The Fourth Day Community (Post-Cursillo)
After a person has “made a Cursillo weekend”, they begin their “Fourth Day”. The weekend is a three-day experience of learning, growing, and “metanoia” (conversion of heart). The Fourth Day is the rest of your life. The Fourth Day should include two regular recurring events:
- The Group Reunion is the heart of Cursillo. It consists of a small group of friends that fosters a faith-based support group that meets weekly to share their faith journey and how they are living out the tripod of piety – study – action. Four – six is a good number for a group reunion.
- The “Ultreya“, usually held monthly, is a “reunion of the reunions”. Ultreyas are generally held after a weekday Mass (often Saturdays) and include a brief small group reunion, a witness speaker and some time for fellowship.
Bringing a friend to an Ultreya is a great way to give them an idea of what Cursillo is all about. We have no secrets. We are simply being deliberate about our Catholic faith and of being disciples of Jesus.
For more information, please refer to the links below or email our Post-Cursillo Chair, Rick Hoffman, postcursillo [at] jolietcursillo.org
Group Reunion
The Group Reunion is a small group (3 to 6) of Cursillo friends that meet on a regular basis. The purpose of this meeting is to:
- share with one another the growth that has taken place within each of them,
- deepen their friendship,
- help one another to live according to the Gospel and
- bring a Christ-like attitude to their environments.
This meeting of friends are at the core of the Cursillo Movement. From the very beginning the founders of the Cursillo Movement perceived in the Group Reunion the means “to create and sustain small nuclei (groups) of Christians who act as leaven for the Gospel in their environments”.
As we make attempts to bring Christ into our various environments, we will sometimes become frustrated. The Group Reunion provides the continual support we need in order to persevere as a part of God’s plan. To help spread the Kingdom, there is nothing which can compare to the sharing of God’s graces among friends.
To get assistance in joining a Group Reunion that is in your area, see the list of Parish Coordinators.
Ultreyas
“Ultreya” is a Spanish word, derived from the original Latin, meaning Onward! It was in common use by pilgrims to greet and to encourage one another along the way. This word is now used by the Cursillo community to signify the meeting which is held after a Cursillo experience.
In a climate of friendship, members share their life experiences based on the three tenets of Cursillo life: i.e. Prayer, Study and Action, or based on a passage from Scripture. This sharing can be contemplative in nature or may focus on an evangelizing experience. These sharings from real-life experiences, serve as examples to all of us of the challenge which Jesus lays before His followers: “Go and do likewise.”
As its name implies, the Ultreya is a call to move forward and to keep the flame of the Cursillo burning brightly.
A personal “Witness Talk” is given in the Ultreya by an individual Cursillista to illustrate how he/she strives to live what is fundamental for being Christian, love of God, and love of neighbor. In a climate of friendship, members share their life experiences based on the three tenets of Cursillo life: i.e.: Prayer, Study and Action, or based on a passage from Scripture. This sharing can be contemplative in nature or may deal with an evangelizing experience. These sharings from real-life experiences, serve as examples to all of us of the challenge that Jesus lays before His followers: “Go and do likewise.”
in an effort to build this feeling of community within the Joliet Diocese, each Ultreya has a cluster of specific nearby parishes associated with it. Of course, anyone is welcome at any Ultreya, regardless of their home parish. What is important is that you find an Ultreya that fits into your personal schedule, so you can receive the nourishment you need on your spiritual journey.
A PDF list of the Ultreyas operating in the Joliet Cursillo can be found at this Ultreya Link. Please be aware that from time to time, location and dates may have to be changed to reflect constraints on Parish resources. Also, some of these Ultreyas may not operate during summer months. Please check the current ULTREYA DETAILS page for any changes to time, date and location that may be necessitated.
Ultreya Grande
The Ultreya Grande is annual gathering of the entire Fourth Day Joliet Cursillo community. Typically held in early November (or maybe February!), the Ultreya Grande is a chance to hear an inspiring witness speaker, reunite with friends, share a meal, share fellowship and maybe even experience a little entertainment!
One more thing … BRING A FRIEND!
The Cursillo Movement consists of proclaiming the best news of the best reality which is that God in Christ loves us, communicated by the best means which is friendship.
Eduardo Bonñin, Servant of God
