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“A necessity for your growth.” – Jonathan O’Connell

“It was more than I could have ever experienced. God met me at the door.” – John Rota

“If you ever want guide and love in your heart, make a Cursillo at St. Paul’s. God bless, Amen. 5 stars.” – Ron Carnemolla

“Eye-opening and enlightening, this was truly worth it.” – George Caravousanos

“Exhilarating, peaceful, an Epiphany!!!” – Kumar Chathapuram

“I’m feeling I’ve reached a new level in my Christian faith. Given the tools to get closer with God.” – Ed Markovitch

“The best ride of my life!” – Joseph Confessore

On the weekend of October 19-22, 2023, St. Paul’s Cursillo hosted the 235th Men’s Cursillo weekend at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. Twenty -seven candidates accepted the invitation to explore a life in God’s Friendship. Men’s Cursillo Director Jim Barker assembled a great Team that provided, through their example, the message to the candidates that, “Christ is counting on you.”

The Rector for this Cursillo was Rich Grillo. The Angels for this weekend were Keith Brandow, John Sommers, Padraig Spellman, Rob Palumbo & Tim Wulle. The Table Team was Brian Cavallo, Greg Carter, James Durenberger, Joe Graham, Michael Hoffner, Paul Bergin, Sean Sorahan, Steve Hernandez, Mike McGovern & Chuck DeDora.

The Spiritual Team was Joe Amato, Doug Bauer, Pearse McDonnell, Jim Linden & Fr. Tom Moriarty.

The Closing allowed the candidates to share what happened between them and God on the weekend. Their words of witness were powerful and heartfully felt by all that attended.

The one-month reunion for this weekend is on Sunday, November 19th at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. We hope that the Men of Cursillo 235 keep their close bond from their weekend & attend their reunion, as well as future opportunities to gather with the Cursillo community.

The next Men’s Cursillo is April 11-14, 2024.

What are we thankful for each day? How have we been blessed?

In this season of Thanksgiving we have an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and there are many, whether we realized them or not, given to us through God’s generosity.

A new baby, a successful return to health, a prayer answered. A trip completed safely. If a great happening in our lives leaves us with gratitude, we thank God.

As we reflect on all of our blessings, we remember all our loved ones who have passed through our lives and who are no longer with us. Those loved ones have been for us GIFTS FROM GOD..

Parents who had nurtured us during their lives. Siblings who had been our closest friends and allies. Friends with whom we had spent precious hours. Spouses who have mirrored God’s love for us, and who have allowed us to experience the unconditional love that God has for us.

We are grateful for our family and friends who are in our lives now, who support us and are always there when we need to share our happy moments, and times when we need a shoulder to lean on and very often need a hug of reassurance. They are surely God’s presence in our lives.

I try to keep that grateful attitude in my heart all year long. I thank God for a grateful heart.

As I reflect on my personal blessings I include this Cursillo Community who have been so very supportive to one another and particularly to me.

Happy Thanksgiving dear friends.

On Saturday, September 30th, the Men of Cursillo (and some guests) attended the Follow-Up event at Our Lady of Hope Church in Carle Place, NY. This event has become a regular gathering over the last few months, bringing men together to be challenged by the message of the Gospel and how Jesus impacts their lives. For this session, Men’s Cursillo Spiritual Team Member Joe Amato focused on Jesus’s humanness. He started with the scripture on Lazarus, and gave great attention to the line, “Let him go free.” Joe asked the men to ask themselves, “Where do I need to be free?” and “What is it that I can ask Christ to help me with? What fear?” Joe continued to challenge the men about authenticity, and asked them to write down and reflect on the following: “I am alive because I want to go deeper with my spirituality. I am alive because I trusted God.”

After his beautiful witness examples, Joe provided many reflective questions, such as:
Who or what makes me uncomfortable? Do I need to face it?
Is there someone who needs to hear me say, “I’m sorry?”
Is there someone who needs to hear me say, “I love you?”
Where do I need to be more understanding?
Where do I need to be more forgiving?

These questions led to some powerful discussions among the 40 men that attended in small group, and they were invited to share their thoughts with a large group as well. The event concluded with a Prayer Service in the church.

The next Men’s Cursillo Follow-Up is scheduled for December 16th. I encourage all Men of Cursillo to make the time for it (8:45 AM-11:30 AM), and invite your friends to join us as well. It is a great way to start your weekend!

As I walk my journey of faith, the thing that I struggle with most is discernment. The word discernment comes from the Greek word “anakrino,” which means to examine or distinguish. The heart of spiritual discernment is being able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God. This discernment can be in connection with a person, situation, environment, or statement. Some things are easily distinguishable as not being from God, robbing a bank- not from God. But it is in dealing with more nuanced day-to-day situations and people that I struggle.

Discernment is addressed throughout the Bible. Proverbs 2: 3-5 states, “For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.” Jesus provides for us a remarkable example of discernment in John 2: 24-25 = “Jesus would not entrust himself to them… for he knew what was in a man.” However, the Pharisees and Sadducees, not so much. Although they were thought to be the wise religious leaders of the day, they were unable to identify Jesus Christ as the Messiah because they were too wrapped up in their own knowledge. Yet those that were viewed as uneducated, simple, or foolish saw the truth.

Where does that leave me. My struggles come in different forms. When I pray on something that I am seeking direction on, I sometimes question my ability to distinguish my will or my ego from the voice of God. My prayer then turns to the Holy Spirit asking for the ability to see things through God’s eyes.

In dealing with the so often un-Godly world that we live in today-the hatred, violence, prejudice, materialism, and false preachers, I struggle in not being influenced by these outside forces. I find that it weighs on my heart and can be very discouraging. But I turn to God’s Word to know Him better so that I may find the strength to hear His Word and remain in His love, and I would like to share this prayer that I found a while back that very often keeps me on track-

Holy Father,

“Thank you for wisdom from Your Word and guidance from Your Spirit. Thank you for leading us and making Your wisdom available to us. Lord, I know that without You, I will make foolish, selfish, sinful choices that do not bring You glory or expand Your kingdom.

Please grant me discernment. Help me to understand Your will and Your way in all circumstances. Give me conviction to do what is right, peace to know it is Your leading, and the insight to see when I am trying to discern in my own power rather than Yours. Make me discerning like Jesus.”

In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

De Colores,
Debbie Ioimo-Whiffen

On Monday August 28, 2023, women from the Cursillo #290 gathered to commemorate their one-month
reunion. It always brings a smile to my heart to see the women sharing hugs and chatting as if it was only
yesterday that we were all together. Something odd happens with the sense of time, from the shock that
it has been 1 month already to the competing thought that it seemed so long ago. God certainly works in
mysterious ways. And there was no doubt that God was working in the lives of the women who came to
share and pray together. It was grace filled to witness these women growing in their faith as they
reflected on Christ’s presence in their lives.

Here are some thoughts on their experiences:

“I came to the Cursillo weekend with some doubts and concerns regarding the quality of my Christian
faith. So much confusion that I couldn’t even formulate the words of my questions. By the time the
weekend concluded, my concerns and doubts were gone – without even asking specific questions. I
continue to be a seeker but feel cemented in my faith journey in a deep way as each day passes.”

“The weekend reminded me that I am enough. And that God is always with me and loves me. God gives
me strength.” – Jeanne Theodoropoulos

“I was so pleased to meet and get to know the other lovely ladies. Their honesty and openness is
something I will cherish for a long time.”

“My Cursillo weekend was inspiring and strengthening. I was very moved by how many strong women
overcame their obstacles through God’s love. God listens.” – Michelle Motherway

“A wonderful weekend. The strength and beauty of the women I met will always be a part of my heart.
Jesus certainly was present. Jesus, others, yourself. It was a real joy.” – Rosanne

“A beautiful way to stay connected to Jesus.”

“The weekend gave me a newfound strength I never knew I had. I truly believe this is God working in my
life.”

“I feel braver to go on. I got confidence and strength.” & “The weekend reminded me how much I need
God in my life.”

On the weekend of July 27-29, 2023, twenty-two women came to experience an encounter with Christ and deepen their relationship with our loving God at the Seminary in Huntington. Truly God was moving in this place. As the candidates offered their personal thanks to God in their Chapel visits, God offered His sign of covenant to us –

“Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

It was such a blessing to have such a team of dedicated, faith-filled women who live their 4th day and continue to bring Christ to others. A great team of women came to serve this weekend. Our Rectora, Theresa McHugh, led the women throughout the weekend with a peaceful and gentle presence. Our table team consisted of Cathy Klimar, Anne Flood, Donna Wendelken, Ede Moscioni, Jacqueline Korsen, Kristine Hernandez, Laura DeMartin, Lisa Eastwood, and Chris Healy and Rosemary Maikis who graced us as walk-ons. These women walk their talks. The Angel Team was led by Head Angel Marie Morra along with Dany Smith, Paola Borja and Patti Orr (who joined us from Florida). Their loving service and attention to the candidates earned them their halos. And joining us was past Rectora (and Rectora for our November weekend) Silvia Madison. Our Spiritual Team included Beth Barker, Chris Anest, Jo Anne Ayers and Angie-Lee Vazquez. What a collaboration of remarkable women who live their lives in friendship with God and reflect His love to everyone on a weekend. A weekend cannot happen without the help of our St. Paul’s Community who sponsor these candidates, come to greet, offer prayers and Palanca, and joyfully join us in welcoming the newest Cursillistas to their 4th Day at the Closing. We appreciate each of you! It is always amazing to experience the love in the room. Their witness to the weekend was inspirational. And the joy continued…some thoughts about the 1 month reunion…

There is no doubt that June is one of the busiest months in the year—what with graduations, other end of school year celebrations, parades, Father’s Day and lingering sacrament celebrations. Yet, on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Our Lady of Hope in Carle Place, two of our very own, Theresa McHugh and Darlene McGovern, brought to life their shared vision of a Women’s Cursillo Reunion. With the help of fellow Cursillistas, Lorraine Kosinski, Laura Miraglia, Tracey O’Reilly, Darcy Romano, Dany Smith, & Angie-Lee Vazquez, they worked to bring a total of 42 Cursillistas together to spend some time in fellowship, prayer, & reflection. The busyness of the month’s festivities did not deter these women, who made their weekends over the last several years, to take the time to come together as a community of faith filled women—who not only recognized their need for God, but their need for one another.    

The room was abuzz with energy, as many of us gathered for a light breakfast with one another and spent some time catching up. As the morning progressed, we were led in prayer by Darlene McGovern. We found ourselves reflecting on the ways we need the Cursillo  community to help us renew our flames when they become just sparks, and reveling at how God is always in our midst when we come together. Following our prayer, we engaged in an activity led by Theresa McHugh that brought out our childlike natures as we raced to complete the task at hand. The activity resulted in much laughter, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of how we need one another on this spiritual journey in life. Lorraine Kosinski presented a talk on the obstacles we can     sometimes face while living our 4th Day, which led to a rich discussion = despite our very good intentions, sometimes we are faced with obstacles that do indeed lead us to stray from both God and our faith communities. But because of our community, we gratefully realized—there is always a way back.

Throughout our time together, I heard many comments reiterating the need for more time to come together like this. Statements such as, “I really needed this,”  or “We should do this more often,” or “It was so good to see everyone and connect again,” were made repeatedly—once again proving that there is nothing like our Cursillo community. The ability to come together and pick up with each   other, even after years, is a gift! Truly, it is the gift of God’s grace, found in one another. It was a beautiful morning spent together for sure. And one that    ended with the desire for more. So ladies, if you weren’t able to make this one, stay tuned! There will be more to come!

It was a warm summer evening on the night of July 10, 2014. I pulled up to the parking lot of Jesus of Nazareth Retreat Center, where the Women’s Cursillo #274 was being hosted. I     remember arriving and feeling a sense of apprehension. What was I doing here? 

And then I remembered. I’m here because I feel spiritually dry. I was going through the motions at church. You know, attending Mass, serving in the parish, and going to formation classes. That’s what good Catholics do, right? Yet, I felt there was something more to it all that I just wasn’t getting. More to my faith. More to my story with God. Yes, that’s right. That’s why I was there. 

So, I arrived that Thursday evening of my Cursillo weekend, nervous, unsure, but willing and open  because my desire to walk with God more closely beat out any uncertainty or nervousness I had. 

From the moment I arrived to the moment I walked out, I felt unconditional love. I experienced our living God in each smiling face and in each activity over the course of the weekend. 

The first day or so, I remember listening to some of the talks and the women who were there and thinking, “Wow, look how beautiful these women’s stories of faith are. They are so brave and open to God at work in their lives. I wish I could be like that.” 

By the time Sunday rolled around and I kept listening to God’s messages for me, I realized a truth that I have not since forgotten. I am like that. I too have a God who is at work in my life, and I too have a beautiful faith story, a story written just for me by a God who loves me unconditionally. 

I journeyed inward that weekend and encountered God in a most intimate and lasting way. I heard God speak to me so clearly and loudly: “You are loved. You are worthy. You are mine.” I began to see myself the way God sees me, and as a result, a whole new world opened for me. 

Choosing to make a Cursillo weekend is more than choosing to go on a retreat. It is about giving yourself the gift of a weekend spent in the loving embrace of God. 

My Cursillo weekend was probably one of the most transformational experiences of my life. Nine years  later, it is still alive in me, and I carry within my heart the many messages I received that help me remain deeply and intimately in God’s friendship. 

If you’re interested in learning more about St. Paul’s Cursillo Program or would like to sign up for a weekend, please go to: stpaulscursillo.org/upcoming-events 

Angie-Lee Vazquez is currently the Pastoral Associate of Mary, Mother of the Church in East New York, Brooklyn, and a member of the St. Paul’s Cursillo Women’s Spiritual Team. 

A novel that was required reading for students beginning in the 1940s was “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith.

In it the character, Francie, loves her neighborhood and refers to a tree that is growing out of the concrete as the Tree of Heaven. As I celebrate my 25th jubilee as a Sister of St. Joseph of Brentwood, I reflect on my blessings in this unique and wonderful Diocese of Brooklyn where my congregation was first planted on Sept. 1, 1856, at St. Mary’s on Maujer Street. 

My life in faith is a testament to my parents who raised me with a love for God and neighbor and the parish community of Nativity BVM and the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk who reinforced Gospel values and encouraged me in all of my endeavors. My Catholic education continued at The Mary Louis Academy and St. Joseph’s University (Brooklyn) where the Sisters of St. Joseph gave witness to a life of academic integrity, radical inclusivity, social justice, and a practical yet deep spiritual life. The seeds were planted and took root. 

Central to all of this was St. Paul’s Center, a diocesan-sponsored retreat house that focused on the Christian Awakening programs for high school students and young adults as well as the English-speaking Cursillo program. Following my Christian Awakening retreat, I was invited to be on Team and thus began a long-term engagement in mentoring young people in a life of faith. Even today, I credit my St. Paul’s community for helping me “keep the faith” for more than four decades. 

My roots in faith are deep. I have been nurtured, pruned, watered, and bathed in sunlight by countless mentors, colleagues, friends, and members of my CSJ community. Like a tree, I have weathered the seasons. Sometimes I am parched due to the heat of ministry, sometimes my leaves are falling off the branches. Yet, at other times, newness is budding and I am in full flower. Sometimes I feel strangled by obstacles that constrain me and at other times the obstacle is the way and I rise and push myself through the concrete sidewalk. 

Dramatic change has happened during these past 25 years, yet I stand and continue to grow alongside others in faith and service in the midst of this concrete jungle. 

In January 2021 my congregation supplied “seed money” to plant a new ministry for young adults to live and grow together in faith, service, and community. 

My “Tree of Heaven” has been the diocese and all those I have been privileged to minister with as colleagues, friends, family, and religious community. As for my vocation, I think St. Thérèse of Lisieux says it best: “As I was surrounded by such good examples, I naturally wished to imitate them.” 

Sister Marie Mackey, CSJ, serves as Director of CSJ Young Adult Ministry and adjunct faculty member in the Religious Studies Department at St. Joseph’s University.