Cursillo in Christianity

Cursillo in Christianity is primarily a lay movement. Cursillo is an instrument of renewal by which Christianity can permeate, live and grow in today’s world. It proposes no new types of spirituality but a method through which one’s spirituality can be strengthened, lived and shared in all areas of one’s environment.

 

A Brief History

Cursillo pronounced “kur-see-yo” is a Spanish word meaning “short course” in Christianity.
  • 1940s: The Cursillo started in Spain in the late 1940's and spread throughout the Spanish speaking countries of the world.
  • 1957: It came to the United States in 1957 when Spanish Air Cadets training in Texas held a Cursillo weekend for a group of Spanish speaking men.
  • 1961: The first English language Cursillo was held in 1961 in San Angelo, Texas and that year the movement spread to a dozen other states, including Illinois.
  • 1964: The movement was introduced in the Peoria diocese in 1964 where it is ecumenical – open to all faiths.
Local leaders have helped establish similar national programs in the Episcopal, Methodist and Lutheran churches, and the prison ministry program is an additional outgrowth of the Peoria Cursillo movement.
 

Once in a Lifetime

A Cursillo is made only once in a lifetime, therefore it is not considered a substitute for a retreat. A Cursillo experience makes subsequent retreats more profitable and Cursillistas (those who’ve attend a Cursillo) are urged to make regular retreats. Men and women make separate Cursillo weekends. A participant should be sponsored by someone who has already made a Cursillo. If you do not know someone who has made a Cursillo weekend, a sponsor will be provided.
 

Upcoming Events

September 2026

12

Ultreya
» Read full details.
Lady of the Lake

Cursillo Weekends

The Cursillo experience varies for each individual, as it depends on their personal journey and relationship with God. Some find it transformative, others an awakening, and some an enrichment of their faith. We don’t promise specific outcomes. Instead, we offer the program and rely on God’s grace and individual’s openness.
  • Cursillo weekends span from Friday morning to Sunday evening.
  • Participants engage in eleven short talks:
    • Four talks by clergy focusing on Grace
    • Seven talks by lay persons who have completed a Cursillo.
      • Topics include Christian piety, study, action, leadership, and living in relationship with God, among others, building upon one another.
Cursillo weekends are held at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Mahomet, typically once a year for men and once for women. If you wish to attend, you will need a sponsor who has attended a Cursillo weekend.
Your sponsor can be:
  • A family member
  • A friend
  • Someone who attends your church
Sponsors will assist you in:
  • Preparing for the weekend
  • Driving you to the facility on Friday morning
  • Picking you up on Sunday afternoon
  • Answering any questions you have about Cursillo
  • Taking you to other Cursillo events throughout the year
If you do not know anyone who could sponsor you, please email us at eaccnews@gmail.com and we will be happy to match you up with someone in your area.
 
 
The weekend fee is $100 but financial hardship shouldn’t deter attendance. Let us know if assistance is needed.

Fourth Day

Group Reunions - the Cursillo program recognizes the continuing need for support in a Cursillista’s “Fourth Day” – the rest of one’s life. Weekly group reunions are formed to provide Cursillistas a place to share their activity in piety, study, and action in everyday life. This brief weekly meeting consists of four to five fellow Cursillistas. Group reunions allow Cursillistas to stay accountable to Christ and themselves. For information about group reunions, times, and places, contact Deacon Scott Whitehouse at 309-928-3601.
 

Ultreyas (ol-tray-yus)

Regular community reunions called Ultreyas (Spanish for “onward”) are held throughout the year and are open to Cursillistas and invited guests. These allow the Cursillo community to come together to pray and socialize with those living a Christian life. They also provide support for Cursillista’s efforts to bring Christ’s message to others in his/her environment.
Praying Community