My Dear Sister and Brother Cursillistas …

Last week, the Secretariat voted not to hold the Fall 2020 Men’s and Women’s weekends.  Rectora Jennifer Ventura and Rector Chris Lavond actively participated in the discussion.  The decision was made due to continued concerns regarding the safety of the candidates, team, community, and Sisters at Saint Clare and their guests.

The Secretariat reviewed all parts of the weekend, from Thursday’s setup through Sunday’s potluck.  While it would be possible to reimagine parts of the weekend, it remains concerned about our ability to create a meaningful and faith-building journey for both candidates and team within the current and expected guidelines (Counties of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara, and the Dioceses of Santa Clara and Monterey).

Knowing also the number of at-risk candidates, team, and community, the Secretariat did not want to be complicit in someone becoming infected or spreading the virus.

At this point, Chris Lavond agreed to continue on as Rector and Jennifer Ventura will discern later this year on whether she will continue on as Rectora.  The teams and candidates have been informed. The Secretariat will monitor the situation over the summer and officially discern the situation for Spring 2021 starting in September.  We will refund any team and candidate fees upon request.

Cursillo is both a method and a way of life. The weekend can be a beautiful miracle for candidates and team; the weekend gets a lot of attention. While we are disappointed with canceling the Spring and Fall 2020 weekends, we Cursillistas joyfully live our Pre- and Post-Cursillo.

Pre-Cursillo is crucially important – “Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ” – this is hard work and the call for each of us.  Once made, THEN we bring the friend to Cursillo.  Post-Cursillo is equally crucial, where we support and encourage each other in our faith journey. We influence and be that servant-leader in our environments.

The Secretariat will look at additional ways to connect and support the Community during Pre- and Post-Cursillo.  We hold weekly liturgies, hold monthly School of Leaders, and have encouraged 4th Day (Group Reunions) and volunteer service.  Fr. Chris has nourished us weekly, with his words of encouragement and prayer.  I know we can do more when the Community engages.  Please provide us your feedback.

On Wednesday, June 17, we will pray the Rosary – Joyful Mysteries with Prayers for Equality & Justice.  Please see more details below.

As noted prior, please see below for ways to volunteer and serve if you are able.

You are in my daily prayers.

In This Newsletter

• Upcoming Events
• Updated – St. Christopher’s Parish Prayers at Home
• Catholic Charities: COVID Recovery Ministry
• Food Resources in Santa Clara County
• Updated: A Message from Saint Clare’s Retreat Center
• National Encounter 2020
• Secretariat Update
• 2020 Weekend Dates
• Stay Connected

Upcoming Events

Please consider attending these upcoming events as an opportunity to grow in your faith and build community with others.

Given that many people in our community may not be subscribed to the Newsletter (or Facebook), please share this message with other Cursillistas who might be interested.

The San Jose Cursillo Secretariat of the English Speaking Community would love to invite everyone for an online Rosary on the Joyful Mysteries with Prayers for Equality and Justice on Wednesday, June 17,  2020 at 6:45PM.

• 6:45PM-7:00PM: Login, Socialize, Tech Support
• 7:00PM: Rosary, Prayers, Prayer Intentions

If possible, please RSVP through Facebook.

School of Leaders will gather and discuss the “Three Glances of Christ”  meditation and Ideals Rollo, critical foundations for candidates as they begin Friday, the Day of Faith.

School of leaders is open to everyone, including new Cursillistas and the current Fall 2020 Men’s and Women’s Teams.

• 6:45PM – 7:00PM: Login, technical support, socialize
• 7:00PM – 8:30PM: School of Leaders

If possible, please RSVP through Facebook.

Updated – St. Christopher’s Parish Prayers at Home

Catholic Charities: COVID Recovery Ministry

• Food Distribution Volunteers – Distribute food from various parish sites.
• Accompaniment Volunteers –  Provide deep emotional and social support to adult clients who have trauma histories and are facing current economic challenges.
• Referral Volunteers  – Help community members navigate and locate social and other services and references they need for help.
• Translators  – Provide translation for documentation and publications (Spanish/ English and Vietnamese/English).
• Sip and Sew Volunteers – Sew masks together (virtually) to support the volunteers at food distribution sites and other public venues.

For details and contact info, please read Fr. Jon’s message here:  Volunteer Opportunities for Catholic Charities  or  (Read in Browser: Volunteer Opportunities for Catholic Charities)

Food Resources in Santa Clara County

• Please pass on the information to those that need it.
• To volunteer and help, please see the next section.

Second Harvest Food Bank maintains a list of resources that either provide meals or food.

Please navigate to www.shfb.org/get-food and pass on the link and information to those who may benefit. Please also note that several schools are offering meals for kids at the above link.

Updated: Message From Saint Clare’s Retreat

     Dear Family and Friends,

     We miss you. We pray for you. We love you.

     As of today, May 29, you have donated over $8,000 towards the COVID-19
losses of $240,000 in operating costs of St. Clare’s Retreat. Words cannot
express our  gratitude for your generosity and support! Your donations will
help the Sisters keep the doors open for all who come here for retreats.
May God Bless you all!
https://stclaresretreat.com/operating-costs/

With love, gratitude and prayers,
The Sisters at St. Clare’s Retreat.

National Cursillo Encounter 2020

For details and registration please use this link: National Cursillo Encounter 2020

Secretariat Update

Sue Winklebleck, Assistant Lay Director, and Michael O’Connell, Treasurer will complete their respective Secretariat service terms at the end of June. As such, we are asking Community to prayerfully discern your willingness to serve for either of the two positions. Terms are for three years starting on July 1.

Please reach out to Sue, Mike, or Larry Cargnoni for more information if you are interested. You can contact us and find a summary of the roles at www.sanjosecursillo.org/secretariat.

2020 Fall Weekend Dates

Stay Connected

Stay up-to-date with our events by integrating the San Jose Cursillo event calendar to your personal calendar via Google Calendar or iCal.