A Weekend of Renewal and Discovery
Discover Christ. Discover Community. Discover Yourself.Experience prayer, learning, and friendship that inspire a deeper faith and a new way of living your Catholic life
Weekend Overview
Currently, twice a year, the Cursillo community hosts a three-day weekend for men and women (held separately), both in English and Spanish, to introduce participants to the Cursillo movement and offer an encounter that strengthens faith and discipleship.
From Thursday evening until Sunday evening, laypeople and clergy live and work together to gain a deep, permanent, living awareness of the treasure and responsibility of their Catholic faith. Many arrive with questions and even some apprehension—but they leave renewed, filled with joyful enthusiasm, and committed to following Jesus more faithfully in daily life.
The Weekend Experience
Pray and Worship Together
Daily Mass, prayer, and the Sacraments are central.
Hear Rollos (Talks) and Witness Stories
Shared by priests, deacons, and laypeople.
Reflect and Discuss in Small Groups
Exploring how faith connects with everyday life.
Form Friendships in Christ
Building a supportive community that continues beyond the weekend.
The Heart of Cursillo
Friendship with Self
Daily Mass, prayer, and the Sacraments are central.
Friendship with Christ
Daily Mass, prayer, and the Sacraments are central.
Friendship with Others
Daily Mass, prayer, and the Sacraments are central.
The Cursillo motto — “Make a friend. Be a friend. Bring a friend to Christ.” — becomes tangible during the weekend, as participants encounter Christ personally and discover the joy of sharing His love with others.
Why Attend a Weekend
A Cursillo Weekend is more than just an event—it’s a direct encounter with Jesus Christ that renews your faith, deepens your friendships, and equips you to live as a joyful Catholic in everyday life.
Encounter with Christ
Through prayer, the Sacraments, and inspiring talks, you’ll meet Jesus in a deeper, life-changing way.
Spiritual Renewal
Step away from routine and rediscover the joy, peace, and purpose of living fully as a disciple.
Live Your Mission
Bring Christ’s love to your family, parish, workplace, and community with confidence and charity.
Gain Practical Tools
Learn simple, proven methods of prayer, study, and action to live and share your faith in daily life.
Who Can Attend
A Cursillo weekend is designed for baptized Catholics who want to grow in their faith and bring Christ into their daily environments.
Especially suited for those who are:
Committed Catholics
Baptized and actively practicing their faith
Sacramentally Engaged
Able to receive the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation
Active in Parish Life
Involved in parish ministries or community service
Seeking Renewal
Interested in examining what it means to live as a Christian in today’s world
Also valuable for baptized Catholics who are:
Desiring to Reconnect
Living as Catholics but not presently involved in the Church
Returning Home
Having slipped away from the Church but beginning to move back
Note: Weekends are held separately for men and women. Space is limited to keep the experience personal.
What Happens on a Weekend
Each day begins with Morning Prayer and ends with Night Prayer. Mass is celebrated daily (except Thursday evening). You’ll hear a series of short talks, called Rollos, from laypeople and clergy, followed by small-group table discussions. There is time for quiet reflection, Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and fellowship. Meals, breaks, and rest are built into the schedule.
- Current Location: Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church (Columbia, SC).
- Transportation: Arranged by your sponsor or a weekend team member.
- Accessibility: Dietary needs and physical accommodations are attentively handled—simply let us know in advance.
Day by Day Highlights
Thursday — Arrival & Quiet Reflection
You will travel to the venue with transportation arrangements coordinated by your sponsor, then check in and get settled. The evening begins quietly with time for reflection and meditations such as Know Yourself and The Prodigal Son. The atmosphere is prayerful and peaceful, ending with Night Prayer.
Friday — Discovering Self & God’s Grace
Friday focuses on where you are in your relationship with Jesus Christ. You will hear talks from both clergy and laypeople on topics such as Ideals, Grace, Laypersons in the Church, and Piety. After each talk, small group discussions provide an opportunity to share insights with others. There is time for prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass.
Saturday — Who Jesus Christ Is
On Saturday, the weekend deepens your relationship with Jesus Christ and your call to mission. Talks on Study, the Sacraments, Action, Obstacles to Grace, and Leadership invite reflection. The Rosary is often prayed together, and there is more opportunity for sharing at your table and with the wider group.
Sunday — Faith in Action & Community
Sunday turns your attention toward living the Gospel beyond the weekend. Talks on the Study of Our Environments, Life in Grace, Christianity in Action, and Beyond the Cursillo help you see how to bring your renewed faith into your family, parish, workplace, and community. The weekend closes with Mass and the Clausura, where you gather with the wider Cursillo community in joyful prayer and fellowship before returning home with your sponsor.