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On Saturday, June 3rd, the Men’s Cursillo Follow-Up group gathered together at Our Lady of Hope Church in Carle Place, NY. Forty-three men were In attendance, including six new prospective candidates. Two of them handed in completed applications at the end of the session, and the others were going to check their calendars when they returned home.

Joe Amato spoke about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit in our lives. With challenging questions, our group discussions were deep and revealing about the Spirit within us. Some of the questions were: Are you open to God’s spirit in the world? Who in my life is in need of understanding? Am I fighting that understanding of him/her? Am I resisting a greater understanding of what God is calling me to? Am I open to the invitation that God is inviting me to?

Ending with a prayer, meditation, and a hands-on blessing in the Upper Church, all forty three men left with a renewed, or perhaps a new, sense of the God that dwells within.  

Twelve of the men gathered at Toskana Restaurant, content with pizza to end our event. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, September 30th.

 

 

 

What another amazing weekend. It just seems to me each weekend gets better and better. To see the works of our loving God is such an honor.

The power of 28 candidates is contagious and uplifting for everyone involved. To see the Spirit flowing from person to person, and being able to watch the hearts of others open up to the love of God, is a true blessing.

After the Penance Service, a priest approached me about my Reconciliation talk and thanked me for my honesty, and for sharing my story. It was Father’s first experience of the Penance Service at St. Paul’s and he was very moved by it.

We talked about the love and joy that was in the room. He said to me, “You are a wounded healer.” We talked a few more moments about how beautiful this part of the Cursillo truly is.

Then his words hit me.

Wounded Healer. What a great description of all of us who work the weekends. Those of us who have journeyed long, and have worked hard, to have that Life in God’s Friendship. 

We have taken the gift of our hurt, pain and brokenness and share it with others so that they can heal— and also share in that loving relationship with God our Father.

Wounded Healers. Such a great way to acknowledge who we are as people. That in our brokenness, we are able to move from our place of damage and go to a place of love and healing—from the Cross to rolling away the stone from the tomb.

For 31 years, I have been blessed to be on my journey with God. To have been broken and battered by life, only to be recreated by a loving God who wants to have a relationship with me, a sinner.

Wounded Healer. Such an amazing way to look at another human  being who is trying to help others along their journey. Such a humbling thought to be one of those broken people who gets to continue to be a part of these miraculous weekends. 

Wounded Healer. I am forever grateful to all the Wounded Healers who have helped me and who have journeyed with me. I am so   thankful that God has shared his amazing Grace with a sinner like me. And I hope that I may continue to be the Wounded Healer, that God has asked me to be.

I made my Cursillo as a young adult 44 years ago at St Paul’s Center when it was located on Humboldt St. in  Brooklyn. For me, as I know for many, my Christian Awakening changed my life and gave me the tools to grow closer to God every day. I remained active and met my dearest friends, including my husband Joe, through St. Paul’s, and so my marriage was destined for perfection, right? Wrong! Just like any other couple, our marriage has faced many challenges, and through hard work and the Grace of God we continue to grow together. I think every marriage starts out with good intentions. On our wedding day, we are so in love and so desirous and optimistic of sharing our lives together, and then life happens. The stress and worry that comes with our jobs, kids, extended family, finances or our health can make us forget the vow we took to put God first, and then each other, above everything else. It’s so easy to drift apart if we choose to weather the storms alone.

I am so grateful that St. Paul’s offers the annual Married Couples Retreat. Joe and I had made the retreat many years ago and, for whatever reason, dropped the ball on making it again. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit nudged us, and when Darlene and Mike McGovern invited us again to make the retreat, we agreed—and it was the best decision we had made for our marriage. We now make sure to block out the time in our calendar to make it annually.

This year’s theme was the Beatitudes, based on the book by John Bosio called, “Blessed is Marriage: A Guide to the Beatitudes for Catholic Couples.” What a weekend! From start to finish, the weekend was so powerful. We focused on four of the Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, Blessed are They that Mourn, Blessed are the Merciful, and Blessed are the Peacemakers. You can do a weekend just meditating on one, but we took the time for these four.

Whenever I considered the Beatitudes before, I thought of Jesus teaching the people how to treat our neighbors. I never contemplated before what the Beatitudes would mean to me in how I love and treat my husband. Do I recognize my poverty in Spirit? Am I self righteous with my husband? I need to recognize first, my need for God in my own life, to listen to God’s voice, to be aware of His mercy, and to see that we need each other in our marriage to bring us both closer to God. Blessed are they that Mourn. How do I deal with the crises in our lives? They can be the big things, or they can be the little mundane things. One of phrases that will stay with me is what we all know but sometimes forget, “The most important things in life AREN’T things.” How do I get through disappointments? Remembering that we can be both the giver and receiver of God’s gifts to each other, reminds me that by getting through the mourning process— we can find comfort. Before, my understanding of the Blessed are the Merciful Beatitude was doing service for others. It is easy for me to write a check for a charity, send food for someone who lost a loved one, donate clothes to the poor, or sponsor a family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But how do I show mercy in my marriage? Do I have to be right all the time? Do I listen to my spouse or do I have to try and jump in and solve the problem when my spouse just wants to be heard? Showing mercy to my husband does not diminish me. If I take the focus off of myself then I can be compassionate to him, and in doing so, I allow him to experience God’s love. When Blessed are the Peacemakers comes to mind, I think of Mother Teresa or Martin Luther King. How am I a peacemaker in my marriage? Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to forgive when you have been hurt deeply. Do I truly forgive but really bury the hatchet and mark the spot with an “X?” Do I hold out and expect my husband to apologize first before I can let go of my anger and resentments? Forgiveness is not always about the big things, but being able to forgive can be a mindset. If I can have a heart with the attitude of forgiveness, it can only bless and strengthen our marriage. I loved the takeaway that forgiveness is not an attribute of the weak, but of the strong. The only way to know peace is to learn how to forgive.

We had a weekend filled with so much camaraderie, laughter, tears and fun. We were able to renew our marriage vows at a beautiful Saturday evening Mass and find each other anew in serving one another. We were so blessed to be with other couples who, like us, are not perfect but are looking to strengthen their marriages. Some are  married for just a few years and starting families, and others have children that are grown and out of the house, but all of us were there sharing our journeys and doing our best to live out our marriages with God’s Grace.

 

On the weekend of November 3-6, 2022, nineteen women came to experience an Encounter with Christ! Thank you to our amazing community who keeps inviting women to have this incredible experience. 

I often hear from other Cursillistas that Jesus walks the halls of “St. Paul’s.” Well, that is as true now as it ever has been because He goes where we go and He walks the Cursillo with us during a weekend and every day, no matter where we are, no matter when. The Seminary in Huntington is a Holy Place – Jesus was truly present to us that weekend! 

A great team of women came to serve this weekend, some new, some seasoned, we are blessed to have so many faith-filled women on our team. Our new Rectora, Theresa McHugh, led the women throughout the weekend with a peaceful presence, gently guiding and keeping us on time. Our table team consisted of Cathy Klimar, Lorraine Kosinski, Anne Haffey, Rosemary Maikis, Silvia Madison and Donna Wendelken, our newest table team member. The Angel Team was led by Head Angel Christine Vigliette, along with Joanne Lauro, Fran Monaco, Norma Scally and Danielle Donaldson, our newest angel. Tracey O’Reilly was our Rectora in training and our Spiritual Team included Angie-Lee Vazquez, Lisa Brogan, Beth Barker and Darlene McGovern. What a powerhouse of incredible women who came to serve the weekend.

The community came out to provide a joyous welcome to our newest Cursillistas. It is always amazing to experience the energy in the room. Electrifying!! Their witness to the weekend was inspiring and uplifting to hear. If you were there, you know what I mean! If you weren’t, keep reading, we have some beautiful testimonials.

It’s truly an honor and a privilege to participate in a weekend. I’m always awed by all that happens throughout the weekend. Our God is so very good to us … All The Time. 

As we all hear at the end of each weekend – Christ is counting on us!  Please keep inviting men and women to deepen their relationship and friendship with God. We are all called to keep inviting, to reach out to someone who deserves a weekend. Who in your life deserves a Cursillo weekend?  DeColores!

 

Here are some amazing testimonials from the woman of the #289:

 “I would like to say that the weekend was life-changing for me. It was the first time I ever really felt a true message coming to me from God. It also changed my mind set about my ability to have faith and to serve my community. In God and God’s love.”  – Nicole Moskowitz

 “God works in mysterious ways and at perfect times. I believe in my heart that this was the weekend God chose for me. I was with such an amazing team that shared such patience, selflessness, and kindness. My fellow candidates shared their most intimate struggles and triumphs. I felt such community. I heard and was shown exactly what I needed; God loves me unconditionally. I was absolutely blown away from the community’s prayers and notes written with such encouragement and sound advice. In this hectic world, someone took the time and prayers to dedicate to me. What a gift. Truly God’s love in action. The closing was so beautiful! I was so overwhelmed by the love & support of my family, friends, and the  Cursillo Community. I am just so grateful!!”  – Bridget Goldberg

 “From the moment I arrived for my Cursillo weekend I was so impressed! The women were so helpful, loving, and welcoming! I met the most wonderful group of women on my Cursillo. My goal for the weekend, to become closer to Jesus, Our Lord, was realized! His love is truly unconditional! Thank you, God, for bringing me to my Cursillo. Thank you, amazing women who put it, together and all the candidates. Thank you all for sharing your light.” – Debbie McLaughlin

 

 

 

Our annual Communion Breakfast took place on Saturday October 29th, at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, NY. One hundred twenty-four people gathered at    10:00 AM for a spirited Mass, given by Msgr. Bob Romano, concelebrated by Fr. Joe Holcomb. Both of whom had a huge impact on St. Paul’s Center throughout the years. It’s always nice to hear our anthem song, “God Don’t Make Junk,” delivered by an authentic cassette boom box! Old world style, as we did in days past. After Mass, we moved across the hall to a festive dining room setting, with delicious cakes and such. The breakfast was spectacular as always, and the company and sharing was even greater. Cursillistas come from all over, and from years back, to spend a few hours with like-minded people. Also attending are guests who were invited to come and experience a Cursillo Mass and Cursillo fraternity. Msgr. Bob was also our key note speaker, who spoke about his days on Humboldt Street working at St. Paul’s Center. Sharing funny and sincere stories made many of us smile, who knew what and whom he was speaking about. For those who didn‘t know his subjects, they were able to feel his passion for what he did through his years there. His humor was direct and candid and made us all smile. Coffee and cake ended our afternoon along with all the hugs and well wishes for one another. On the way out, guests had the opportunity to purchase Christian articles, such as books, mugs, bracelets, T-shirts—plus an array of gifts from Terri McHugh, who runs this for us. This day’s event could not be possible if it weren’t for the hard and diligent works from Pearse McDonnell and his co-chair,  Nancy Massaro.

 

 

This October 29, 2022, the St. Paul’s family once more had the opportunity to come together to attend Mass, to share a wonderful breakfast, to hear a guest speaker and to just be with each other at the annual Communion Breakfast. Held at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, Queens, 124 people joined together to celebrate their Cursillo experience and each other. There were men and women from Cursillos held 50 years ago, more current years and even this past spring.

Monsignor Robert Romano was the main celebrant and he was joined by Reverend Joseph Holcomb. Both of these wonderful priests are Cursillistas and have played major roles in the Brooklyn Diocese Cursillo programs since the 1970’s. It was great to see them both and a testament to just how long a person’s 4th Day can last.

It was such a wonderful experience for the St. Paul’s family. Many have not seen each other in person for years, in a large part due to the Covid pandemic and the reduced opportunities for face to face get togethers. People were able to not only catch up with each other but also to share their faith and their joy of past experiences with the St. Paul’s Cursillo program. Hopefully we will be able to participate in a Communion Breakfast in 2023.

 

On October 21-23, the Women’s 12 Step A.A. Recovery Retreat was held at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. This year’s theme was, “Prayers and Promises—A Journey of Discovery.” Nineteen women attended a weekend of talks and small group discussions relating to the prayers and promises found in our 12-Step literature, and that we are to receive as a result of living our sober lives based on spiritual principles.

It was a truly blessed weekend filled with hope, encouragement, love and laughter.

An intentional difference to most other AA weekends, this retreat enables the women to freely call their Higher Power by name: God/Jesus/Spirit, etc.

Mornings began, and evenings ended, with mediation, prayer, and music. There were opportunities to speak one-on-one with a Spiritual Director, and to attend a guided meditation. Some women elected to get creative and created their own Gratitude Jar. Some enjoyed the beautiful grounds of this sacred space for some quiet time.

We were blessed to have Fr. Michael Connolly join us and give a talk on Forgiveness, provide opportunity for Reconciliation, and celebrate Mass.

The team doing service and giving talks on the weekend were Christine V., Lisa B. and myself. Also, we had a walk-on talk given by Lisa E. on Friday night to start the program. Ann Marie D. stopped by on Saturday afternoon to lead a guided meditation.

A ton of gratitude for everyone who served!!!

Here are a few reflections, shared anonymously, in respect for our Traditions, by some of the women who attended:
“Dare I say…as always…life-changing.”
“I got more than I ever expected from this weekend.”
“Forgiveness stuff was so appropriate for me. I was able to put down the hammer and pick up the feather.”
“I got things this weekend I didn’t know I needed.”

On Wednesday, November 30th, twelve couples took part in the Married Couples Evening of Renewal  Zoom Conferencing call. The theme was, “Generosity in Marriage.”

Jerry and Donna Wendelken spoke about how generosity is defined as small acts of kindness, displays of respect and affection, and a willingness to forgive one’s spouse. Generosity involves freely sacrificing time and emotional energy. They gave many examples of how spouses can show generosity to each other. Some examples are: give a compliment, hold hands, hand over the remote, go on a date, listen without interruptions, say thank you, kiss your spouse hello and goodbye. Those examples seem very simple but, without these gestures, marriage gets stale and leaves room for bitterness, miscommunication and frustration.

After Donna and Jerry spoke, we spoke about how the habit of generosity helps people move beyond their petty concerns, so they can give themselves more freely and cheerfully to each other. We shared personal experiences that we have dealt with during our marriage. Also, we spoke about extending grace and forgiveness in our marriage. The session ended with the words from Pope Francis, stating that we should say three things to each other daily: “Thank you. I am sorry. I love you.” The couples were encouraged to dance to the song, “Forever Like That,” by Ben Rector.

FYI: The next Married Couples Weekend will be held April 28-April 30, 2023, at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. More details to follow.

 

“…the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you,”

“…blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”

Matthew 13:16

 

Every year at Thanksgiving it seems that I take just a short pause, to look at my life and scan over a “mountain of places” that I am so grateful for. All the gifts, abilities, and the Spirit that gives identity to who I am – the love of my wife and kids – my whole family and the friends who bless my life – the people – the places – the experiences – the gifts of this amazing earth and a vocation that allows me to work in it – and everything I need to live comfortably – just to mention a few… and at the very top of all that is my relationship with God, where it all comes from…

Many years ago, being a lot younger and thinking I could conquer the world at some point, becoming the king of this castle I thought I was creating, seemed like the mission ahead, and creating it was by my own ability and works.

Back then the places I was grateful for had much to do with me, and those places I was grateful for had a way of increasing the “false sense” of the image I carried of myself to the point of every gift, talent, and ability, was the work of “my hands.” And at the mention of anyone of those gifts would be a big “I”

I had the abilities, I created the opportunities, I was the one who worked for it, I was the one who thought of it, I, I, I… was the one to be praised…?     

Was it just me – or can you relate?

It sounds a lot like the society we live in today!

This year I took a closer look (and I always knew it – but it seems that I never really take the time to honor it) and asked the question: “When was the small kingdom of Jim I lived in back then (and sadly, still sometimes today), changed into the never-ending “life giving” Kingdom of God I find myself in today?

Listen carefully, this is where you become part of the story of who I am today…

As I share in one of my talks on the Cursillo weekend: “there’s a bold mark on the timeline of my life; it’s titled “new life in God” or as we know it – Cursillo!

That weekend changed everything in my life…  

It changed my perception – it gave me new eyes – it opened my mind and heart like never before… it was the gift of a major “reset” in how I was going to direct my life from that point on… God was always pouring His love out for me, but now I knew it, now I could see it, and now I could start living this reality…

And the amazing thing about God’s love, as I’ve come to a greater understanding of it, is it continues to change me every day if I allow it… and all of you are part of that for which I give thanks to God over and over again…

Everything forward of that bold mark in my life has been made new, awakened, strengthened… fears have turned into faith and courage – the unknown has given me a greater patience and a stronger will – and the love I feel from God has strengthened and sustained me, filling my life with faith and hope in His  promises… His love is like no other…

Today, the gratitude in my life is pointed in the direction of our God who has always given me everything I just mentioned and more, and continues today to be the biggest giver I’ve ever known…

He loves me in a crazy way…!

And through the Cursillo He shows me that love in a special way, finding in each one of you the friendship and love we share with each other today.

Relationships that offer the encouragement, strength, and support to stay the course – to live out the journey together – because after all, we were never meant to journey it alone…

This is God’s plan for us, working alongside one another, each with our own uniqueness, to change the hearts and minds of the people who seek a relationship and a way of life in God’s Kingdom here on earth…

It’s the only place to live!      

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but I have to say what I just said to be mindful of this reality of God’s love in my life, and to keep it fresh in my heart and mind, to remember who I was before my Cursillo – and who I am today as a result of that “mystery weekend” I found myself on…

The Cursillo breathes life into the lifeless, and I so believe, especially right now in these times we are all facing, that we are called by God to keep the Cursillo – this amazing experience of God’s love, fully alive and available to anyone who may be thirsting for the hope and the peace found nowhere else, but in a relationship of intimacy and love with God…

This is the gift of the Cursillo experience.

And I just want you to know that I feel so blessed by each one of you, for all you are and all you give, each with great desire to share this amazing gift of Cursillo…

You continue to be part of the process God is using to shape me into the authentic man He always intended me to be…

The new Jim looks so much better than the old Jim!

So, gentlemen, pray with me, that God continues to use us in this most extraordinary way, to place in us whatever is needed, to invite, and to call people out into this amazing relationship God so desires to have with each one of us…     

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…   James 1:17

Together, let’s continue to live as gifts from above, freely given with the love of God in each one of us…