Cursillo
Cursillo is one of the many ways for renewal and continued spiritual growth. It offers a particular method, which enables us to be more effective Christian leaders in our families, workplaces and parishes. The Reading Cursillo Community is affiliated with St. Basil's Salvatorian Center in Methuen where each month (October through June) a three-day "short course in Christianity" is offered. Other Cursillo Centers include St. William's (Boston) and Stonehill (North Easton). Led by spiritual directors (priests, deacons, brothers and sisters) and lay people, the talks, sharing, prayer services, and liturgies lead us to better know ourselves, Christ, and to live the message of the Gospel in our everyday lives.
We are a strong, active community whose membership includes St. Agnes parishioners, as well as Cursillistas from neighboring parishes and towns. Many meet in small reunion groups, either weekly or bi-monthly, or at the larger reunion--the monthly Ultreya. We gather to share with others our continued journey with the Lord. In an atmosphere of prayer and hospitality we encourage each other in our piety, study and action. Ultreyas are held on the second Friday of each month in the Lower Church or Parish Center for all Cursillistas and anyone interested in learning about Cursillo. A potluck supper, cookout and Chocolate Festival are annual events.
Cursillo has encouraged many to take an active leadership role in our parish life, realizing that Cursillo does not end after the weekend. We must return to our parish and get involved. Some of this involvement includes working on various teams and committees for teaching and sharing faith in our Confirmation, Catechumenate, and CCD programs, Social Justice, Liturgical, Finance and Parish Activities Commissions, and as Parish Pastoral Council members. Still others serve as Lectors, Liturgical Ministers, Ushers/Greeters and Leaders of Song as we gather to celebrate the Liturgy.