The Secretariat

The Secretariat is the administrative organizational arm of the San Jose English Speaking Cursillo Movement. Each Cursillo Movement (English, Hispanic, Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese) within the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose has its own Secretariat.

The responsibility of the Secretariat is to ensure that the Cursillo Movement is alive and well while following the guidelines of the founding fathers. The Officers of the San Jose English Speaking Cursillo Secretariat meet on the second Wednesday of every month.

Don't know who to contact?

Buzz Bickham

Lay Director

Buzz Bickham made his Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 1993. Buzz serves as the Lay Director since February 2023. Buzz is a parishioner of Santa Teresa Parish in South San Jose.

John Huan Vu made his Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 2016. John serves as the Assistant Lay Director since April 2022 and Communications Chair since July 2018. John is a parishioner of Saint Julie Billiart in South San Jose.

Laura Castellano

Secretary

Laura Castellano made her Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 2007. Laura serves as the Secretary since June 2023. Laura is a parishioner of Saint Christopher Parish in San Jose.

Fr. Chris Bennett

Spiritual Advisor

Fr. Chris Bennett serves as the Spiritual Advisor. Fr. Chris made his Cursillo weekend and is Pastor of Saint Christopher. Fr. Chris has also served over 15 Cursillo weekends.

Please consider joining the secretariat by praying and discerning about this position. 

Paul Milioto

Treasurer

Paul Milioto made his Cursillo in the Fall of 2003. Paul serves as the Treasurer since August 2020. Paul is a parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish in San Jose.

Becky Wong made her Cursillo in Fall 2018. Becky serves as the Pre-Cursillo Chair since August 2022. Becky is a parishioner of Queen of Apostles Parish in San Jose and serves as a liturgical musician.

Jesse Orendain

Three Day Co-Chair

Jesse Orendain made his Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 1997. Jesse serves as the Three Day Co-Chair since September 2022. Jesse is a parishioner of Saint Mary (of the Immaculate Conception) in Los Gatos. 

JT Sawaya made his Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 2008. JT serves as the Three Day Co-Chair since September 2022. JT is a parishioner of Saint Francis of Cabrini in San Jose for 45 years and serves as Lead Usher and Greeter.

Susan Porria made her Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 2011. Susan serves as the Post Cursillo Co-Chair since May 2021. Susan is a parishioner of Santa Teresa Parish in South San Jose.

Stephanie Flemming

Post Cursillo Co-Chair

Stephanie Flemming made her Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 1999. Stephanie serves as the Post Cursillo Co-Chair since May 2021. Stephanie is a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in South San Jose and Saint Christopher in San Jose.

Amy Blalock Castillo

School of Leaders Co-Chair

Amy Blalock Castillo made her Cursillo weekend in the Fall of 2005. Amy serves as the School of Leaders Co-Chair since July 2023. Amy attends St Christopher (San Jose), St Mary's (Los Gatos), and Santa Teresa (San Jose) parishes.


Chris Schmitz made his Cursillo weekend in the Spring of 2011. Chris serves as the School of Leaders Co-Chair since July 2023. Chris is a parishioner of Holy Family parish in San Jose.