Cursillo Weekend Course on Core of Christianity

by Erin Carelse · July 31, 2018

A weekend course for Catholics who want to seriously look at themselves and their lives, their relationships with others, and their relationship with God, will be offered in Johannesburg later this year.

A Cursillo weekend will run from September 21-24 at Koinonia Centre.

What is Cursillo?

Cursillo, Spanish for “a short course”, is a ministry that has spread to other Christian denominations.

The ministry aims to share the essence of Christianity and thereby gradually transform communities from within.

Cursillo was conceived especially for the laity, but priests and religious are welcome to join. Organisers recommend that married couples participate together.

The course, which usually starts on a Thursday afternoon and ends on a Sunday afternoon, is also helpful for those who have fallen away from the Church, as it stresses the fundamental aspects of Christianity.

The weekend includes 15 talks (some given by priests and some by lay people), small group discussions, summaries, fellowship, meditation, songs, community meals, Eucharistic adoration, Mass, and reconciliation. A priest serves as the spiritual director.

A Spiritual Sponsor

To participate in a Cursillo weekend, one needs to be referred by a spiritual sponsor — someone who has already attended a Cursillo or someone recommended by the spiritual director.

The spiritual sponsor’s job is to pray for the participant before, during, and after the weekend.

The Cursillo in September, which will be mixed-gender, will cost R1350. Application forms and 50% of the fee deposit are due six weeks before the weekend, and the balance is due one month before the start.

For further information contact Karon Willson at 082 493-2542 or , or Dirk van Doorene at 083 209-1036 or