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

(ending in January 2026)

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

Sam Nickolas

Assistant Lay Director

(end in April 2028)

Sam Nickolas made his Cursillo in Spring 2017. Sam will serve as Assistant Lay Director in April 2025. Sam is a Parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini in San Jose and serves in multiple ministries.

Fr. Chris Bennett

Spiritual Advisor

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

Serena Rodriguez

Assistant Spiritual Advisor

(ending in May 2027)

Serena Rodriguez made her Cursillo in Spring 2012. Serena serves as the Assistant Spiritual Advisor since June 2024. Serena is a parishioner of St. Christopher Parish in San Jose.

Laura Castellano

Secretary

(ending in May 2026)

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

OPEN

Treasurer

(3 Year Term)

The position of Treasurer is open. Please contact the Lay Director and check the roles and responsibilities if you are interested.

Becky Wong

Pre-Cursillo Chair

(ending in July 2025)

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.

Barb HIlton

Incoming Pre-Cursillo Chair

(starting in August 2025)

Barb Hilton made her Cursillo in Fall 2023. Barb will serve as the Pre-Cursillo Chair on August 2025. Barb is a parishioner of Holy Family & St. Christopher Parishes in San Jose.

Jesse Orendain

Three Day Co-Chair

(ending in August 2025)

Jesse Orendain made his Cursillo weekend in Spring 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

Three Day Co-Chair

(ending in August 2025)

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

Dave 'Gus' Gussman

Incoming Three Day Chair

(starting in September 2025)

Dave ‘Gus’ Gussman made his Cursillo weekend in Spring 2016.  Dave will serve as Three Day Chair on September 2025. Dave is a parishioner of Santa Teresa Parish in San Jose.

John Southwell

Incoming Three Day Chair

(starting in September 2025)

John Southwell made his Cursillo weekend in Fall 2019.  John will serve as Three Day Chair on September 2025. John is a parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish in San Jose.

Amy Blalock Castillo

School of Leaders Co-Chair

(ending in June 2026)

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


Chris Schmitz

School of Leaders Co-Chair

(ending in June 2026)

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

Chris Dunia

Post Cursillo Chair

(ending in July 2027)

Chris Dunia made her Cursillo weekend in Fall 2023. Chris serves as the Post Cursillo Co-Chair since August 2024. Chris is a parishioner of St. Christopher Parish in central San Jose.

Former Secretariat Members

Know any former Secretariat Members that should be memorialized?

Please reach out to Communications and the Historian committees with the name of the person, their respective position, and if possible, the date of their term.

Lay Directors

Assistant Lay Directors

Spiritual Advisors

Assistant Spiritual Advisors

Secretaries

Treasurers

Pre Cursillo Chairs

Three Day Chairs

Post Cursillo Chairs

School of Leaders Chairs