september 2014 come to the water issue 2 chicago catholic...
TRANSCRIPT
Chicago Catholic Cursillo
Men’s Cursillo #253: March 20 –23
Come to the Water
“All who are thirsty, Come to the Water”. (Isaiah 55:1)
There are so many things we cannot understand in the world, in one another,
and most deeply within ourselves.
Seeing the world falling into disarray because of fear, our God continuously acts
to recall the world with love and invites us back through grace, holding it tight in
charity and embraces it with affection.
In Isaiah 55:1, the universal call to grace goes out to all people and to all nations.
It is a call to those who are spiritually thirsty, those who seeking justice and truth,
the poor who have nothing, those who are weary, and those without hope.
Thanks to the men of the 253rd Cursillo who have accepted the invitation to
grace; so they may strengthen, encourage, and nourish the spiritual blessings of
the gospel to the candidates.
For the past 50 years we can see the wonderful work that God has accomplished
through Cursillo, the men and women who drank the water that Jesus gave them
(John 7:37-38) and were strengthened in their faith, grew in the knowledge of
their faith, and realized what obligations this grace entails.
Cursillistas who have lived the Cursillo Method and who have worked on various
aspects of Cursillo have never ceased to feel the active presence of God in their
lives.
Therefore, we Cursillistas are encouraged to PRAY and do
PALANCA for the 253rd Cursillo, its team, candidates and the
Chicago Catholic Cursillo.
Ron Caronti
Assistant Rector
September 2014
Issue 2
Men’s Cursillo #253
Information
Thurs. 3/20: Sponsor Liturgy open to all 4th day to attend
Fri. 3/21: Dishes Anyone?
Sat. 3/22 4th day Mass (7PM) and Candle-light to follow.
Sun. 3/23 Clausura (Closing) ***New Time: 4th day should arrive at 3PM
Kitchen Help and Chapel Prayers are needed through out the weekend. See Schedule on page 3
Come to the Water
Inside this issue
Men’s Team List ......... 2
Weekend Schedule .... 3
Come to the Water, Come to
the Lord ..................... 4
Calendar .................... 4
Fr. Thomas Baima ...... 5
Website Q’s & A’s ...... 6
Fr. Michael Hack ........ 7
Grande Ultreya ……….. 8
Lent Crossword ………. 9
Men’s Cursillo #253 Team List Come to the Water
Marty Panek
Ron Caronti
Fr. Mike Hack
Dcn Chris Virusso
Dcn Sal Lema
Bill Sloss
Mike Kanis
Rob Glowacki
Mike Wasilewski
Nick Parente
Christopher Knoerzer
Dale Rolenc
Roger Meslar
RECTOR:
ASSISTANT RECTOR:
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR:
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR:
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR:
PALANCA COORDINATORS:
LITURGISTS:
SERVICE BOSS:
Mike Bartowski Ralph Pesina
Mike Sauer
Jay Krasne
Ron Caronti
Robert Chio
Steve Haraf
Mike Minnis
Mike LaTona
Dan Kane
Mike Castellaneta
Earl Schaffnit
Marty Panek
KITCHEN BOSS:
TABLE LEADER:
IDEAL:
LAY PERSON:
PIETY:
STUDY:
ACTION:
LEADERS
ENVIRONMENT:
CCIA:
TOTAL SECURITY:
Did you know you can email your General Palanca prior to
the start of the weekend? Keep in mind there is not an inter-
net connection at St. Hedwig’s so once the weekend starts
letters will need to be brought to the kitchen.
Email: [email protected]
**NEW**
You can now write and submit your Palanca online via our
website: www.chicagocursillo.org 2
CHRIST IS COUNTING ON YOU . . .
4th day you are essential to the weekend.
Without you there would be:
No Prayers . . .
No team members . . .
No Candidates
Pray, Listen and Choose to be ACTION.
Go Forth and Bring the Good News!
Weekend Schedule
3
Be a Sponsor
Sunday 6:45 AM Team Arises 7:00 AM Candidates Arise 7:45 AM CHRIST’S MESSAGE TO THE CURSILLISTA 8:15 AM Breakfast 8:45 AM
MOP talk 9:00 AM ENVIRONMENTS 9:45 AM CHRISTIAN LIFE 10:45 AM CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION 11:30 Brunch/Lunch 12:45 PM
GROUP REUNION & ULTREYA 1:30 PM Roster Distribution 2:00 PM AGAPE MASS 3:00 PM ***New 4th Day Arrival 3:30 PM Light Supper 4:00 PM Closing Remarks
Clausura
Saturday Continued
9:15 AM STUDY 10:30 AM SACRAMENTS I 11:30 AM Group Chapel Visit 12:00 PM SACRAMENTS PART II 1:15 PM LUNCH
2:30 PM ACTION 3:45 PM Song Practice 4:00 PM CELEBRATION OF MASS 5:00 PM OBSTACLES TO GRACE 6:00 PM Supper
7:00 PM LEADERS/ 4th DAY MASS 8:00 PM Chapel Visit 8:30 PM Conference Room 9:00 PM Summaries & Posters 10:30 PM Resume by Spiritual Director
10:45 PM Night Prayers 11:00 PM Retire
Friday Continued 11:15 AM GRACE (Habitual Grace) 12:00 PM Lunch 1:30 PM Photo (Chapel) 2:30 PM Song Practice 3:00 PM LAITY
4:00 PM FAITH (Actual Grace) 5:30 PM Song Practice 5:45 PM Supper 6:45 PM PIETY 7:45 PM Summaries & Posters 8:30 PM
Resume by Spiritual Director 8:45 PM RECONCILIATION SER-VICE 11:00 PM Retire- Team Meeting
Saturday 6:30 AM Team & Candidates Arise 7:15 AM ROSARY & THE FIGURE OF CHRIST 8:00 AM Breakfast
Thursday 5:30 PM Advance Team Arrives 6:30 PM Balance of Team Arrives 7:00 PM Candidate Registration 8:00 PM Introductions & Opening Remarks SPONSORS' LITURGY: 4th day Welcome to Attend 8:45 PM KNOW YOURSELF & STATIONS OF THE CROSS 9:45 PM Break 10:00 PM Ground Rules 10:15 PM PRODIGAL SON/WOMAN AT THE WELL 11:00 PM Retire 11:05 PM Team Meeting
Friday 6:45 AM Team & Candidates Arise 7:30 AM 3 GLANCES OF CHRIST 8:00 AM Celebration of Mass
9:00 AM Breakfast 10:15 AM IDEAL
SAVE the
DATE
6/14/14
4th Day Renewal
We will gather at St.
Hedwig’s Convent for
a day of Prayer,
Reflection,
Instruction and
Faith Sharing.
More details will be
posted on our website
and in the next
Newsletter which will
at the end of April.
Come to the Water, Come to the Lord. “She said to him, ”Yes Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Messiah ..she went and called her sister Mary” John11: 27 We share good news all the time; a good movie, a great book. We are witness and reporter of the Good News. Jesus still needs witnesses today. We who have received the gift of faith have an obligation to share it with others. The world can see lives transformed by grace, when Catholics live the faith they profess. Do I bring my family and friends closer to Our Lord? No training is necessary, simply a loving heart. We need to take steps to keep connected so our spirit may be watered and faith may grow. God loves us, Cursillo is a grace He gives us. Cursillo has given you training in being a Leader. To be a leader for Christ is to show our living faith in the will of Christ, and bring others to Him. Not everyone can do everything, but each of us can do something. One way of growing in the joy of God, is to stay involved in the movement that
nourishes you, stay active in Cursillo. It is a blessing and a joy! It is one way for you to offer yourself to another, this is a gift of love which nourishes others. These past few months, the Secretariat has worked very hard to increase Fourth Day events, to update the weekend experience and enrich the Closing (Clausura), to streamline weekend support, and to make new connections to grow within Cursillo. We are updating the communications network, please check out the website often. All these are good, but without you bringing your friend to Christ, and to Christian community; they are nothing. This month, make it a point to invite a friend to your Ultreya, to invite a fellow Cursillista to help on a weekend. Stop at work, and talk about finding God in your day. Call your sister Mary, and those God puts in your path. Then, we all will say, “Yes Lord, I have come to believe
that you are the Messiah.” De Colores,
Dan and Cindy Kane
Contact us at
Cursillo Calendar MARCH 2014
5—Ash Wednesday
15—Woman’s Team First Meeting
17– St. Gertrude Ultreya
19—CLEAN UP DAY for Men’s Weekend … Come HELP…
20 –23 Men’s Weekend
20—Sponsor Liturgy 4th Day Welcome
21— St. Thomas of Villanova Ultreya
22—4th Day Mass 7PM—
23—Men’s Closing **NEW TIME 3 PM
29—Secretariat Meeting
APRIL 2014
18– St. Thomas of Villanova Ultreya
20—Our Lady of the Ridge Ultreya
26– Secretariat
30—CLEAN UP DAY Women’s Weekend
May 1—4 Women’s Weekend
Visit our Website
for more detail
for each event.
Click the calendar
tab.
4
Dan and Cindy Kane
Lay Directors
Online Catholic Blogs: Chicago Catholic Blog reprinted with permission from Fr. Thomas Baima—Cursillista Monday, January 13, 2014—Original Date of Online Publication
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: An Occasion for Joy
The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” With these words, Pope Francis opened his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. Since the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church elected him Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Catholic Church, Francis has expressed himself with a simple directness that calls all Christians back to the essential core of the Lord Jesus’ teaching. His topic in the apostolic exhortation is evangelization, proclaiming the Gospel to all the nations. Certainly, Pope Francis himself has been doing this since he stepped out onto the balcony above Saint Peter’s square in Rome. Now, he invites us to do so as well in a myriad of ways – some dramatic in their simplicity. Cardinal George has commented that the choice of the papal name “Francis” represented a program for the pontificate. We see that program in the dramatic, universal gestures through which Pope Francis speaks. And now, in the apostolic exhortation, we hear the program in his own words. There are three distinct messages in the exhortation: a recovery of the meaning of baptism, a demand of economic justice for the poor, and a call for dialogue, especially social, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue as the way the Church will engage the world in the third millennium. The Pope named the full range of dialogue necessary for the Church to engage “all the nations.” He spoke first of social dialogue, of the need to place justice and charity at the center of the witness which Christians offer to the world. Quite simply, the world will recognize us as disciples of Jesus Christ by our love. If they cannot see love in our actions, they will never listen to our words. The Pope writes:
I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion. Let everyone admire how you care for one another, and how you encourage and accompany one another: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). (EG no. 99)
The same is true when it comes to the explicit proclamation of the Gospel. Our credibility will be judged on how we Christians live in communion with other Christians. The division of the Churches and ecclesial communities is a scandal. It stands in the way of people hearing the good news that Jesus is Lord. The Pope writes:
Commitment to ecumenism responds to the prayer of the
Lord Jesus that “they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions and the Church could realize “the fullness of catholicity proper to her in those of her children who, though joined to her by baptism, are yet separated from full communion with her”. We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another. This means that we must have sincere trust in our fellow pilgrims, putting aside all suspicion or mistrust, and turn our gaze to what we are all seeking: the radiant peace of God’s face. (EG 244)
All of this points to the sad fact that we cannot begin an effective evangelization of the nations, so long as the Churches and Christian communities are divided. We must attend to our division so that the joyful message of the Gospel can be heard with all its beauty. Each year, Christians throughout the world set aside one week in January to do just that. From the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter to the Conversion of Saint Paul (January 18 to 25), Christians engage in “spiritual ecumenism” through prayer and joint worship to bring about the restoration of unity among us. Each year, the Holy See and the World Council of Churches collaborate in planning the observance by producing resources for local churches and communities to use in prayer. This year’s theme was developed by church organizations in Canada and invites us to explore the biblical text of Corinthians focusing on the question “Has Christ Been Divided?” “Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. The Cross of Christ must not be emptied of its power!" (Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1—17). The Archdiocesan Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs assists parishes in preparing for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. At a minimum, we hope that every parish will add a petition to the Universal Prayer at each Mass from January 18-25: “That Christians everywhere might have sincere trust in one another as fellow pilgrims, and put aside all suspicion or mistrust, turning their gaze to what we are all seeking: the radiant peace of God’s face in Jesus Christ, we pray to the Lord.” resources: www.archchicago.org/departments/ecumenical/
5
We get many different emails and comments regarding the
newsletter and the updated website. We try to address each
question, suggestion and concern.
Since this March is the 1 year anniversary of the new website design,
we would like to share some the aspects of the website’s purpose
and function.
First, the website ‘s main purpose is to provide current and up to
date materials and information for our Fourth Day Community.
Second, the website provides a physical presence of our community,
since we do not have a phone number or office location. The website
establishes us as a valid and recognized agency of the Chicago
Archdiocese.
Q: Can I email my Palanca the website?
A: Yes, you can use the email link found on the first page
or use the navigation tab under “4th day” find the
Palanca email address ([email protected]).
This February we added a function that will allow you to
write your letters using a template on the website and
submit them directly to the Palanca Coordinator of the
weekend. Look under “4th day” to find Palanca Online.
Q: Should I send people to the website to learn more
about Cursillo when there is so much Fourth Day
information on it?
A: This question is asked a lot and the answer is not simply
addressed. The website has a lot of information, we
suggest that you advise your potential candidate to look
at certain pages (What is Cursillo, Weekend Info,
Application and Weekend Schedule). Remember its
purpose is to provide information to the Fourth Day
community. You may even explain that the website has
a lot of information that is for after the weekend and
that there will be time to look at the other pages later.
Don’t panic if despite your best effort they may skim
through the rest of the site. They will suffer from
information overload. Any information they read about
sponsorship or even Palanca will most likely be filed
away because its out of context. The weekend is an
community experience. Out of context most of what a
person reads will not “ruin” the weekend. All the
information on the site has been there for years and can
be found on almost every Cursillo Website World Wide.
Remember the website is a resource primarily for
Fourth Day. Bottom line the website is not an
evangelization tool — You are. People should make
a Cursillo because of your relationship with them,
your conversations of Christ and because of your
friendship. Use the website for a resource not a
selling point.
Q: Is the Calendar up to date?
A: Yes, the Calendar is updated as soon as we are aware of
dates or changes.
Q: Can I update my email address and other information
on the web?
A: Yes, on the home page there is an icon that will lead
you to the “up date your info” page.
Q: Why can’t we submit applications online?
A: This is a good point and we acted on it. As of this
February we have added the ability to fill out and
submit both candidate applications and sponsor
commitments online. You can find this under the
“Application” navigation or under “4th day”.
Q: Can I download applications and brochures from the
website?
A: Yes, under the application tab there is a link to
download the application as well as an information
brochure about the weekend.
Q: Can I donate to help support our Movement?
A: Yes, you can securely donate on the website using
PayPal. You can also use it to pay your team fee.
Website Questions and Answers
6
www.chicagocursillo.org
Recently Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation: Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium). That’s a fancy type of document that essentially means that I have something important to say and I want to share it with you. Moreover, I urge you to take it seriously. You can find a summary of the document at: Vatican Information Service, November 26, 2013. The entire document can be found at: www.vatican.va. In the opening paragraphs of his exhortation Pope Francis reminds us of something very important in our relationship with Jesus, especially when it comes to our imperfections and failures:
The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come. The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ. I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”(Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete in Domino (9 May 1975), 22: AAS 67 (1975), 297). The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to
renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”. How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!
Despite the Holy Father’s words I continue to wonder if there a bit of a Grinch in all of us. If there is; the question arises: should there be? Yes, life has its ups and downs, but to dwell on the downs presents a problem. You see, the Good News tells us otherwise. The world is a gift, life itself is a gift, the ability to love and be loved is a gift, redemption is a gift and eternal life is a gift. So, why is there any cause to be negative? About 20-30 years ago, I remember that someone decided to publish a newspaper with only positive stories. As you can imagine it went under quickly. What is it with humankind that we want to focus on the bad news? Bad news, titillating news, disastrous news, all seems to lure us in for some reason. Maybe that’s why the Good News of Jesus doesn’t make the headlines too often. However, the headlines that really count are those in our heart: hope, redemption, acceptance, among others. St. Augustine of Hippo once said that a Christian is to be an alleluia from head to foot. Do you really believe this? Well, if so, what are you going to do about it? If not, why don’t you believe it? Is our 4th Day one of happiness because of the Good News? We cannot give in to the bad news of life to the point that it overtakes our very existence. When you seem to be dragged down to the negatives of life; remember that the Good News always trumps the bad. It’s not a feeling of warm fuzzes that count; it’s the belief that Jesus is always present in good times and in bad times.
7
THE HEADLINES THAT REALLY COUNT ARE THOSE IN OUR HEART By Fr. Michael Hack—Men’s Weekend #253 Spiritual Director
Ultreya Grande
February 8, 2014 @ St. Hedwidg’s
It was a cold and blustery Saturday afternoon on February 8th, but in the walls of St. Hedwig there was nothing but warmth and love as the 4th Day and friends gathered for fellowship and faith sharing. An excellent witness relative to how we are called to act as a 4th Day Community was given by Mike Ferchau from Our Lady of the Ridge. He humbly shared his moments closest to Christ as he reminded us to be attentive of all the little and big moments that we encounter in our daily lives. Mike spoke about taking that moment and making it count; spreading the Good News! Mass was celebrated by Father Michelini and Deacon Terry Albano. The evening closing with a delicious pasta dinner that was enjoyed by all.
It was a great evening of reflection; a reminder to look in the mirror and to think about, “How I am serving The Lord”. “Am I placing Him first in my life?” “Is my life a reflection of God's Love?” “Am I recalling the tools presented to me during my Cursillo weekend?” Piety, Study, and Action! Most importantly am I sharing them; am I sharing God's Love with the people around me?
As Star Wars fans and amateur comedians, we thought the theme for the evening, "May the 4th be with YOU" would be a bit funny. Maybe some did find some humor in it, but the truth of the matter is that we do wish the "4th Day" be with you.....always! Take a moment to remember your Sunday, the beginning of your 4th Day. Perhaps there was an extra bounce in your step, maybe a sparkle in your eye, most hopefully there was a fire in your heart!
And like everything in life, there are ups and downs, highs and lows, but on that first 4th Day, there is no doubt you were up and you were up high! So today and everyday, I hope you can feel that fire for God's Love and spread His Love by taking God's little given moments and making them count. Christ is Counting on us!
De Colores
Rosa and Steve Haraf
Mike Ferchau
Mass Celebration
Fellowship
8
Rosa and Steve Haraf Post Cursillo
May the 4th be
with YOU
Lent Crossword Puzzle Print and complete: Omit spaces and punctuation. Answers in next Newsletter April 2014. Copyright © 2013-2014, B.F.S. All rights reserved. Reprinted with Permission.
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_crossword_puzzles.htm#Answers
9
Wanted — Article Contributors
We are interested in You. We are living a Life in Grace and we
each have pearl of wisdom’s to share. Why not share your
wisdom, with your Cursillo Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Since
featuring community contributors, we have had great responses
from readers who have enjoyed reading articles written by fellow
Cursillistas.
Contact Bob or Ellen Chio at [email protected]
I just took a look at my schedule for the next two
months and it appears that I will have to give up sleep
ing for Lent. Yikes.
An Example of False Piety — LOL
Reprinted with permission
In the United States, the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops has declared that "the age
of fasting is from the completion of the
eighteenth year to the beginning of the
sixtieth." The USCCB also allows the
substitution of some other form of penance
for abstinence on all of the Fridays of the
year, except for those Fridays in Lent. Thus,
the rules for fasting and abstinence in the
United States are:
Every person 14 years of age or older must abstain from meat (and items made with meat) on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent.
Every person between the age of 18 and 60 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Every person 14 years of age or older must abstain
from meat (and items made with meat) on all other
Fridays of the year, unless he or she substitutes some
other form of penance for abstinence.
Check your local church bulletin for Lenten Services
such as Stations of the Cross, Adoration Hours, and
Holy Week Services. Check our Ultreya dates on our
Calendar and bring a friend.
Attend an Ultreya and Bring a Friend.
Could your Reunion Group Need
some Grace?
Come join your Cursillo Brothers and
Sisters for a day of support by helping
to clean St. Hedwig's Convent
on March 19th and April 30th to
pray, eat, and clean.
Time 6 Pm to 9 Pm
RSVP on our website—see home page
OR
Email JoAnn Collins — [email protected]