2016 National Encounter to be held at Lewis University

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Betty Beasley
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National Secretariat is making plans for 1000 Cursillistas to participate in this year s Encounter, remarked Tim Moore, Lay Director for the Joliet Diocese (English).

There is also a Fiesta on Saturday evening which must be experienced. The cost for the Encounter is $345 ($400 after June 16th) per attendee inclusive of room and board and all programs.

1 Newsletter of the Joliet Cursillo Spring National Encounter to be held at Lewis University The 2016 National Encounter is coming to Lewis University in Romeoville. This will be the first time the Encounter has been hosted by the Joliet Diocese. The four-day program will commence the evening of Thursday August 4th and end with breakfast Sunday August 7th. National Secretariat is making plans for 1000 Cursillistas to participate in this year s Encounter, remarked Tim Moore, Lay Director for the Joliet Diocese (English). Fiesta at 2015 National Encounter. Bishop Conlan will be celebrating Mass and there will be speakers from all over the US on the program. There is also a Fiesta on Saturday evening which must be experienced. The cost for the Encounter is $345 ($400 after June 16th) per attendee inclusive of room and board and all programs. A special reduced fee of $250 is available on a limited basis for commuter attendees including all meals and program access but no lodging. This is possibly the only chance you will have in your life to sing De Colores with 1000 of your closest friends, observed Barb Linek, Lay Director for the Joliet Cursillo (Spanish) and veteran of several past National Encounters. (See video: Top Ten Reasons to Attend the National Encounter.) Registration is open on the National Cursillo Website or by calling National headquarters at Inside this Issue 2016 National Encounter...Page 1 From the Lay Directors.....Page 1 Art for Christ s Sake....Page 2-7 African Queen....Page 8-9 Real Nice Pig Roast..Pages Ultreya Grande... Page 14 Close Encounters...Page 15 My Back Pages..Page 16 From the Lay Directors, Tim Moore & Barb Linek A Call for Help You have been told! We have been selected to host the 2016 National Encounter. I was fortunate enough to attend the 2015 National Encounter at Villanova University near Philadelphia last summer. I can testify from personal experience that it is an event well worth attending. (See article page 15.) As the host diocese, we have been asked to support the Encounter with a number of committees which will provide many of the supporting services needed to make the Encounter a success. Can you help? If you can, please contact myself or Barb Linek and we will be glad to find a committee you can support. Peace and Happy Easter! Tim Moore tmoore@wideopenwest.com Barb Linek blinek29@gmail.com

Art for Christ s Sake: An Illustration of Love By Robert Barron After dinner he said, I ve gotta go right now.

Jim Yep made his way from their home of two years in Winfield to the Maryknoll Seminary in Glen Ellyn, location of the Men s 38 th Cursillo Weekend.

About an hour after he left, a priest arrived at our door. I said, Oh, Jim is not here, he s at Cursillo.

2 Art for Christ s Sake: An Illustration of Love By Robert Barron After dinner he said, I ve gotta go right now. He didn t even kiss me good-bye, recalled Shirley Yep of her husband, professional Artist and active Cursillista Jim Yep. Jim Yep made his way from their home of two years in Winfield to the Maryknoll Seminary in Glen Ellyn, location of the Men s 38 th Cursillo Weekend. He was intent to deliver Palanca letters in support of his two eldest sons, Chris Jim Yep, Men s 17th Cursillo He never returned. and Tim who were candidates on the Weekend. About an hour after he left, a priest arrived at our door. I said, Oh, Jim is not here, he s at Cursillo. The priest said there had been an auto accident and that Jim had been killed, remembered Shirley. Jim Yep lived as he died, a servant of Christ. Shirley recalls the first time she saw Jim when they both worked at the Daily News along the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, the early days of their courtship and the opportunity that led to their marriage. I was working at the Daily News in To go out for lunch, I had to pass the boss office. Outside of the office was this handsome young man, with his portfolio looking for a job. I passed him and I turned and looked at him and he looked at me. I thought, I like this guy I came back the next day and he was there working. I lost my job at the Daily News when a 2-year long typographers strike ended. They had hired artists to set the type during the strike. I found another job a couple of blocks away and we would meet for lunch. A friend called one day and said do you know anyone who wants an apartment, since they had found a better one. So I said yes, but don t tell Jim that we re gonna get married. So Jim always told the story, I never asked her to get married. She just told me we were going to get married. Jim and Shirley Yep outside the Chicago Daily News Building in Jim was 24 and three years older than Shirley. They would be married on July 7, In 24 years of marriage, Shirley and Jim Yep raised ten children in their western suburban homes in Lombard and then Winfield. They were members of Sacred Heart in Lombard and then St. John the Baptist in Winfield. Jim Yep grew up in Chicago s Chinatown. His father was Chinese and his mother was Polish. His mother made sure he attended Mass. He was very devout, recalled Shirley. Army Air Corps during WWII. During World War II, Jim served in the US Army Air Corp as a mechanic, maintaining B- 26 bombers for the 552 nd Bomb Group. The group was based in England and then moved forward to France and then Belgium before the end of the war. After the war, he attended the American Academy of Fine Arts, which led him to the Chicago Daily News. (continued on page 6.) 2

A binding love: Renderings of Jesus, giant

bridges graced Jim Yep s art which ranged

3 A binding love: Renderings of Jesus, giant roosters, bells and disciples tumbling off bridges graced Jim Yep s art which ranged from the sacred to the whimsical. Note the caricature of the late Fr. Kevin Shanley, OC, standing behind the rooster (upper right). Jim Yep pioneered the Weekend binder cover and designed 16 of them. CLICK ON ILLUSTRATIONS to ENLARGE 3

Art for Christ s Sake: An Illustration of Love (cont.

Above: A Christmas Card from the Yep s when they had

4 Art for Christ s Sake: An Illustration of Love (cont. from page 3) Designs for the family. Top left: A Valentines Day card for the love of Jim s life, his wife Shirl. Above: A Christmas Card from the Yep s when they had three children. Left: A later Christmas Card featuring renderings of all ten children of Jim and Shirley Yep. 4

Professional Artist Top Left: The late former Chicago Bears coach Abe Gibron (center) and

Daily News Sports section in the early 70s.

for the illustration read, They All Grow Up Too Soon.

5 Professional Artist Top Left: The late former Chicago Bears coach Abe Gibron (center) and Chicago White Sox star Dick Allen (right) grace the illustration Jim Yep did for a Chicago Daily News Sports section in the early 70s. Above: From the Chicago Daily News, November 2324, 1974, the day after Jim passed, the title for the illustration read, They All Grow Up Too Soon. Left: A whimsical look at the Gospel verse from Matthew 19:24. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. 5

Art for Christ s Sake: An Illustration of Love (cont. from page 5) Jim attended the Men s 17th Cursillo Weekend in February 1967. Shirley did not want him to go.

His artwork graced the covers of sixteen of these Weekend binders. Indeed before Jim, there was no cover art for Weekend binders.

6 Art for Christ s Sake: An Illustration of Love (cont. from page 5) Jim attended the Men s 17th Cursillo Weekend in February Shirley did not want him to go. She recalled, He came back changed and I didn t like that! Over the next seven years, Jim served on 17 Weekend teams in both the conference room and on Palanca and Kitchen teams. His artwork graced the covers of sixteen of these Weekend binders. Indeed before Jim, there was no cover art for Weekend binders. Shirley herself was a convert to the Catholic church having been raised in the Congregational church and baptized in the Presbyterian church. I wanted to become a Catholic. I did all the things you re Jim Yep in front of his 25th Anniversary of Israel wall mural. As for her own Cursillo experience, she recalled that she did not want to go, but in the end remarked that the experience was wonderful as I met the Lord there. Jim s Palanca for Shirley on her Weekend consisted of him watching their ten children. He sent Shirley a Palanca letter which was signed by the children old enough to do so with their Palanca activity promises indicated and illustrated by Jim. Excerpt from Jim Yep s Palanca cartoon for his wife Shirley s Cursillo Weekend. supposed to do - say the rosary, prayers. I went to Sunday school as a protestant since I was 2-yrs old. You know it all, but you don t know, recalled Shirley. 6 As a professional artist for the Daily News, Jim s work ranged from politics to sports to supplement illustrations as well as turns as a court-reporting artist. He covered the 1969 Chicago 8 Conspiracy Trial. His work was also visible on a building mural (2658 West Van Buren) over-looking the Eisenhower Expressway commemorating the founding of the modern state of Israel.

On his own time in his basement studio, he created the annual Yep family Christmas card and also Valentines for his wife Shirley, or as he fondly called her, Shirl.

7 On his own time in his basement studio, he created the annual Yep family Christmas card and also Valentines for his wife Shirley, or as he fondly called her, Shirl. Towards the end of his life, Jim considered entering the Deaconate program and indeed made his application. Just after he died, the letter arrived from the Diocese accepting his application. We were lucky Jim lived such a nice life and left such a great legacy, observed Shirley. Ten children, his art and a vibrant Cursillo movement great legacy indeed! a grateful patient s husband. Deborah had come across the picture in her mother s house as she was helping her mother get ready to move. An employee of mine, Deborah, approached me one day out of the blue and asked me if I was related to the Yep family that had lived in Lombard. When I responded positively, she said she had something for me, but would not tell me what it was. The next day, Deborah handed me a package and told me the following story. Her mother had been a nurse at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. She had worked at the hospital for over thirty years before she retired. At her retirement, her fellow employees had given her a gift. As the last of a group of nurses who had been at the hospital for an extended period of time, her fellow employees wanted her to have a picture that had hung in the nurse s lounge for many years. This picture had been donated by The picture was a cartoon caricature of the nurses on the unit, with a heartfelt blessing and thank you from the donor for the care provided to his family. Deborah presented the picture to me as a gift. The picture was drawn by Jim Yep, my father, in gratitude for those who cared for his wife and all their children. Deborah had identified the relationship from the copy of my father s obituary that the nurses had taped to the back of the picture so many years ago. Most of my parents children had been born at Elmhurst Hospital. My dad had drawn the picture as a gift for the nurses at the hospital in gratitude for the care my mom had received. By John Yep (Men s 122nd) Click on image to enlarge. 7

African Queen By Tom Mayer, School of Leaders Chair, Joliet Cursillo I am happy to report that the Queen of Heaven Medical Center in Nyakyera in the Ntungamo District in Uganda- East Africa is open

Alfred Tumwesigye, my Cursillo brother and the priest who had the vision for this project along with Archbishop Paul K.

8 African Queen By Tom Mayer, School of Leaders Chair, Joliet Cursillo I am happy to report that the Queen of Heaven Medical Center in Nyakyera in the Ntungamo District in Uganda- East Africa is open for business! Many of you helped with fund raising efforts (see The Prescription is Pasta in the Fall 2014 Newsletter) by the Friends of Shalom for Uganda in support of this mission over the past several years. Now that dream has become reality! I was privileged to be on -hand along with Fr. Alfred Tumwesigye, my Cursillo brother and the priest who had the vision for this project along with Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga of the Mbarara Archdiocese when the center was opened and named in honor of our Blessed Mother. It is now called, the Mary Queen of Heaven Medical Center. On the day the center opened, there was no electrical power available. Since last summer, Fr. Alfred has seen to it that power poles and lines were constructed and have been completed, brining much needed electrical power to the Center. Completion of the internal lighting and distribution of power throughout the Center is ongoing as funds become available. The Mary Queen of Heaven Medical Center in Uganda. Tom and Fr. Alfred stand outside the Mary Queen of Heaven Medical Center. One of the dedicated members of the Center s staff is Dr. Veronika who hails from the Czech Republic. She came to Uganda as a missionary doctor a few years back, fell in love with the country and people and signed on to help Father with the center. (See photo.) I was also blessed to be able to make a side trip to Kibeho in Rwanda. Kibeho is the location of the only Vatican approved Marian Apparition site in Africa. During the years from 1981 to 1989, the Blessed Mother appeared to three young students of Kibeho College a secondary school for girls. The messages received by Alphonsine Mumureke, Marie Claire Mukangango and Nathalie Mukamazimpaka warned of the coming genocide and urged the people to pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows to obtain the favor of repentance and reconciliation. The Blessed Mother asked that a chapel be built of the site of the apparitions. Father would like to add solar panels as a back-up power source. This is essential as critical medicines on hand require continuous refrigeration and daily power interruptions are a fact of life in Uganda. The three visionaries, Alphonsine, Marie Claire and Nathalie. 8

In spite of the Blessed Mother s warnings, a fratricidal war and genocide ensued and at its height in 1994, Marie Claire was killed during a massacre at Kibeho College.

Alfred (Men s 123rd) and started Friends of Shalom for Uganda to help Fathers Alfred s vision become a reality and traveled half-way around the world to be present at its

Veronika tends to a young mother and her child. Now, a shrine, Our Lady of Kibeho has been constructed at the site of the apparitions.

Mockleen looks on as Nathalie receives prayer requests from Tom to convey to the Blessed Mother, including one for the Joliet Cursillo.

9 In spite of the Blessed Mother s warnings, a fratricidal war and genocide ensued and at its height in 1994, Marie Claire was killed during a massacre at Kibeho College. never met Fr. Alfred (Men s 123rd) and started Friends of Shalom for Uganda to help Fathers Alfred s vision become a reality and traveled half-way around the world to be present at its dedication. May God continue to show favor to us and may the Joliet Cursillo Movement continue to bring others to Christ and show us his infinite love for all. Dr. Veronika tends to a young mother and her child. Now, a shrine, Our Lady of Kibeho has been constructed at the site of the apparitions. I had the honor of meeting Nathalie during my visit. I asked her to extend three prayers to the Blessed Mother. Sr. Mockleen looks on as Nathalie receives prayer requests from Tom to convey to the Blessed Mother, including one for the Joliet Cursillo. There were so many close moments during this trip. One of my more memorable nights was sitting outside the medical center and admiring God s beauty and infinite dimensions with all the stars in the night sky. I have never felt the peace of God so deliberately with joy in my heart that I was where He wanted me to be in Africa. I have much to be thankful for, especially the gift of Cursillo. If it hadn t been for the Joliet Cursillo, I may have Our Lady of Kibeho statue at the shrine. 9

This was a Real Nice PIG ROAST! We re mighty glad we came. That vittles we et, were great you bet, the company was the same!

Hit tip to Oscar Hammerstein for that introduction to our photo essay of last summer s Cursillo Pig Roast and picnic.

Here is a partial list of the rest: The Grossmayer family, Tom and Marybeth Filipowski, Nan and Paul Yancey, Steve Hoehn, Todd McKinney, Philip

.. Paul McGuire, Mickey, Julia and Tim Grygiel, Austin, Derek, Doug and Kathleen Bernhard.

Ann s Parish, Chan- Our Musicians! The men attack the beast. Tim Moore approves. nahon and assisted by Dn. John Spiezio of St. Petronille s.

10 This was a Real Nice PIG ROAST! We re mighty glad we came. That vittles we et, were great you bet, the company was the same! headed the effort and to Tom Mayer for the inspiring us all to persevere! Special thanks to the Bernhard family for the Guest of Honor (aka the pig.). Hit tip to Oscar Hammerstein for that introduction to our photo essay of last summer s Cursillo Pig Roast and picnic. In this Manhattan, clams aren t in season, but pigs always are! Here is a partial list of the rest: The Grossmayer family, Tom and Marybeth Filipowski, Nan and Paul Yancey, Steve Hoehn, Todd McKinney, Philip Murray, Tim and Paul McGuire, Tim Grygiel and Steve Hoehn load the pig onto the roaster. Moment of silence please... Paul McGuire, Mickey, Julia and Tim Grygiel, Austin, Derek, Doug and Kathleen Bernhard. The event was held on July 19th, 2015 at the Round Barn Farm near Manhattan, IL. The day started with Mass celebrated by Fr. Peter Jarosz of St. Ann s Parish, Chan- Our Musicians! The men attack the beast. Tim Moore approves. nahon and assisted by Dn. John Spiezio of St. Petronille s. We had a wonderful group of musicians who accompanied our worship service. The event raised funds for the Joliet Cursillo movement as well as for the Daybreak Center in Joliet. (Surplus pork also donated to Daybreak.) There are so many to thank for all the hard work in organizing and operating this event. We will start with Paul McGuire of St. Joseph s Parish in Manhattan who spear- 10 Our Future Cursillistas?

11 The de la Cruz family enjoys the fun. Mike Iozzo & Tom Mayer (Sorry Mike, no soccer today ) A Rick sandwich! Rick, Bill, Paul and Rick... Barb Linek with Nora Robles and the Peraltes. Phil McEntee and the Krols. The Russells and the Seatons. Mickey Grygiel, Bill Bernhard, Kathi D Onofrio, Mark and Elizabeth Young, Aida Jacoby, Paulina Engel and Deb Hoekstra. Also Berkot s Super Foods of Manhattan and the Manhattan Park District. 11

12 This was a Real Nice PIG ROAST! (cont. from page 11) Volleyball, baggo, Piñata-bashing, linedancing and how-to use your cell-phone lessons provided by our teens were some of the featured activities. 12

13 At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face I Cor 13:12 Can you recognize these faces? Face-painting was provided by Aida Jacoby and Paulina Engel. I didn t have such a good time! Our hearts are warm, our bellies are full, and we are feeling prime. This was a real nice PIG ROAST, and we all had a real good time! 13

Ultreya Grande 2016 By Robert Barron The annual Ultreya Grande was held Sunday February 28th at St.

Over 150 Cursillistas and their guests joined in to celebrate Mass, have dinner, share fellowship

St. Petronille s on February 28th. Tim Moore, Lay Director (English) and Fr.

Shannon Webster with her new hot friend. Spanish and English by Fr.

Winfield. He was assisted by Dn. Jim Eaker of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst.

raffle. Ed Burjek, Fourth Day Funds raised will go tochair, MC d the event.

14 Ultreya Grande 2016 By Robert Barron The annual Ultreya Grande was held Sunday February 28th at St. Petronille parish in Glen Ellyn. Over 150 Cursillistas and their guests joined in to celebrate Mass, have dinner, share fellowship and hear two inspiring witness talks, one by Shannon Webster and one (in English and Spanish by Adrian Peraltes.) Mass was celebrated in Over 150 Cursillistas and their guests attended the 2016 Ultreya Grande at St. Petronille s on February 28th. Tim Moore, Lay Director (English) and Fr. Matt Pratscher (Spiritual Director) for the Joliet Cursillo. Shannon Webster with her new hot friend. Spanish and English by Fr. Matt Pratscher, Spiritual Director for the Joliet Cursillo and Pastor of ST, John the Baptist in Winfield. He was assisted by Dn. Jim Eaker of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst. Thanks to the many Cursillistas who were so generous with their donations of gift baskets for our raffle. Ed Burjek, Fourth Day Funds raised will go tochair, MC d the event. wards defraying the cost of Weekends for Candidates who could not otherwise afford to attend a Cursillo Weekend. Many thanks to Ed Burjek and the many Cursillistas who helped organize and run the event. Thanks also to Fr. 14 Adrianna Perales gave witness in both English and Spanish. ( Muy Bueno!) James Dougherty and St. Petronille s parish for the use of their spectacular hall for our celebrations!

Close Encounters of a Cursillo Kind By Tim Moore, Lay Director (English), Joliet Cursillo This past summer my wife Kathy and I had the wonderful privilege of attending the 2015 National Encounter at

The National Encounter is an annual exercise undertaken by the National Cursillo Executive Committee in cooperation with the local Cursillo Movement.

15 Close Encounters of a Cursillo Kind By Tim Moore, Lay Director (English), Joliet Cursillo This past summer my wife Kathy and I had the wonderful privilege of attending the 2015 National Encounter at Villanova University in Villanova, PA near Philadelphia. The National Encounter is an annual exercise undertaken by the National Cursillo Executive Committee in cooperation with the local Cursillo Movement. (In this case it was Cursillo Region 2 and the Philadelphia Diocesan Cursillo Movement.) We were warmly welcomed on Thursday evening by Reverend Alex Waraksa, National Cursillo Spiritual Advisor, and also by the English and Spanish Diocesan Lay Directors. Following was an opening Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Carlos Sevilla, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Yakima in Washington state along with the National Cursillo Episcopal Advisor and 43 other priests and deacons! That was a unique experience in itself as you can well imagine. Friday started with breakfast, Morning Prayers and a Keynote Address by Dr. Ralph Martin on the Key to Evangelization and Mass. There were two more talks in the afternoon and following each, time was allocated for small group sharing and discussion, much like what we experience on a Weekend. Barb Linek and Tim Moore led the Joliet Cursillo delegation to the 2015 National Encounter in Villanova, PA. getting up in front singing and dancing. As there were five language groups represented at the encounter, a number of the groups performed ethic songs and dances. It was a very beautiful, uplifting, happy and joy filled time. Kathy and I both felt blessed to have been able to attend the Encounter. We made it a point to sit at different places during the talks, Masses and in the dining room so that we could meet as many people as possible. I particularly enjoyed meeting Cursillistas from all over the country hearing their stories as well as sharing my story with them. All were so happy and full of joy and love. Cursillistas are the nicest people in the world! Now as it turns out, we will be the host Movement for the 2016 National Encounter this August 7-10th at Lewis University in Romeoville. (Please see page 1.) After dinner, there was an Ultreya and a Holy Hour that included a Benediction and adoration. The Holy Hour was my closest moment of the encounter. Being in a room with upwards of 700 people quietly praying and adoring Christ was very moving to me. Saturday morning featured Morning Prayers and two talks. Following lunch there was time for each region to meet as a group, followed by a National Cursillo Center update and Mass. The encounter culminated Saturday night with a fiesta, a celebration of Cursillo, Christ s love for us and our love for Christ. The fiesta consisted of groups of people Hoang Tran, National Cursillo Service Administrator addresses the 2015 National Encounter It will be an awesome event and I am looking forward to it with great joy and anticipation. Barb Linek and I will be reaching out to you for help in planning, organizing and implementing our responsibilities in the coming months. Our success will depend on support from the National Cursillo Executive Committee and earnest Palanca. Thanks to all of you in advance! 15

My Back Pages I Thank-you, I Thank-you Very Much To our contributors for this issue: John Yep, Tom Mayer, Paul McGuire and Tim Moore.

Nov 10th-13th Women s 124th Rectora: TBA Over the last two Weekends, we were blessed with an abundance of Candidates. Please keep up the great work!

16 My Back Pages I Thank-you, I Thank-you Very Much To our contributors for this issue: John Yep, Tom Mayer, Paul McGuire and Tim Moore. Upcoming Joliet Cursillo Weekends for 2016 Dates Weekend Rector/a - April 7th - 10th Men s 131st Bill Santo - April 28th May 1st Women s 123rd Eileen Searls - Nov 3rd - 6th Men s 132nd Rector: TBA - Nov 10th-13th Women s 124th Rectora: TBA Over the last two Weekends, we were blessed with an abundance of Candidates. Please keep up the great work! Pray about your potential Candidate and then ask them to make one of the above Weekends. Links to more on the 2015 National Encounter Photo Gallery Talks Check out the NEW National Cursillo Center website! Resources Newsletters Literature and more! - He is Risen, Hallelujah! He is Risen Indeed Hallelujah, Hallelujah! The Joliet Cursillo PO Box 4247 Lisle, IL Web Page: Facebook: Lay Director, Tim Moore: tmoore@wideopenwest.com Spiritual Director: Fr. Matt Pratscher: frmatt@st-francis-xavier.com Asst. Lay Director, Marta Spiezio: spiezio.marta@gmail.com Newsletter, web, s, Robert Barron: robert_barron@comcast.net Prayer Warriors: prayer@jolietcursillo.org 16

The Cursillo Movement

The Cursillo Movement National Cursillo Center P.O. Box 210226 Dallas, TX 75221 214-339-6321 Fax 214-339-6322 www.natl-cursillo.org June 2006 To: Fm: Re: National Mailing Recipients National Cursillo Center