Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cursillo

Candidates

What is Cursillo?
Cursillo is "a short course in Christianity." The Cursillo weekend is a three-day experience of talks, small group discussions, worship and singing.
Who can go to a Cursillo?
Anyone can make a weekend. You should be attending an Episcopal church, and you should talk with your priest. You will also need a sponsor: someone who has been to Cursillo and is living the 4th Day.
Why do I need a sponsor?
A sponsor is someone who can help you to prepare for the weekend, and to process it after. He or she can answer any questions you might have. Your sponsor should help with any arrangements that need to be made, i.e., taking care of any pets while you are away, making arrangements for children to get to and from school, etc. In addition, your sponsor will be praying for you long before the weekend begins, and will continue to pray for you in your 4th Day.
Where are the weekends held?
The Cursillo weekends are held at Chanco on the James in Surry, VA. Surry is directly across the James River from the Jamestown settlement in Williamsburg.
When is the next weekend retreat?
See the list of dates in the right column of this page. As you would expect, the "Men's" weekends are for men only; the "Women's" weekends are for women only; the "Concurrent" weekends are for both men and women. On a concurrent weekend, spouses may room together, but men and women each have their own lecture hall and the talks will be given either by men or women; everyone comes together on a concurrent weekend for worship and meals.
When does the weekend start?
The 3-day Cursillo retreat weekend is actually 3 days plus an evening. It begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night and ends Sunday evening. It's important for your sponsor to bring you to Camp Chanco as close to 7:30 p.m. as possible. This ensures that the team is ready to receive you and will give you time to check in to your room and meet your roommate before the opening remarks at 8:00 p.m.
When does the weekend end?
The 3-day Cursillo retreat weekend ends after dinner on Sunday. Each weekend is a little different; the rector for your weekend will advise your sponsor about the pick up time. But the end of the retreat is just the beginning of your 4th Day.
What is the 4th Day?
Following the 3-day weekend, the 4th day is the rest of your life. The 4th day is characterized by regular attendance and involvement in an Episcopal church, grouping and Ultreya.
Should I eat dinner before I arrive at Camp Chanco?
Your sponsor will provide dinner for you before arriving at Chanco.
What should I pack?
Comfortable clothing that you can layer to accommodate changing temperatures both outside and inside the climate-controlled spaces. A light jacket and an umbrella often come in handy, even in the warmer months. Flashlights are helpful when moving about at night. A small tote bag to store your things is handy when moving between your room and the meeting spaces. Chanco provides soap, shampoo, towels, and bed linens.
What should I leave at home?
Your cellphone, pager, and any gadgets that will distract you from the retreat. There is a phone in the Chanco office for emergency use.
What will my room be like?
Simple and comfortable. You can read about Lodges A, B, C, and D on Camp Chanco's web site.
Will I have a room mate?
Yes. It might even be the start of a lifelong friendship. (On Concurrent Men's and Women's weekends, spouses can room together.)
Why can't I drive myself to Chanco?
Practically speaking, it's hard to find if you've never been there, especially in the dark. Spiritually speaking, it's a privilege for your sponsor to take care of you, so relax and enjoy the scenery on the way to the river.
What does it cost?
$250 covers the cost of your room and board for the 3-day retreat. You may wish to make additional purchases in the Chanco gift shop or Cursillo bookstore during the weekend. A $100 deposit is due with your application; $150 is due at check-in on Thursday evening.

Team

How many team meetings are there?
Usually three over the course of several weeks or months before the weekend. Rectors try to choose meeting locations in churches convenient to most of the team members. Carpooling is a great idea!
Do I have to give a talk?
Not if you really don't want to. But consider that you'll be given a very detailed outline for the talk and all you need to do is pray for guidance and insert some of your personal experiences into the outline to illustrate the points. Also consider that the weekend's Spiritual Directors are priests with lots of experience writing and guiding people, and they're available to help you over any tough spots. So, if the Rector, guided by the Holy Spirit, asks you to give a talk, there's probably a very good reason why you've been chosen!
Do I need altar guild experience to serve on Chapel Team?
No. The team job descriptions are very thorough and you'll have others to help you figure out any thing you don't understand. Remember, God is in charge of the Cursillo, we just need to show up with servant hearts.
Who decides my role on the team?
If you've read the previous questions, you may be discerning a theme...God decides! The Rector is the one who gets the privilege of asking you to do it.
Should I carpool to Chanco?
Yes, please! Parking space is limited at Chanco, it's better for the environment, it saves money, and you'll get to have fellowhsip on the way.
What does it cost to serve on team?
$275. $100 is due with your team application; the balance of $175 is due by the third team meeting. Camp Chanco requires payment in advance of the weekend to reserve all of our meeting spaces. Some rectors also ask team members to consider voluntary contributions either in kind or in cash to support activities on the weekend, such as chapel flowers and snacks. (All meals are provided by Chanco and are covered by candidate and team fees.)

Rectors

How are rectors chosen?
The Cursillo Secretariat receives nominations from the community and prays for guidance before issuing an invitation to be rector. Nominees are expected to practice the Cursillo method—that is, they are active in their churches, are following their Rule of Life, grouping and attending Ultreyas regularly. Most rectors have served on more than one Cursillo team and understand the multiple roles that team members fill, but it is not necessary to have done every job on team before serving as rector. We all are given different gifts!
Where can I find rector's materials?
They are available on this web site in a password-protected location. The Lay Director of the Secretariat will issue your password when you accept the call to serve. A more extensive list of FAQs for rectors is also available in that password-protected location.
How do I assemble a team?
The Cursillo Secretariat maintains an archive of past team members and active applications for your consideration. The goal is to create a team that is diverse in age, team experience, and geographic location within the diocese. The Secretariat asks that you have no more than 5 members from any church on team for single-sex weekends and no more than 7 members from any church on a concurrent weekend team. It's also desirable to have at least 1/3 of your team be first-timers. Ideally, there will be abundant applications on file for you to work with, but if you still need members, Ultreyas are a great place to announce it. Read your Rector's manual, familiarize yourself with the team job descriptions, and pray over the applications. God will help you pull it all together!
Will I be reimbursed for expenses?
The Cursillo Sectretariat's treasurer will issue you a check for $200 to cover incidentals; submit your receipts to the treasurer after the weekend. Many rectors use that money to pay for the group photos. Some rectors find it unnecessary to request reimbursement, due to generous donations from team members, a huge blessing to our movement!
How do I find a photographer to take the group photo?
Ask your team members if they know a friend or spouse who will volunteer to take the photo and have the pictures printed. They will need to deliver the photos to the team coordinator before the close of the weekend. If you can't find a photographer within your team community, consult the Lay Director of the Secretariat—there are Cursillistas in the broader community who will joyfully volunteer.

Candidates

Sponsors

Team

Rectors