2016 Cursillo Calendar

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April 2016
Volume 32, Issue 2
2016 Cursillo
Calendar
Cursillo 202……………April 7-10
Staff training…….. April 9-10
(See page 4)
Cursillo 203………….. June 9-12
Cursillo 204…… September 8-11
Cursillo 205………... October 6-9
Staff training…... October 8-9
Tell Us Your Cursillo Stories As we enter our 38th year, Cursillo in Alabama has an obvious rich history and is the focal point of hundreds of awesome stories, some touching, some inspirational, some moving, others just plain old funny. As Camille “counted down” the weekend numbers at #200, we realized that we needed to document our amazing history and get some of those stories in the written word before we’ve waited too late. We’ve all (or a lot of us) have heard about Bishop Stough, the Millers, Pradats, Brights and other pioneers that plugged along and got Cursillo started, basically from scratch!! Please note that some of the names
listed for Pilgrims in the mailed version
of the Vivencia may not be their
preferred names. You can always see the
most up to date version of the Pilgrim
list by clicking here.
Remember, Cursillo receives no funding
from the diocese, and your gifts pay for
the weekends of all our Pilgrims. Click
here to donate to help lay the foundation
for many more pilgrims to experience the
gift of Cursillo for years to come.
De Colores!
The Secretariat
Boy, the evolution from Jane Pradat keeping Cursillo “notes” and directions in a shoe box from weekend to weekend, to the now famous Bing Edwards master spreadsheet that takes up untold space on the Cloud! Scears Barnes was recruited by the Secretariat and has agreed to lead the effort to this documentation. Thank you, Scears!!! So, if Scears calls, please help him in our quest to document our collective history. Or, if you have stories – or connections – which we might not have a clue about, please contact Scears at [email protected] Peace, Love, Rock ‘n Roll and De Colores! Roger For me, the greatest gift of Cursillo is . . . . Ben Ridlehoover, Lay Rector #202 According to Nancy Bromberg, I’m the only person that replied with a four letter expletive when asked to serve as Lay Rector. In m y defense, I was surprised when “Nancy Bromberg” popped up on my cell phone. I saw Nancy’s name and was certain I had violated some sort of Cursillo rule or covenant. I thought I was in trouble…. I knew the answer was yes, but still took the time to contemplate the offer. 2015 was a rough year for our family and was filled with a tremendous amount of stress and loss. The same could be said for a number of our close friends. Everyone goes through this but it was by far the toughest year Haden and I have experienced in 20 years of marriage. I really asked m yself if this was the time for me to serve and all signs pointed to yes. (Continued on page 2) 2
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(Continued from page 1) Cursillo #174 in September 2010 changed m y life forever. The weekend itself was amazing, but more importantly, I walked away with a fresh perspective on my faith and a new set of tools. The Cursillo weekend and movement offers so much and each person can take what works b est for them. For me, the greatest gift of Cursillo is the creation and nurturing of Christian community. This is most clearly manifested in regular reunion group and in the practice of Ultreya. As life changing as the weekend was, it is the weekly reunion that keeps this alive in me. We follow the rule of life card on a regular basis, but leave room for whatever walks in the door. There are days when someone has something heavy, or awesome, that just needs the entire space. That’s fine. I find constant renewal in this group and it is a weekly reminder of what’s important. I also crave the opportunities we have to meet as a larger community. I honestly feel like I could walk into any parish in the diocese and find a close friend. In some cases it could be a fellow pilgrim or staff member, but in most cases, it’s neither and is simply a friend in Christ. I also can’t walk 10 feet at camp on any given weekend without running into someone I want to hug. The awkward kind of hug that usually lasts too long. Dwight Williams and Randolph Horn played with me at my father-­‐in-­‐law’s funeral at All Saints last May. Ray Moon passed away following a lengthy and difficult illness, but the memorial service and music were an absolute celebration. Everyone says they want their funeral to be like that, but it rarely happens. Everyone walked out of All Saints with a smile on their face. Ray wouldn’t have wanted anything less and it was a true gift to him. This would never have happened without the Cursillo community and specifically Dwight and Randolph. Words can’t describe how grateful we all were. I introduced Dwight to my own father following the service and my father asked how we knew each other. Dwight could see the perplexed look on my face. How do you describe this thing? Dwight said, “We drink from the same cup”. That’s it. I struggle in some ways with Cursillo and the divide between those who have and have not attended. I want everyone to experience what we have experienced, but that’s just not going to happen. All we can do is remain engaged in the communities, large and small, and spread love wherever we can. The Cursillo weekend shows Christ’s love in a profound way. To have complete strangers love you in an unlimited way, just for Christ’s sake, is life changing. We have an obligation to pass it along. The more people we can bring to the cup, the better. De Colores, Ben Ridlehoover 2 Head Cha’s Reflection It’s a wonderful honor to have been asked to be the Head Cha for the upcoming #202 weekend by our Lay Rector, Ben Ridlehoover. It has been a joyful challenge so far in more ways than I ever imagined. There are certainly the details to consider, people to organize and seemingly endless tasks to complete. I love it all. You see, my wife Camille has told me and I think she is right; my “Love Language” is service to others. I’m not sure this is a distinction in the book on the subject, as I’ve not read the book. However I know a number of people, like myself, who get more than just satisfaction from serving others. It feeds the soul, but it can also be a problem. You are likely thinking that if that’s a problem, it’s better than most. Not so, it’s just as bad as any. Remember the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son? It’s not good enough to just do the right thing. The motivation behind our actions is as important as our actions. The Bible gives us instructions in many ways, some of which are easy to understand such as “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Some of the ways are difficult to understand and mean different things to different people. Just ask one of your Presbyterian friends about free will. Regardless of how you are leading your life, Jesus is very specific about one thing in particular. That is that the most important commandment is, “you should love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and all your strength.” (Mark 12:30) So are you still wondering, “What is his problem?” My problem is that service to others, i.e. serving on staff, especially as a Head Cha, not only gives me satisfaction, it feeds my ego. I find myself wondering, “Am I doing all of this so that others think I’m a great guy, or am I serving God by helping to set the stage for this wonderful experience called Cursillo?” Please don’t hear me questioning good deeds. It should feel good to perform apostolic action. I’m simply encouraging self-­‐reflection. (Continue on Page 4) 1
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THANKSGIVINGS & MEMORIALS
In Honor of Haden & Ben Ridlehoover, given by Amy
& Andrew Benson
In Memory of Christian Smith, given by M. C. & J. C.
Akamatsu
In Honor of Betts & Felix Drennen, given by Jim Jolly
In Honor of Randolph Horn, given by Maggie Noland
In Honor of Amanda Jones, given by Maggie Noland
In Honor of Patrick, Simon, and Elliot, given by Craig
& Erika Wilson
In Honor of Bill, Lisa, & Leslie Gruner, given by M. C.
& J. C. Akamatsu
In Thanksgiving for Cursillo, given by Peggy & Bob
Clayton
In Thanksgiving for the Alabama Cursillo Community,
given by Cherie Ann & Grady Smith
In Thanksgiving for Cursillo and the Music Workshop,
given by Julie Colwell
In Thanksgiving for Cursillo and the Music Workshop,
given by Dave Klemmack
In Thanksgiving for Cursillo, given by Marcia See
In Thanksgiving for Cursillos 126, 135, 147, 158, 163,
&180, given by Maggie & Mike Springer
2016 Cursillo Weekend Assignments
(For Cursillos 201 through 205)
The Cursillo Weekend assignments 2016 are listed for your information below. Any changes to this list will
be sent to your Ultreya Lay Rector(s). Of course, the Vivencia will also contain the assignments for the
upcoming weekend for those folks without Internet access. If you want to plan ahead, please contact your
Lay Rector if you need assignment instructions.
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Consider giving fourth day palanca
By Paula Riggs
Lay Director of the Secretariat - Western North Carolina
As each three-day weekend approaches, there is often a great debate on the
subject of palanca. Palanca is one of the necessary components of a Cursillo
weekend, but it is often misunderstood.
The literal translation of the Spanish word “Palanca” means “lever” or “lifter.”
In broadening the use of the word, we have come to say “anything that lifts”
and in Cursillo we have added yet another dimension to the word by adding,
“lifts spiritually.” One can begin to see where the debate might have gotten its
start when we begin to define the term “lift spiritually.”
Let us begin simply and accept the literal translation of the word, palanca, as
“lever” or “lifter.” Some will debate that the purest form of palanca is prayer
and sacrifice. And others will contend that anything that “lifts” another or
causes them to become more in touch with the love of Jesus is also palanca.
Who is to say that one of these ideas is more right than the other? Perhaps we
need to accept that there is certainly more than just one type or form of palanca.
We might even go so far as to call one type “intangible” and the other
“tangible.”
What we must never forget is that palanca is one of the necessary components
for a Cursillo weekend and each of us has the ability, through our offering of
palanca, to be the instrument that God uses as the lever in drawing the candidate
into a closer relationship with God. The real problem that we face is not a lack
of palanca or outpouring of love for those on the weekend, but rather a need for
some guidelines on what is considered appropriate palanca.
Problems occur when we send gifts to the candidates. Gifts are items that are
either very large and with not fit into a palanca bag or items that are very
valuable that cannot be replaced if lost. While these gifts are wonderful
expressions of our caring and love for the candidate, perhaps the problem is one
of timing.
These valuable and irreplaceable gifts would be wonderful Fourth Day palanca.
Just think of the joy that your friend would feel if they were to receive this gift a
day or two after they have returned home. The gift can serve as a reminder that
not only does Jesus still love them but you do too.
It will be a reminder of all the prayers that were being offered for them during
the Cursillo weekend. The other bonus of giving your gift during the Fourth
Day is that you will be able to share in the moment. These gifts will be an
opportunity to relive the Cursillo weekend with your friend and you will both
receive the joy and blessing of this gift of love.
De Colores and God Bless.
Reprinted from The Fourth Day newsletter of Western North Carolina.
(Continue from Page 2) We all see people every day who are doing good things in this world. I’m not suggesting that we question their motives for every good deed we witness. I don’t believe that is our job. I do believe that we should question our own m otives and challenge ourselves to act, as we believe God would have us act. As we get closer and closer to the #202 weekend, I will continue to work hard and to question my motives because b y doing so I know that God will work through the entire #202 staff to create the Best Cursillo Ever! De Colores, Merrimon Epps Head Cha #202 CURSILLO STAFF TRAINING
Camp McDowell
Saturday, April 9 – Sunday, April 10, 2016
The Staff Training session is open to
anyone who has completed a three-day
Cursillo weekend and is interested in
serving on a Cursillo staff. There is no
limit to the number of staff training
workshops you may attend, but you
must complete at least one session to
be placed on the staff “eligibility” list.
During this training you will hear
about the mechanics of conducting a
Cursillo, the various staff position
responsibilities, and the Kairos
ministry. Come prepared to have fun
while making new friends from around
the Diocese.
Reservations are made on a “first
come, first served” basis.
You can fill out the form to register
online via the link below or email
Cherie Ann Smith at
[email protected] for
more information.
http://www.cursilloalabama.org/events/
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Cursillo #202 is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi
"Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep" John 10:7
Pilgrims
Keri Ann (Webb) Atkinson
Holy Spirit, Alabaster
Bobby Boone
St. James, Alexander City
Janice (Wade) Boone
St. James, Alexander City
Mike Brown
Nativity, Huntsville
Elijah Colburn
St. Michael’s, Fayette
Le Ann (Sullivan) Colburn
St. Michael’s, Fayette
Martha (King) Crotty
St. Andrew’s, Birmingham
Kim (Swindle) Glover
St. Stephen’s, Birmingham
Xan Glover
St. Stephen’s, Birmingham
Michael Goddard
St. Stephen’s, Birmingham
Allen Howell
St. Stephen’s, Birmingham
Angela (Dybvig) Howell
St. Stephen’s, Birmingham
Fred Johnson
Canterbury Chapel, Tuscaloosa
Ilona (Johnson) Jordan
St. Mary's, Jasper
AJ Joseph
St. Mark's, Birmingham
Cassandra (Andry) Joseph
St. Mark's, Birmingham
Carter Laney
All Saints, Homewood
JoAnna (Wyche) Laney
All Saints, Homewood
Sharlene (Byrd) McDaniel
Holy Trinity, Auburn
Karen McIntyre
St. Andrew’s, Birmingham
Creslee (Gay) Parrish
Grace, Cullman
Robert Parrish
Grace, Cullman
Christy Parsons
All Saints, Homewood
Miles Parsons
All Saints, Homewood
Staff
Mary (Serpas) Piland
Holy Trinity, Auburn
Robert Quinn
Trinity, Wetumpka
Kent Rose
St. Pauls, Selma
Kristen Sampson
St. Stephens, Birmingham
Jane-Ellen Shumate
Ascension, Vestavia
Dan Spors
St. Stephen’s, Huntsville
Danielle Thompson
St. Mary's, Birmingham
Carolyn Warren
All Saints, Homewood
Jimmy Warren
All Saints, Homewood
Clausura: April 10, 2016
3:30pm
Parish/Ultreya Assignments
Agape.......................... Tuscaloosa
Arts&Crafts .....…..…Demopolis
Cereal................... Birmingham 2,
Birmingham 3, Shoals
Comfort Station…....…Alex City
Cookies…………….…. Anniston,
Heflin, Jacksonville, Decatur,
Hartselle, Athens, Jasper
Cross Lanyards, Name Tags…...
Clyde Pearce, Vicki Shanks
Door Tags………….… Gadsden,
Rainbow City
Drinks .................. Birmingham 4,
Guntersville, Albertville, Pell City
Fruit…………….. Birmingham 1;
Mentone
M&Ms……..….Cliff Colyer Trust
Palanca Bags…..… Montgomery,
Wetumpka, Mt Meigs, Millbrook,
Prattville
Peanuts…………. Birmingham 5,
Selma, Lowndesboro
Place Mats...................Huntsville,
Auburn, Opelika, Smith's Station
Wake Up …………..…. Cullman
5 Ben Ridlehoover, Lay Rector
All Saints, Homewood
Merrimon Epps, Head Cha
St Marys on the Highland,
Birmingham
David Dill, Head Spiritual Director
Good Shepard, Decatur
Kaki O’Flinn, Assist Spiritual
Director
St. Martin’s, Birmingham
Michael Rich, Assist Spiritual
Director
St. Andrew’s, Birmingham
Mark Tucker, Head Music Director
St. James, Alex City
Jim Dixon, Assist Music Director
Advent, Birmingham
Jennifer & Mark Bedsole
Trinity, Demopolis
Bo & Keehn Berry
Christ Church, Fairfield
Kelly Davidson
Holy Trinity, Auburn
Mary Alex Dill
Good Shepard, Decatur
Lynn & John Drew
St. Michael’s & All Angels,
Millbrook
Camille Epps
St Marys on the Highland,
Birmingham
Suzanne & Nolen Graves
All Saints, Homewood
Gene McCall
Advent, Birmingham
Leah & Jay Murrill
All Saints, Homewood
Haden Ridlehoover
All Saints, Homewood
Cathy Robertson
St. Michael’s, Fayette
Martha Tucker
St. James, Alex City
Head Cha contacts: 205-969-3590
[email protected]
MAILINGS
Camp McDowell
105 Delong Road
Nauvoo, AL
35578
Please post to
arrive by:
Wed., April 6
Changing Your Address?
Don’t forget to contact:
Jamie Parris
[email protected]
205.306.4171
Cursillo Applications
Parish Lay Rectors should e-mail the
applications to John Poole:
[email protected]
Or snail-mail at,
1700 Shades Park Drive
Birmingham, AL 35209
Donations to Cursillo
In Memory of / In Thanksgiving for / In Honor of
___________________________________
___________________________________
Given by ____________________________________________________________
(names as you want to appear in the next Vivencia)
Send notification of this gift to:
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Vivencia Articles
Address: ______________________________________________________________
I would love to hear from you about
possible stories — especially about the
reunion group you are in and what it
has done in your life. Remember, the
purpose of the weekend is our Fourth Day.
Enclosed is my check payable to Alabama Cursillo for $ _____________
Lipmon Moy, editor
7609 Ensley Drive
Huntsville, AL 35802
Home: 256.881.8265
Email: [email protected]