help to fill the weekend with pilgrims! This promises to be a powerful, life-changing experience, perfect for those in your congregation ready to deepen their faith and enliven your church community. Get a Pilgrim Application Here

Please reach out to your clergy to assist in inviting and registering new pilgrims who will thrive in this vibrant atmosphere.

Russell Tuff

We ask for your prayers for our dedicated team (listed below) as they prepare to serve. Stay tuned for the pilgrim list, which will be shared soon for Palanca writing and prayers, along with a prayer vigil sign-up.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we prepare for this Spirit-filled weekend!
De Colores,

Russell Tuff

Cursillo #152 Rector

Download a Cursillo #152 Pilgrim Application Here

Leadership Team

• Rector – Russell Tuff
• Flotura – Mason Ayres
• Spiritual Advisor – Rev. Roy Tuff
• Assistant Spiritual Advisor – Rev. Janet Tunnel
• Assistant Spiritual Advisor – Rev. Kristina Hodge
• Bell Ringer – Pam Monroe
• Set-Up Chairs – Gerry Boone – with Jan DiUlio
• Servant Chairs – Howard Roshaven
• Music Chair – Jeremy Rudacille
• Assistant Music Chair – Scott Gardner
• Observing Rector – Mike Magnant
• Friends of Team – Lois and Louis Bellemare

Servant Team

• Charlie Kunath
• Gussie Haeffner
• Dorothy Lowrie
• Scott Schieb

Set-Up Team

• Jan DiUlio
• Sherre Henley – IT
• Jan Harrington – Cha
• Jodi Waldron
• Beth Rathman
• Libby Chinman – Cha
• Bruce Greenlees – Cha
• Lynne Henderson

Family Workers

• Tammy Schieb
• Anne Ayres
• Kaydee Tuff
• Mary Anders
• Kent Gallamore
• Anthony Campanero
• Mike Magnant
• Mason Ayres

Rollo’s

• Ideal – Beth Rathman
• Grace – Fr. Roy Tuff
• Laity – Bruce Greenlees
• Faith – Rev. Janet Tunnel
• Piety – Mason Ayres
• Study – Kaydee Tuff
• Sacraments – Bishop Doug Scharf
• Action – Jeremy Rudacille
• Obstacles – Rev. Kristina Hodge
• Leaders – Jan DiUlio
• Study of Evangelization of Environments- Pam Monroe
• Christian Life (Life in Grace) – Fr. Roy Tuff
• Christian Community in Action – Dorothy Lowrie
• Group Reunion – Anthony Campanaro
• Ultreya – Russell Tuff

Prayer Vigil

To Sign up for the Remaining Prayer Vigil Slots – Contact:

Gussie Haeffner – ghaeffner@comcast.net

Cursillo #152 Pilgrims

Russell Tuff

“Let Me Be Your Servant”

Imagine my surprise when I received a call from our Secretariat Lay Director, Jan DiUlio, letting me know I had been called to serve as Rector for Cursillo #152 in SW Florida. My first response was to assure her that there are so many others more capable of fulfilling this role. After all, I’m just me, and I often feel I fall short of the “holy” characteristics this position seems to require.

Since attending my Cursillo weekend (#98) in 2001, where the theme song was “More Precious Than Gold,” I’ve had the privilege of serving as a music director many times over the years. Once, I even served as a bell ringer (a task I was entrusted with because it was thought I could handle ringing a bell). Knowing my mischievous tendencies, I brought two bells that weekend—just in case one mysteriously disappeared! (One did.)

Cursillo #152 Banner

After checking my calendar, praying, and reflecting, it’s clear God has much work to do in equipping me for this call. I humbly ask for your prayers for guidance as we work together to revive the SW Florida Cursillo movement, especially as we rebuild after the challenges of COVID and the ongoing disruptions caused by hurricanes.

My heart keeps returning to “The Servant Song,” which reminds us to humbly serve one another and seek God’s grace to allow others to serve us, too. The line “Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too” speaks deeply to me. I’m also moved by the part that says, “We shall sing such harmony.” Together, as a united community, we can create the beautiful harmony of hearts joined in Christ’s love, spreading the Peace, Joy, Love, and Freedom that God is calling us to share with our world.

Russell Tuff

Rector #152 SW Florida Cursillo

email@russelltuff.com

239-353-1687

Download a Cursillo #152 Team Application Here 

Download a Cursillo #152 Pilgrim Application Here

The Cursillo Secretariat of Episcopal Diocese of SW Florida is excited to invite everyone to DaySpring on March 22nd for the Back to the Mountain Event.

Come one, come all! Lunch and music will be provided.

The bishop will be sharing a special message via video.

Come help the Cursillo movement go Boldly into the Future.

Spread the word. Click Here for a flyer for your church
bulletin board/bulletin.

Please RSVP Here so we can provide lunch numbers to DaySpring.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Cursillo #151
“A New Day Dawns”
May 8 – May 11

A Message from our next Rectora

 My brothers and sisters in Christ,

Arlene Maloney

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. An unknown source of a quote I love 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

Click Here to Download a Team Applications

 And of course we need pilgrims.

Please pray to discern who God is calling to this weekend. Pilgrim applications are available – Click Here:

Just so you know – The Secretariat is required to have Pilgrim numbers to DaySpring 30 days prior to the weekend. So, Please get your Pilgrim applications in early.

Cursillo #152

“Let Me Be Your Servant”

September 25 – September 28

 A message from the Rector:

Russell Tuff

Imagine my surprise when I received a call from our Secretariat Lay Director, Jan DiUlio, letting me know I had been called to serve as Rector for Cursillo #152 in SW Florida. My first response was to assure her that there are so many others more capable of fulfilling this role. After all, I’m just me, and I often feel I fall short of the “holy” characteristics this position seems to require.

Since attending my Cursillo weekend (#98) in 2001, where the theme song was “More Precious Than Gold,” I’ve had the privilege of serving as a music director many times over the years. Once, I even served as a bell ringer (a task I was entrusted with because it was thought I could handle ringing a bell). Knowing my mischievous tendencies, I brought two bells that weekend—just in case one mysteriously disappeared! (One did.)

After checking my calendar, praying, and reflecting, it’s clear God has much work to do in equipping me for this call. I humbly ask for your prayers for guidance as we work together to revive the SW Florida Cursillo movement, especially as we rebuild after the challenges of COVID and the ongoing disruptions caused by hurricanes.

My heart keeps returning to “The Servant Song,” which reminds us to humbly serve one another and seek God’s grace to allow others to serve us, too. The line “Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too” speaks deeply to me. I’m also moved by the part that says, “We shall sing such harmony.” Together, as a united community, we can create the beautiful harmony of hearts joined in Christ’s love, spreading the Peace, Joy, Love, and Freedom that God is calling us to share with our world.

Russell Tuff

4th Day Gathering

Please pray about how you might serve the Cursillo movement to go Boldly into the Future. If you cannot serve on a team or sponsor a pilgrim maybe you can provide palanca, prayer, drinks, prayer, candy, prayer, green palanca, and more prayer. Mark your calendar to attend the serenades and the clausuras. Plan an Ultreya at your church. You may want to consider the Servant Community position that remains open, Fourth Day Gathering Coordinator. Below is a summary of the position.

The 4^th Day Gathering position is responsible under the Secretariat Fourth-Day Chairperson to coordinate and oversee all aspects of the post-Cursillo weekend.  “Fourth Day Celebration” is an education day which is normally conducted approximately one month following the Clausura of each Cursillo Three-Day weekend.  The Fourth Day Celebration is a one-day Saturday meeting with a program that is aimed at developing and encouraging Fourth Day activities for new pilgrims and sponsors.  It focuses on Community action, Sponsorship, and Grouping and provides a framework to conduct future Ultreyas following National guidelines.

Duties:

1. Ensure the 4^th Day Celebration is properly announced at each Clausura.
2. Coordinates/oversees 4^th Day Gatherings.
   1. Oversees the process of conducting 4th Day Celebrations.
   2. Recruit volunteers, including speakers, musicians and clergy to assist in conducting the 4^th Day Celebration.
   3. Oversee the arrangement for booking a suitable church or other facility to host the 4^th Day Celebration.
   4. Coordinates with the hosting facility to ensure that set-up/clean-up, worship space, and food are covered for the 4^th Day Celebration.
   5. In conjunction with the Secretariat 4^th Day Chairperson, plan and oversee the 4^th Day Celebration. Prepare the 4^th Day Celebration schedule of events.
   6. Coordinate the execution of the 4^th Day Celebration and orchestrate the proceedings, adjusting the schedule as necessary to maintain a smooth” flow of events”.
3. Ensure the community is educated about Personal Contact, Sponsorship, and Grouping during the 4^th Day Celebration. Provide guidelines and support to speakers.
4. Arrange for clergy to present a short talk on Spiritual Direction.
5. Provide for a “practice Ultreya” at the 4^th Day Celebration to include a Witness talk, Echo response, and Clergy reflection.
6. Encourage the community to form Reunion Groups and actively participate in grouping.
7. When requested, attends Secretariat meetings to share information concerning 4^th Day planning.

Please Click Here and fill out the application if God is calling you to this position. Your signed application can be emailed to the Lay Director, Jan DiUlio, at gdgurl89@yahoo.com

Your Secretariat:

Jan DiUlio – Lay Director, Rev. Bryan O’Carroll – Spiritual Director, Rev. Marcella Drawdy – Spiritual Director, Jo Simpson – Music Chair, Ron Joy – Pre-Cursillo Chair, Sally Allen – 4^th Day Chair, Ted Tripp –  newly elected, TBD, Scott Schieb – newly elected, TBD, Pam Monroe – Secretary, Gussie Haeffner – Treasurer, Sharon Stoll – Communication Director, Mary Anders – Registrar, Sherre Henley – Worship & Songbooks, Chandra Williams – Palanca Coordinator, Russell Tuff – Web Navigator.

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

A massive oak tree at the entrance of Curry Hall is now leaning against the building, and downed trees and limbs are scattered everywhere. Power outages are widespread.

After Hurricane Helene, DaySpring’s senior staff discussed the need for post-storm volunteers, and now—just 10 days later—we need your help. We’re looking for volunteers to help clear debris and frequent guests to assist in resetting the furniture in Hall House and Retreat House. We also require help tidying up the youth cabins that sheltered our fleet of canoes and kayaks during the storm. Please remember to bring your own water! Lots of it.