National Secretariat Busselton W.A.

held on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2017. There were 9 Dioceses of Australia represented and  included a total of 21 delegates and 4 guests and observers.
The conference was opened by the National Lay director Roger O’Hara and the opening Eucharist was led by Rev. Steve Niland.

The National Secretariat meeting included routine matters of national relevance, with  discussion on the condensing of the 3 day Cursillo weekend to 2 days.  Comments were noted from people who had already held 2 day Cursillo weekends as a trial. Reports of the results were both positive and negative. Positive because less time was needed, expenses were reduced, & working people had a better access to the 2 day weekend.

Negative from the teams point of view  in that while it was fruitful it was exhausting with little time for consolidation.
The overall result appeared to be one of individual evaluation. I got the impression that if the 3 day weekend was available (after considerations of cost and inconvenience were taken into account) it should be given preference.

Anyone who was a candidate of course was unable to make comparisons and experienced a well organised weekend with a richly enhanced faith uplift, albeit overcrowded with information.

The National Dropbox facility was discussed and is proving popular with all items of interest now available for instant download and printing, including the latest ACMA manual. This makes access to documents and information very accessible.
To access the Dropbox facility, select Dropbox by Google.
Include the user name of “nationalcursillo@gmail.com” and password  “livejohn316”  you may then select your item of interest for download and it is free.The Dropbox will be continually updated as various items are made available. This app is going to be very useful in the spreading of important information in the future and our servant communities will now be well informed from a national level.

There was considerable concern about Cursillo cells that were going into recess and the difficulties around restarting them. We are asked as a national body to prayerfully consider ways in which assistance can be given to revitalize these struggling centres.

There was also considerable interest in the workshops we held here in Newcastle after they were noticed in our Diocesan report.
Newcastle gave a resume of the workshops with almost all reps. present asking if they could get more information. It was evident that just as Newcastle was having difficulty establishing and understanding the true role of healthy Serving Communities, so was everybody else. Some Diocese had no such groups and their secretariats were doing the jobs of LSSC groups as well as their own responsibilities. Hence the LSSC groups became a very hot and pursued topic of interest. As a result and at the request of the meeting, Newcastle is providing information relating to the workshops so that it can be issued nationally.

The Cursillistas from Saint Mary’s Busselton hosted a very pleasant Saturday evening dinner for us at their nearby parish complex and welcomed us  again at the morning Eucharist in the adjoining historic Saint Mary’s church on the Sunday morning (est.1844).

The weekend conference concluded with a final Eucharist conducted by Rev. Sue Allen  and assisted by Rev. Steve Niland, followed by the commissioning of Rev. Steve  Niland as National SA and the decommissioning of Rev. Sue Allen from that role.
Unfortunately the National Spiritual Director Bishop Ian Palmer could not attend and gave his apology.
A huge vote of thanks was extended to Busselton for its organisation and hospitality.
The next National conference will be hosted by Adelaide on the 22nd to 24th September 2017.

Newcastle expressed an interest in hosting a national gathering in Newcastle in 2020 which will be our 30th birthday.
Newcastle will also continue to support North Queensland as it faces considerable difficulties about distance and enthusiasm from within its bounds. It is very grateful for assistance that has already been given. Robyn and Marcia Hyde from Nth Queensland are doing a sterling job keeping the Cursillo ideal alive under these very difficult conditions.
Ultreya and De Colores!  Brian Walsh and Lyn Carter. Co Lay-directors.

Kairos #10 God’s Blessing

Kairos #10 (22-26 May) – Thank God for your support – We were blessed indeed by all the loving support that we received from so many people, locally and overseas. Many folk committed to pray for the week; and many also helped with agape in other ways including food and letters.

KairosThis week was especially significant in a number of ways. We had 18 men attend and there was not one who left, all staying the whole five days. The men were particularly open and engaged in their participation. We found this to be happening right from the beginning on the second day, really the first serious day following the introductions.

At the closing ceremony each man had something to say. This is itself is unusual. The comments were revealing and encouraging. Many, the majority, in the group were from overseas. A common comment focussed on a unity which had not been previously experienced. One man from SE Asia who has been inside for a considerable period sated that his time inside had been difficult, but this was definitely “his best week”!  Many of the men spoke of a “re-kindling” of their faith.

And the weather was fine.

God has been good to us in so many ways. The support of the Chaplain and the prison staff cannot be taken for granted.

Please continue to pray for this ongoing ministry. Journey Days which will be held each month; the first being Tuesday 20 June.

Every blessing.

Chris Bullock – (and a member of Kairos #10 team)

Encourager

Encourager March 2017

Luke 21:29—36 ..and he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away …

Our relationship with God could be described as a series of choices. Following Jesus is a daily process of choosing life over death – with the promise that he will work to heal our bad decisions so that new life is always open to us. We don’t need to be like the Corinthians who seemed to want to choose between Paul and Apollos. We all have different gifts and callings and so need to work together in God’s garden.
Life is full of choices and consequences – if we are holding a glass and we drop it on a hard floor, the chances are that it will break. Moses explained to the people of Israel that their future decisions would have consequences. They had been rescued from slavery in Egypt but they would need to choose to stay free. They could worship God and live his way OR they could choose to become slaves to idols made from stone or wood – basically a choice between life and death, blessings or curses.

DOWNLOAD ENCOURAGER HERE:  #96 the encourager 2017

Leaders School

Servant Community Workshops

Leaders School/Servant Community Workshop – the last of the 3 workshops was held at Belmont Anglican Church on April 29th 2017  

We would love to hear your feed-back… Servant/Leadership communities are essential for the health of Cursillo – if you feel a call to assist in such a community – let’s hear from you.

Any follow-up, please contact servant Community Coordinators: Gail Isles. ddmgk@bigpond.com or Bill Nicolle. sticks@aapt.net.au

Download Flyer:  The Workshop flyer (3)

 

 

 

 

 

TUNE UP – Mens Weekend

– the gathering of 75 men on the Saturday and 57 men on the Sunday at Tahlee Bible College on the shores of Port Stevens in May 2017 was an excellent opportunity to reflect on our faith.

We were challenged very effectively by our main speaker Rev. Rod Lewellyn as we studied the 4 chapters of the second book of Timothy.
A real surprise came when the mystery speaker was introduced. His name was Brigadier Jim Wallace AM  (retired) who is currently heading up the Australian Christian lobby. He spoke on his role and interaction with the various politicians; and ACL’s commitment to pursue a Christian influence into our Federal Parliament.

He was particularly passionate about gaining support for a petition to be presented to Federal Parliament. ACL is seeking active support for persecuted Christians in some of the world hot spots where Christians are being singled out for torture and murder.
There was good support for question time and further information sessions throughout the weekend.
The film “Luther” was shown and was an excellent springboard for  good discussion as a start to the weekend.
There was great singing led competently by the band of 3 guitars, keyboard and drums.
The weather was quite exceptional (not cold and wet as expected).
Great friendships were formed and others renewed.

30 men were there for the first time and were impressed with the format and friendly atmosphere. It was an excellent weekend and full credit goes to Jaimie Young, Dr.James White and their team for organising it.  The Christian Fellowship was great as was the food.  Looking forward to another next year (May 18th – 20th -put it in your Diary!)  Planning has already started.
Blessings and Ultreya Brian Walsh.

 

M46 & W46 CURSILLOS

M46 & W46 side-by-side 3 day Cursillos – WERE HELD FROM Thursday 24th August 2017 to 27th August 2017  at Hunter Valley Retreat Quorrobolong.  A Report of the weekend will be added to this site SOON…

“3 Days: Introduction to Cursillo”  

REMEMBER to SUPPORT candidates AFTER THE 3 DAYS.

A Report of the weekend will be added to this site SOON…

2017 Application Form P1,2 Candidate v3

2017 Application Insert P3 Sponsor & P4 Clergy v4

2017 What is Cursillo vers 5 – 2014 BpGreg

2017 What Is Sponsors Guidelines v1

Newcastle Diocesan Ultreya

cursillistas-singletonNEWCASTLE DIOCESAN ULTREYA  was held on Sat 5 Nov 2016 at All Saints Church Singleton.  It was an uplifting event with over 100 people present.  Fr. Steve Niland led the Eucharist;  “Noah’s Wife” band were excellent, playing some really inspirational songs, (ably assisted unofficially by our host Rector, Charlie Murry, on a lead guitar).

  • Commissioned were: 
  • W46 LD  Lesley Byrne;         M46 LD  Tony Farmer;    
  • Secretariat  Lyn Carter (as new Co-DLD);  
  • New Servant Community –  
  • Maitland Wendy Brack, Nick Waymouth, Lynn Dunnicliff.  
  • Lake Macquarie: Helen Edwards.    
  • Newcastle – Rosemary Allan.
  • Helen Fraser  (Co-DLD) & Chris Palmer retire from Secretariat, and
  • Joan Christie from CC Servant Community, after their 3 year term.

Calendar of events for 2017 and MW46 Application forms should be on web site by Dec 2016

Now is the time to pray and prepare to sponsor more of those lovely Anglican men and women, young and young in heart for the Cursillo Method of evangelism, always checking with clergy.

Col. Johnston asked females of the Diocese to NAG(!) their males when forms come out for the Men’s Camp at Tahlee 19-21 May.

Chris Bullock is promoting any ministry that Cursillistas can contribute to Kairos Prison Ministry, for men and women Inside and Outside, and Juveniles in detention

 See below for more photos of the event:

bannernoahs-wife-bandbrian-steve-barbcc-group-singleton

Encourager

Encourager September 2016

Fr SteveEncourager Editorial: What do we need to know about living our lives for Jesus?  Jesus wants us NOT JUST to love him, but to act as people of love in the wider community inspired by his example.

In the Gospel of John chapter 15, Jesus tells us in verse 12: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you; and emphasizes this in verse 17: I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.  To follow this command, we need to understand how Jesus loves us – so we can love each other in the same way.

The passage also says this: 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I invite you to think about the cross for a moment and ask yourself if it is an image of love or one of commandment?  Personally, I think it’s an image of both.  By dying on the cross, Jesus showed his love for us – but the sacrifice that it represents is also the way that Jesus commands us to live for each other.  We must love sacrificially and wholeheartedly – ready to give anything up for each other.  After all, Jesus referred to following him as “taking up our cross”.

We are a people that place a high value on the right to choose.  We make all sorts of choices – big and small – in the course of our everyday lives.  How good does it feel to know that Jesus chose us?  Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that we are responsible for our faith – that it is there to be chosen or not.  This simply is not true.  It is Christ who has called us.  He draws us to himself, and is unwilling to let us go.  Thus, the only choice is whether we want to follow his command to love, learning bit by bit what it means to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  We need to choose love each day in all we say and do.

DOWNLOAD ENCOURAGER SEPTEMBER 2016 HERE: spring-edition-sept-2016