FROM TIMOTHY AND TITUS TO US

On today's feast of Timothy and Titus, we can make a connection from these followers of St. Paul to us today. Today's meditation at The Word Among Us helps us to make the connection. It reads: 

" Our world places a high value on self-reliance. But not even the great saints of the past operated alone. Either they were part of a faith com­munity or they were accountable to someone who could help them on their spiritual journey. As Timothy needed the support of Paul, we need the support of our brothers and sis­ters in Christ. We also need to give out that support as well. None of us will get to heaven by ourselves!"

We are blessed to be part of the Cursillo Community. Let us all together walk in the footsteps of Paul, Timothy and Titus.

A NOTE FROM LAY DIRECTOR, MARY ANN DOWD

Beloved Cursillistas, 

"The Master taught the crowd"....we read these words so many times in Sacred Scripture.  Last night at school of leaders, Jesus taught us in many ways.  To be joyful, as we sang the color song, to work as a team as we brainstormed together in group, but most of all, the lesson that we go to school to learn of HIS Life in us and how to bring that Life out into the world.  Ronnie will gift us with a synopsis on our study but for now our community wishes to thank Tony and Pat Martucci for bringing us a joyful and prayerful atmosphere and Ronnie, our Director for her enthusiasm, commitment, hard work and boundless energy which re-energized the crowd that sat at HIS feet last night.  God bless you all.

Forever Decolores! Mary Ann xo

JANUARY SCHOOL OF LEADERS IS COMING by Ronnie Martella, Assistant Lay Director

New Year, new beginnings, new ideas, new resolve, new awareness, new plans, new insights, new, new, new!
         
****Welcome to 2012****

During the Christmas season we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the reality of that little baby born in Bethlehem and the wonder of His love in our lives.

Throughout 2012, the Cursillistas of the Diocese of Trenton will reflect on how and when we find God in our lives.  We do this often, individually, in group and Ultreya.  We share our journey with each other each time we are together in so many ways.  But how often do we think about the vision or the mission of Trenton Cursillo?  Are we all aware of our Pastoral Plan which outlines the mission statement and vision for the movement and the purpose, objective and recommendation for each of the Secretariat sections?

The Pastoral Plan for Trenton Cursillo has not been reviewed and/or revised since 2006 so we are due!  Everyone is needed in this endeavor.  Please bring your ideas, your enthusiasm, your love of Cursillo and some friends to School of Leaders on January 20, 2012 at 8pm.  Together let’s move Trenton Cursillo into 2012 and beyond with renewed vigor and joy.

ULTREYA!
Ronnie Martella

REJOICE! HOPE! By Sister Clara Schroeder, CSJP

REJOICE! HOPE!  On continued ponderings of the Christmas message, these two words come to kind.        

Why REJOICE?  How can we not rejoice when we realize what a loving and caring God we have!  Our almighty and omnipotent God loves us so much that He condescended to send His only Son, Jesus, to be one of us, mortal and imperfect as we are. In Philippians, Chapter 2, we read……”Though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself…..coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” 

When I gaze on the Christ Child in the stable, I am so touched by the humbleness and poverty I see there.  Oh, yes, Jesus, you did humble yourself.  In the poverty of your birth, you showed your love for the poor.  With all the sadness and strife in our world today, how can the image of a baby not soften our hearts and give us cause to rejoice in a future for a better world?

Why HOPE?  I believe that HOPE requires trust.  In his humble and obedient birth according to his father’s will, and throughout his entire life up to his death and resurrection, Jesus showed us how to live with all the setbacks and sufferings in our lives.  Jesus showed us that our lives don’t end in death.  Rather, in his resurrection, Jesus taught us that our lives continue after death in a new and glorious way!  Jesus gave us this HOPE and it all began with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God! 

I believe that the message of the Christ Child to each one of is this:  Don’t give up!  I am with you!  I lived, suffered and died for you!  REJOICE in my everlasting love for you!  Continue to HOPE in my strength for you to live my values!  Trust me!

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LAY DIRECTOR, MARY ANN DOWD

Beloved Cursillistas,

In this new year of 2012 we would like to invite any and all cursillistas to give us a "keynote" for the New Year.  God has given our community so many gifts and graces to use for the good of all.  Today, I look to Our Lady, our life, our sweetness and our hope for the future and the journey.  Looking forward to reading what The Holy Spirit has put on all of your hearts.  Happy New Year!

Forever DeColores, Mary Ann