A NOTE FROM RICK KLARMANN, LAY DIRECTOR

De Colores,

I apologize for the late cancellation of School of Leaders, but the weather forecast didn't have snow in it on Friday afternoon when I was asked whether or not we should cancel School of Leaders.  I really was hoping to have the opportunity to meet as a community once more before Christmas.  
  
Secretariat has some potentially exciting news to share with you.  On the heels of an awesome women's weekend, we have an opportunity to have a men's weekend February 23-26.  The weekend is not confirmed but Secretariat is discerning whether to proceed with planning and preparation for a men's weekend.   There isn't much time, so we need community's help to discern if there are enough candidates--men whom you [the sponsors] have been praying for and who would like to experience Cursillo.   

If you have candidates who are interested in experiencing Cursillo but have not filled out an application, please have them fill out an application and send it to the Pre-Cursillo section heads [Pat & Bob Burke 1 Oakhurst Drive, Middletown, NJ 07748]. 

If you believe an application has been filled out in the past, please contact Pat & Bob Burke at 732-492-6122 to confirm that we have all of the correct information

The cost of the weekend is $295, which Trenton Cursillo will defray $95 of the cost of the weekend.  However, a candidate's ability to pay the cost of the weekend should not prevent them from making their weekend.  Therefore as the sponsor, if your candidate is unable to pay the cost of the weekend, please advise the Pre-Cursillo section heads (Pat or Bob Burke).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is opening up this door for us, but we need to know that there will be enough candidates before committing to San Alfonso and preparing a team for the weekend.  A decision will be made by our next Secretariat meeting on January 7th, so we need to know about candidates as soon as possible.

Please keep the Cursillo Movement in Trenton and throughout the world in your prayers. On behalf of Secretariat, we wish everyone a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

THE MONITOR TELLS CURSILLO STORY IN ARTICLE

Please read the wonderful article about Trenton Cursillo from the December 17th issue of The Monitor. 

The article is called "Cursillo prayerfully brings community closer to Christ." The article tells the Cursillo story by focusing on one of Trenton 124's candidates, Veronica Jeffrey.

The article shares that "Cursillo shines a light on the fact that 'we are not alone.' We have communion with the Catholic Church and everything centers on the Eucharist and witnessing to faith."

Let's all read it and show The Monitor how grateful we are for sharing the Cursillo story. The article is at this link. 

Please also share the article with family and friends to help them know more about the Cursillo movement.


A NOTE FROM RICK KLARMANN, LAY DIRECTOR

The new Cursillistas of Trenton 124 were treated with community welcoming them as well as inspirational witnesses by Al and Ronnie Martella.  Both Al and Ronnie have been involved with Cursillo for 25 years; serving in every capacity from Lay Director, to section heads, and Ultreya leaders.  

They witnessed to the impact Cursillo has had on their lives but one thing that struck me was the number of years that their sponsors prayed that for them--they prayed for two years.  Before their sponsors asked them to make a Cursillo weekend they prayed for a year and when Al and Ronnie declined, their sponsors prayed another year.  Al and Ronnie then said, "Yes!" Their sponsors provided us with an excellent example of being a friend and bringing that friend to Christ in prayer. 

Hope to see you at the Diocesan Mass on Friday, December 9th at 8pm and at School of Leaders on December 17th at Epiphany after the 9am Mass.

De Colores, Rick

A NOTE FROM FATHER JAY BOWDEN

"I have been saying for some weeks now that no matter who wins the Presidential election, it is going to be really vitally important that people of faith PRAY EARNESTLY for God to truly BLESS and GUIDE our nation, and ALL of its people, Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever! We have our differences and they are real and important, but as we say so often in the Pledge of Allegiance: " I pledge allegiance TO THE FLAG OF the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL ! "  That is an important part of our creed as Americans, and WE REALLY NEED TO PRAY for its fulfillment on an ongoing basis now that the Election is in the books!   GOD BLESS AMERICA !"

JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU

CANDIDATES (as of 11/6/16):

Janice Petruzzi
Veronica Noone (Ronnie)
Robin Caroselli 
Diane Mary Ferrandino
Barbara Jean Jones
Mary Alice Goss
Marie Lys Violeta Molina (Olette)
Yvonne Clark
Kathryn Vasta (Kate)
Veronica Jeffrey (Ronnie)
Carol Bailey
Marisel Kamper

TEAM:

FATHER ED BLANCHETT
SISTER CLARA SCHROEDER
MARY WEIS-RECTORA
MARYANN DOWD-ASST RECTORA
PEGGY DANNEVIG-ART            
ADELAIDE SANGIORGI
JOANNE HENDERSON
AMY SCHIANO 
MARIA PALUMBO
LIZ CERBIE

Join us at the Trenton 124 Send-Off Mass @ Visitation, Brick, NJ on Friday, November 18.
We will be collecting it at future Cursillo events. Closer to the weekend, we will also share an an address where you can mail it.

JOIN FATHER JAY IN VISITING EWTN

Father Jay Bowden writes:
"I am going to be the Priest Chaplain on a March 27 to 30, 2017 Pilgrimage to EWTN. Would you like to join us?"

Please call Father Jay
at (609) 895-1550 for details.

OCTOBER: MONTH OF THE ROSARY

Rick Klarmann asks all to remember October is the month of the rosary. Please say at least a decade of the rosary throughout October for the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Trenton.

A NOTE FROM LAY DIRECTOR, RICK KLARMANN

I would like to take this time to thank all who have donated defray the cost of the upcoming women's Cursillo weekend.  At it stands right now, we are a little over half way to the goal of $2000. With four more months to go, I am confident we will be able to reach the goal.  Thank you all for your generosity and please continue to pray for the team, the potential candidates, and our movement.

God bless, Rick Klarmann


SCHOOL OF LEADERS by MARY WEIS, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

Our July School of Leaders began with the first two of Matthew Kelly's "Seven Pillars of Spirituality". We discussed the importance and relevance of both Confession and Prayer and how God wants us to be the "best version of ourselves" through these two actions that can only bring us closer to Christ, more so than any other means.

We were also very privileged and honored to have a Guest Speaker!! 
John Klarmann, youngest son of our Lay Director, Rick Klarmann, told of his own mission through FOCUS, Fellowship of Catholic University Students, and how that community on campus changed his life to work for Christ and spread the gospel to other college students, which he will start at the University of Maine in August. John gave witness to his own epiphany and direct calling from God to do this missionary work that is so vital to our youth today and the further development of our Catholic faith with the millennial generation.
For further information, check out the line: www.focus.org/missionaries/john-klarmann where you can learn more about how John is planning to change the world by winning over students to Christ. 

Join us next month, August 13, when we will continue our Matthew Kelly's series, "Seven Pillars of Spirituality" and also get updated on the Diocese's assessment of Evangelization and its endeavors to reach out to our fellow Catholics.

Thank you,
Mary

JOY OF THE LORD by DEACON TONY MARTUCCI


This scripture is part of the parable of The Vine and the Branches. I want to focus on the concept of joy. Joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness is a fleeting feeling. It cannot last and is often short-lived. Joy, however, is a gift of God, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  We can be joyful even in the midst of trials and stress. During my convalescence from surgery, even in pain I was blessed to have joy. I felt the love of God; I felt it through your prayers, Mass cards, calls and visits. YOU were Christ to me and I felt Him wrap me in His arms as I slowly recuperated. I am talking about the joy of the Lord.

Joy is the result of our relationship with God. Christ felt that joy throughout His life. The only moment that it seemed to be missing was that moment on the cross when He felt the weight of our sins upon Him and cried out: “My God, My God! Why have you abandoned me?”
I have heard that Gandhi was quite taken by Christianity, but could not accept it. “If Christians truly believed what is preached in their faith, then why are they so sober and lacking in joy?”

Think of how you feel on Christmas, or on Easter Sunday as you enter the Church and see the decorations. Surely your heart rate increases a bit, you smile a little more. There is something very special at that time. That is the joy we should have every moment of our Christian life.

When my grandchildren come to my home, they run to Pat and me, arms opened and give us a big hug. “I love you and missed you, Grandpa!” they shout. My heart fills with joy. That is how the fruit of the spirit is when we recognize how close Christ is to us. He is within us and we are in Him. Christ told His disciples, “You will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.(John 14)

In this world that is falling apart right before our eyes, let us remember that Christ has conquered the Evil One and that nothing can happen that He will not turn to good. God loves us and wants to bring us into full communion with Him. Let us then celebrate His love- and show the world the Joy that is within us.


‘If you have Jesus in your heart, please notify your face!’

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

The Department of Evangelization and Catechesis is pleased to host Dr. Edward Sri at the Church of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold, NJ for our August 18th Formation Day.  Because Dr. Sri’s presentations on mercy are not specific to catechesis, this event is open to all that are interested in attending and not just those in catechesis.  Please encourage your friends, family, and fellow parishioners to attend.

Dr. Sri is a prolific writer and international speaker that is well known for his many endeavors, including the Symbolon formation program and a brand new video based study on the Gospel of John by Ascension Press. 

Register On-Line at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/EdwardSri by August 12

Formation Day for All
Thursday, August 18, 2016
St. Robert Bellarmine
61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, NJ
10am-2:30pm
Celebration of The Mass
11:30am
$15 per person/light breakfast, lunch

TO ALL SPONSORS WHO SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION (MAN OR WOMAN) in 2016

From Rick Klarmann, Lay Director:

If you have submitted an application, we must ask that you RESUBMIT the application.

Blank applications can be found at this link.

Complete applications, can be e-mailed to Rick Klarmann at rick.klarmann@gmail.com OR mail to Rick Klarmann, 18 Tomahawk Drive, Burlington, NJ 08016. 

Thank you for your assistance!

RESET 2016 IS COMING!

A Note from Donna Goodwin, Coordinator, Respect Life Ministry, Diocese of Trenton

Dear Friends,

The Reset 2016-Stand with Jesus Rally on the National Mall in Washington DC on July 16, 2016 is slated to be a generation-defining moment.  For information about this free rally visit http://reset2016.com/about-together2016/ or www.reset2016.com

Ginnie Untisz of St. William the Abbot Parish in Howell is gathering people from parishes in the Diocese to travel together to this event.  If your parish or youth group plans on attending, please contact Ginnie at 732-501-0816 or ginnieuntisz@yahoo.com.

SCHOOL OF LEADERS by MARY WEIS, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

Our June School of Leaders started with a litany of prayer to the Sacred Heart, followed by a personal "thank you with love" prayer to our "Father Figures" that brought us to Christ by their examples, teachings and principles.

Sister Clara gave a talk on Prayer and how we are to do it, lovingly and sincerely, with specific intentions, so that they are heard and accepted.

We watched the second half of "Mary of Nazareth", a beautiful film that shows the life of Christ from Mary's viewpoint. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Please join us next month, July 23, to share in fellowship and love. Don't forget to bring a friend!

FROM SISTER CLARA SCHROEDER, CSJP

To MARY WEIS and ALL my CURSILLISTA FRIENDS, 

How can I thank you for a WONDERFUL 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION at Saturday's School of Leaders?  

Whether you were present there physically or spiritually, I am GRATEFUL for all your MANY KINDNESSES!  

While I would like to thank each of you personally, that would be impossible for me. So, please accept this note of GRATITUDE from MY GRATEFUL HEART to ALL YOUR GRACE- FILLED HEARTS. YOU are ALL SO SPECIAL to ME. Many BLESSINGS OF PEACE TO EACH OF YOU!

Lovingly, Sister Clara 

DIOCESAN MASS AND COMMUNION BREAKFAST

Saturday, June 11th at 8:00 A.M.  EVERYONE please come and join with Rev. Brian Patrick Woodrow and the parishioners of St. John the Baptist, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Road, Allentown, NJ  08501, for a Diocesan Mass and Communion breakfast.

Father Brian is thrilled to host this celebration and fellowship; and wishes to share Cursillo with his community. We encourage you to bring a friend - and offer witness to our Christian movement to evangelize the laity in becoming effective Christian leaders and grow closer to our loving God. Website: http://www.stjohnromancatholic.org/sjrc/

FROM MARY WEIS, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

Our first Diocesan Ultreya for 2016 was such a blessed and enriching event.

We didn't have Sister Clara with us but she was with us in spirit as we discussed how we use our time. Yes, time is such a precious gift, sometimes more precious than money.

We need to organize and distribute our time so that we make our "treasures" everlasting treasures, that is, time spent doing God's will. We need to make "spiritual time".

Our interesting witness from Rick Klarmann about Peru was so insightful and enlightening.

Come join us next month, May 21, it is so rewarding!

Also, we will cut the big cake for Sister Clara and celebrate her 80th birthday in a very special way, Cursillo style. Please be a part of this beautiful celebration!

+++++

Yesterday at Diocesan Ultreya, several people mentioned Matthew Kelly and Dynamic Catholic. Matthew will be in Morrisville, PA on September 16, 2016. Details can be found here. There is a video so you can see Matthew in action. 

By the way, here is a short video from Matthew on "Holiness is Possible" and the fact that you can find the time to have a holy moment - a theme consistent with yesterday's Ultreya.

CURSILLO ON EWTN

If you have not yet watched or wish to re-watch the two 30-minute EWTN programs on Cursillo, they are now posted online on the National Web Site. You can see them at this link.

A LETTER FROM LAY DIRECTOR, RICK KLARMANN

Dear Cursillo Community,
 

With heartfelt joy we are planning an upcoming Women’s Cursillo weekend on December 1-4, at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey.  Address: 755 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740. I’m sure you will agree we must do everything we can to make this a success.
 
The cost to participate on the weekend has increased over the past few years approximately to $300-$350 per person. Because we realize that not everyone can afford this, Secretariat has decided to reach out to community for donations to defray the individual’s costs, hoping to encourage more candidates to attend,

We have set a goal to raise $2000, which we calculate will reduce an anticipated twenty people to a more manageable $200 cost per person.
 
If you are called to do so, please make out your checks to "Trenton Cursillo" and mark it for Cursillo Weekend.  You can mail your donations to:

Pat Martucci
1588 Dee Road
Forked River, NJ 08731


Or you can bring your donation to monthly School of Leaders, the April Ultreya (April 30th) or put your check in the collection during the June and September Diocesan Masses. 

Each month we will update all of you on our progress in reaching the goal of $2000.  So please give if you can, but more importantly pray for the team and candidates.
 
God bless,
Rick Klarmann
Lay Director, Trenton Cursillo

 

A MESSAGE FROM MARY WEIS, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

Saturday's Leaders School included an insightful and moving interpretation of the Jesus question: "Who do you say I am?" by Deacon Tony Martucci. The question leads us to think, Who does Jesus say I am? This meaningful dialogue between Christ and us is so useful and relative at this time in our Lenten journey.

We were graced with a loving talk by our sister in Christ, Pat Burke about sponsorship and preparation for our upcoming Cursillo weekend.

Please join us next month when we will have a Lenten retreat, including an opportunity for confession and small group sharing until noon, on March 19. Bring a friend!

DeColores, Mary

HELLO, AARON! by AL AND RONNIE MARTELLA

Sunday, January 31 was a true gift from God - a beautiful, sunny day! Ronnie and I decided it would be a great day to go for a long walk from our home in Hightstown to the ShopRite Shopping Center in neighboring East Windsor, about a two mile walk. It was a wonderful walk, full of lots of conversation, much laughing, and listening to birds enjoying the day as much as we did.

It took us about 45 minutes to get there and Ronnie suggested we might have earned a treat and suggested we visit a nearby restaurant for a beverage and an ice cream sundae! It was there that we met Aaron (Hello, Aaron!) Aaron was our server but in the course of 30 minutes or so became a friend. In conversation, we found out that he was studying in college, working part-time, but most importantly, ministering to others. He had made a Karios weekend while in high school and was living his fourth day in his environment. We asked Aaron if he was familiar with Cursillo and he said no. We spoke about the many parallels between Karios and Cursillo and how they both helped us to become closer to Christ. We left Aaron with an invitation to learn more about Cursillo and to share with his friends about its existence.

Meeting Aaron was a true joy. How fortunate we are that God places people like Aaron in our lives.

SCHOOL OF LEADERS UPDATE by MARY WEIS, ASSISTANT LAY DIRECTOR

School of Leaders Update by Mary Weis, Assistant Lay Director:

The new year of School of Leaders started with a new outlook: live in the moment. That is where Christ is and that is where He wants us to be. We also discussed what new beginnings we were looking forward to in our spiritual lives this new year and what we need to do to get started. Our movement is planning a women's weekend this year but only with your help. Our lay talk on Sponsorship showed us the way to be a friend and bring that friend to Christ.

We challenged ourselves to a personal "wish list" of potential candidates that we would like to see make a weekend. We are all Counting on Christ for that.

De Colores!

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