The purpose of the Cursillo Movement is to live what is fundamental for being Christian, the love of God and neighbor, experienced through encounters with self, Christ, and others. The Precursillo and the Cursillo Weekend prepare the Cursillista for their Postcursillo, their 4th day.  The Postcursillo is structured to help the Cursillista live a more authentic, constant, and progressive Christianity.

The Group Reunion and the Ultreya are effective methods to help the Cursillista persevere in the pursuit of their ideal during their 4th Day.

And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here…”

Matthew 16:4

The Ultreya is for the good of the community as the Friendship Group Reunion is for the good of individual. Both are opportunities to share one’s life with other Christians.

The essential elements of an Ultreya are: prayer, “floating” group reunions, a witness talk, echos, and a Spiritual Advisor’s summation. Ultreya’s often include a reading and reflection or are preceded by an optional mass. Ideally the Ultreya is concluded with a closing prayer during a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. It is typical that an Ultreya is followed with fellowship and the sharing of some refreshments.

The “Floating” Group Reunion follows a format like the Friendship Group Reunion but it is preferable if the members of each group are not all members of the same Friendship Group Reunion. This is a great way for new Cursillistas to meet people and ultimately find a Friendship Group that they can join.

The witness talk is the sharing of one Cursillista’s journey as a Christian and typically lasts 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, others are encouraged to “echo”, share a brief comment about the message in the witness talk and how they personally connect with it.

An Ultreya is about 90 minutes in length. They are typically held monthly but ideally they are available on a weekly basis. Parochial and Inter-parochial Ultreyas are sponsored by members of local parishes while the Diocesan Ultreya is sponsored by the Secretariat.

Check the Utah Catholic Cursillo Calendar for a list of upcoming Ultreya’s near you.