The participants and team of the 2022 Women’s Catholic Cursillo, held March 10-13. COURTESY OF ASHLEY HAYCRAFT
Cursillo offers a ‘life-changing opportunity’
BY DAWN C. LIGIBEL, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
The weekend was filled with laughter, tears, prayer, and a lot of talking – sometimes even at appropriate times!
“This group bonded so quickly,” explained Fr. Terry Devine, one of the spiritual directors of the 76th Women’s Catholic Cursillo held March 10-13, 2022 at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center.
“The fire they all brought even re-ignited the team, and they needed that,” commented Ashley Haycraft, Assistant Rectora for this Cursillo and Rectora for next year’s. “They were so engaged and focused. They were like sponges.”
Participants of this Cursillo also enthusiastically expressed their appreciation for the experience.
“I’m still on cloud nine,” exclaimed Dawn Wilcox from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville. “I hope it never goes away. I realize that the friends and sisters I made there will always be there; we now have that in common.”
The participants and team of the 2022 Men’s Catholic Cursillo, held March 3-6. COURTESY OF ASHLEY HAYCRAFT
“I was so fired up and wanted to tell everybody to experience Cursillo,” agreed Debbie Smeathers of St. Columba Parish in Lewisport.
“I came home coming off an adrenaline high that you get from something special,” said Michelle Sandheinrich, also of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.
In addition to the initial “fire” the eight participants experienced, this Cursillo is already having lasting effects.
“I’m using things from Cursillo in my daily life,” explained Sandheinrich. “I get excited about going to Mass now. It’s different. I feel like I’m more fully present during Mass.”
“It re-sparked an excitement in me, and I was able to re-motivate my energy and learning toward Christ,” commented Wilcox.
“Cursillo doesn’t just start you,” Sandheinrich explained. “It keeps you going with small groups, Ultreya, and School of Leaders.”
“I am most happy about getting together with the other girls in small group,” agreed Denise Boarman from Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro. “Learning from the other women is a godsend for me. It’s good to learn and not just be stuck in a routine.”
Smeathers is also enjoying meeting with her small group. “I’m glad we’re having these meetings every week. We’re all encouraging each other to be better people.”
Understanding Cursillo prior to attending is difficult for many people because much of what is experienced is asked to be kept private.
“It’s supposed to be a safe place where people are able to be themselves,” explained Haycraft.
“I was very hesitant because of the fear of not knowing what to expect,” admitted Wilcox, “but everyone was so warm and welcoming.”
“We are not to go out and share other people’s personal experiences,” Fr. Devine explained. “But people do need to understand that it is a very Catholic, spiritual event. It involves Catholic devotions such as the rosary, adoration, prayer, and benediction.”
“It was beyond my expectations,” agreed Sandheinrich. “I got reacquainted with Jesus!”
“I think many people look for more reasons not to attend than they do to attend,” said Smeathers. “I keep telling everybody that it’s a life-changing opportunity!”
Dawn C. Ligibel belongs to Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville.
Originally printed in the May 2022 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
