THE FOURTH DAY

            The 4^th Day points to the rest of the person’s life from the time the Cursillo Weekend closes until the time the person’s days on earth end.  The Cursillo believes that in order to maintain one’s commitment to live up to what our Catholic Faith asks of us, we need the help of others.  “No Man is an Island.”  That phrase says it for the people who have made a Cursillo.  You can’t go it alone!  You need the active support, inspiration, encouragement, and understanding of your brothers and sisters in Christ. 

            In order to supply a person with that continuing support for his or her spiritual life and the development of that life, the Cursillo recommends a number of “people contacts” in the person’s life-pattern.  These personal meetings occur on three levels:  “Spiritual Direction,” “Group Reunion,” and “Ultreya.”

            “Spiritual Direction” refers to the need a person has to be in touch with a professional.  That pro is usually a Priest but need not be one, and their job is to “coach” people as they live out their renewed commitment to their faith.  Any number of things can be discussed with one’s spiritual director:  from sins all the way to how to relate better with your boss.

            “Group Reunions” are voluntary gatherings of people (ideally, no more than 6-8) who come together to grow spiritually into better Christians.  It is suggested that “G.R.’s” meet weekly or bi-weekly at a time convenient to the group membership in order to share with one another their Christian lives.  At these gatherings, the members (who typically have made a particular Cursillo together) talk about experiences since their last reunion in which they have felt the presence of God in their lives.  They share good, as well as bad, aspects of their week.  They report to one another about a matter each person or the group has decided to be accountable for.  And finally, they pray together in a format determined by the group and their situation.

            To someone who has not made a Cursillo, such intimate sharing may seem to be something they could not or would not do, or something they do not need in their lives.  All a person can say is that most people coming into a Cursillo felt the same way.

            “Ultreyas” comes from the Spanish word meaning, “go further” or “go higher.”  In the Diocese of Erie, Ultreyas are scheduled in various areas once a month.  The concept behind such gathering again is the need for personal support if a person is to keep living up to his Christian Ideals.  At these Ultreyas, the person brushes against a large number of people whose presence tells him or her that these people are as serious about the Christian Life as I am, as my Spiritual Director is, as my Group Reunion is!  Ultreyas usually include the Eucharistic Liturgy.