MESSAGE FROM OUR BISHOP Dear Friends, Almighty and everlasting God, you despise nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. At the last General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada a motion was passed repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. This is a doctrine of the Church going back to the Middle Ages. The Doctrine gave explorers from Christian lands the right to claim, first unoccupied lands and then unused land, and to dominate all non- Christian peoples. It allowed explorers to see the peoples they met in the New World as savage beasts, to refer to them as such, and, in many instances, to treat them as such. The place of aboriginal peoples in Canada, historically, at the lowest end of the economic scale and in many cities, making up the highest numbers of homeless and incarcerated persons is testimony to the destructiveness, indeed, the sinfulness, of that Doctrine. My intent this Lent is to acknowledge the brokenness of our Church around that doctrine, to lament that sin and to encourage our people to study the motion on the Anglican Church of Canada Website to study the Doctrine of Discovery and perhaps begin to understand the grave injustices we inflicted on our First Nations Peoples. A Church stands on very thin ice when we judge the world but do not look deeply into our own sinfulness. I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5.21-24 May you have a meaningful and challenging Lent as you go into the wilderness to spend time in repentance and find remission. +David The Diocese of Central Newfoundland TO: 34 Fraser Road Gander, N.L., A1V 2E8
MESSAGE FROM OUR LAY DIRECTOR The one Latin phrase I remember from my High School days is tempus fugit literally time flies. The May Cursillo Weekend is fast approaching and there is much planning to be done in a short while. My focus in the coming months will be on what is Cursillo and on the Cursillo Method. The Cursillo method has three parts, identification of leaders in our environment, the three day weekend (the Cursillo) and a follow-up support system which focuses attention on Christian Action. You were invited to experience a weekend because someone thought that you would make a good leader and doing a Cursillo would enhance your spiritual life. Your weekend encouraged you to live out your fourth day in the service of Christ and in so doing bring change to your environment. In order to do this, support is continually required, for we cannot do it on our own. The first part of the support system is Group Reunions, which allow a few friends to come together for mutual encouragement and support in the life of grace. Group Reunions help us overcome the obstacles we encounter in our daily walk with Christ and is a fundamental part of Cursillo. We have weekends so that we might have Group Reunions. Secondly we have Ultreyas - our monthly meeting with others who have participated in a weekend. At Ultreyas we share, worship and learn so that the church and our own faith may be built up. By the time you read this message, we will already be into the Lenten Season and all of the preparations leading up to Easter, a time of reflection, fasting, and renewal. The Lenten season is a time to reflect on the meaning and power of Easter. It is a time of prayer and self-examination of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As Cursillistas, Lent should not be just for personal growth but for the growth of the church. We should pray and fast not so much for ourselves but that others are told about Jesus. We need to look at our friends, our neighbors, our families and tell them about Jesus and invite them to come and experience for themselves the joy of Easter. There are more people searching than you may think. We are told to bring people to Christ. The fields are white already for harvest, John 4:35. Prayerfully consider who you want to invite to the next Cursillo weekend. Remember tempus fugit. May your Lenten journey be fruitful. Ultreya Fred UPCOMING EVENTS March 19 th..ultreya..gambo.10:30 a.m. April 16 th.ultreya Twillingate.10:30 a.m. May 20 th 23 rd.weekend.mint Brook...T.B.A. Note: It is nice to arrive at the Ultreyas at 10:30a.m., allowing for a period of time to have a chat, shed outdoor clothing, and settle in before the main activities begin. It makes for a personal and enjoyable experience.
MESSAGE FROM OUR SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR Dear Friends, As I write this letter two seasons, one from the church calendar and one from the natural order, lie before us. The first season is the Season of Lent: the season where most tend to loosely follow Jesus lead with what may be called our Lenten exercise. The Gospel readings of Matthew, Luke, and Mark for the 1st Sunday of Lent all speak to Jesus forty days in the wilderness; time spent fasting and discerning the will of God; a time of preparation and equipment for the mission and ministry set before him; a time to face, and conquer, temptation. I say most of us loosely follow Jesus lead as our tendency is to look upon Lent as a time to give up something along the lines of sweets, treats, or bad habits, while looking forward to Easter Sunday when our time of self-denial will be over. For many, Lent is time spent testing our own wills by denying ourselves favored things like chocolate or coffee. We are known for restricting certain activities during lent, yet we make the mistake of limiting Lent to a time of penitence, with no repentance; more like a time of punishment than rewarding life style change. Many tend to make light of the things given up or taken up for Lent, it s only forty days after all. The question to be considered is how these things bring us closer to God. How do they help us with understanding God s purpose for us? If the changes we propose for Lent are not going to further our relationship with God and with our neighbors then we should be asking the question what will? and focus on what we discover. Lent is a time to repent, to change our ways: to give up things that hurt us, that prevent us from being all that we were created to be. Chocolate and coffee may fall into this category if they are harmful to our physical and emotional wellbeing, but still more important are things that affect our spiritual well-being: pursuit of material goods, addictions, pride and prejudice, lack of forgiveness. Our time and efforts would be better spent if we were to look at giving up these things, or at least controlling them. Not just for the days of Lent, but beyond. Lent is a time to be renewed, a time to clear away the clutter that stands between us and God s will for us. Jesus understood God s will and His forty days was time spent in preparation to follow it; facing temptation secure in the knowledge of God. We have to work a little harder, we have to make and take the time to discern God s will, and what stands between us and it: make a list, check things off; study, pray, spend some quiet time with God and prepare for the future God has in store. The second season, just around the corner, is the calendar season of spring, the season of renewal, of rebirth. It is my prayer that our Lenten season is a fruitful one which draws us closer to God leaving us renewed to enter the season of new life; secure in our life in Christ with all its blessings. May the Lenten season leave you with a true sense that Christ has risen in your life, may it leave you rejoicing in the Good News and equipped to share it. God s blessings always, Ultreya! Rev. Tim
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR We will be into the Season of Lent when this flyer is distributed. My family and I spent some time this year deciding what we would do for Lent in order to examine and deepen our commitment to Jesus. For Advent, one of our activities involved sharing a book together. We found this to be rewarding for all of us, so we decided to try it again as part of our Lenten activities. We chose a simply-worded book that attempts to answer a lot of basic questions about Christianity. We are finding this to be a good choice because it prompts some discussion with our teenager. It is not always easy to get input from him at this stage, but this book seems to strike a chord with him. It is important to find ways to engage young people in spiritual activities and discussion. My husband and I decided to give up television for Lent. We are allowed to use our computers, but not for videos or to view television programs. We are curious to see what effect this will have on our use of time. We are hoping that it will result in more prayer, reflection, family interaction and spiritually-based activities. My prayer for you all is that whatever you choose to do during this Lenten season, it will draw you closer to Christ and the Peace and Healing that only He can offer. It is the most opportune time of the year to avail of activities and support to explore and deepen our commitment to following Jesus. Des Colores! Stella <>< NATIONAL CURSILLO PRAYER CYCLE Please pray for the Diocesan Bishops, Diocesan Cursillo Movements and their leaders and communities, that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit and be a source of strength, encouragement and support to each other. Pray for guidance, discernment and wisdom that all will be done for the glory of God as we strive to change our environments for Christ, through Piety, Study and Action. Monday Pray for Cursillo worldwide. Tuesday Pray for Cursillo in Canada and your National Secretariat. Wednesday Pray for the Cursillo Movements and all Dioceses in the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada: The Dioceses of Eastern NL, Central NL, Western NL, Nova Scotia & PEI, New Brunswick, Montreal, and Quebec. Thursday Pray for the Cursillo Movements and all Dioceses in the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario: The Dioceses of Ottawa, Toronto, Huron, Algoma, Moosonee, and Niagara. Friday Pray for the Cursillo Movements and Dioceses in the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert s Land: The Dioceses of Brandon, Rupert s Land, Qu Appelle, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Keewatin, The Arctic, Edmonton, Athabasca, and Calgary. Saturday Pray for the Cursillo Movements and all Dioceses in the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and the Yukon: The Dioceses of the Yukon, New Westminster, British Columbia, Kootenay, APCI, and Caledonia. Sunday Pray for your own Diocesan Cursillo Movement.
PRAYER REQUESTS... and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. PLEASE HOLD UP IN PRAYER: Those going through illness: Loretta Green Ray Chaulk Rev. Paul Thoms Neville Turner Rev. John Watton Linda Gillingham Those having lost loved ones: Rev. Perry Cooper - mother Rev. Perry Cooper - father Josie Lewis - mother-in-law Cursillistas who have gone to their 5th Day: Hazel Cooper Mabel Bolt Jane Lewis * Note to Contact Persons I really appreciate it when you get in touch with me with Prayer Requests from your area. This is so important, as we wouldn t want anyone to miss out on having others pray for them! As well, they will also receive a card of inspiration from their Cursillo friends. Just call me at 256-4785 or e-mail: berylboland@nf.sympatico.ca Submitted by Beryl Boland Christmas Ultreya Baytona, Gander Bay parish December 4, 2010. What a beautiful spring like day as 63 Cursillistas from the Central Diocese headed out for Baytona. Everyone was welcomed with coffee, tea, goodies and hugs. After chatting with old friends and meeting new ones, we headed upstairs to the church. Beryl Boland, John Barnes, and Eugene Ploughman, the music team, led us in carol singing. Rev. Yvonne was the celebrant for the Eucharist. Readers were Jean Bauld and Stella Mills. Rev. Yvonne read the children's book Put Me in a Book by Robert Munsch to start her homily and tied it in with the readings. She referred to how we are often stuck in our books and don't move out. We don't have to move far but right where we are in our families and work places. It was a lot of food for thought. After the service we went back to the basement for a delicious lunch and more fellowship. The Ultreya started at 1:30 led by our Lay Director Fred Pafford, with more singing led by the music team. After we broke into groups and shared in Pity, Study and Action for half an hour. Next was our witness speaker Sister Genevieve Bouzane who told of her walk with God and living the life of a Hermit in solitude, prayer and hospitality. Several responded to her talk. Rev. Tim our spiritual director summed it all up in scripture and finished with Be Still and Know That I Am God. Announcements and closing prayer followed. Then it was time for good byes, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and back on the road for home, until next time. Submitted by Stella Mills
CURSILLO WEBSITES National http://www.anglicancursillo.com Central NL http://www.cursilloadcn.org Eastern NL www.anglicansynodeasternnl.ca Nova Scotia/PEI http://nspeicursillo.chebucto.org Fredericton http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-3/decolores.html Niagara http://www.niagaracursillo.org/ Ottawa http://www.oacm.ca/ Toronto http://www.cursillotoronto.com/ Saskatoon http://www.sakatoon.anglican.org/cursillo.htm Edmonton http://edmonton.anglican.org/ Calgary http://www.cursillo.ab.ca/ British Columbia http://www.cursillobc.com/ Meet Your New Secretariat! By now, many of you know that we have a new Secretariat as a result of elections in October. Please keep these dedicated people in your prayers as they work together to lead our Cursillo Movement according to God's will. Bishop David Torraville Spiritual Director - Rev. Tim Graham Lay Director - Fred Pafford Secretary - Moreen Rowsell Treasurer - Christine Bartlett Servant Community - Ruby Lockhart Communications - Stella Walsh Palanca Co-ordinator - Wilf & Lorraine Brushett Pre-Cursillo Committee - Jean Eastman Ultreya Co-ordinator - Vinie Thoms Music Co-ordinator - Beryl Boland Post-Cursillo Committee - Sylvia Moss Webmaster - Fred Pafford Member - Thelma Stockley The Fourth Day Flyer is now available for viewing in PDF format on the Central Cursillo website (http://www.cursilloadcn.org/). It is also available by e-mail delivery instead of a paper copy. If you would like to be placed on the e-mail list for receiving your copy of the Flyer, please contact Stella Walsh at srtwalsh@gmail.com or 651-4174.
Ultreya at Gander February 19, 2011 An Ultreya follows a pattern that was established decades ago and provides a framework for fellowship, encouragement, sharing and worship. However, even though the format of an Ultreya is predetermined, how the Holy Spirit moves during a gathering can be as unique as each person who attends. The common outline of an Ultreya was followed at St. Martin s Hall in Gander on February 19, 2011, with singing, sharing the Eucharist, lunch, group reunions and a witness talk. It was during the witness talk given by Christine Bartlett that the Holy Spirit moved among us and provided an experience not soon to be forgotten. Christine shared painful and emotional memories of the darkest parts of her childhood and life, all the while drawing a picture for us of how God was present and has used her experiences to mold her for His own. We were deeply drawn into her story and then drawn together in the reminder of what God can do in our lives, especially to redeem the most painful suffering. Following Christine s Spirit-filled testimony, Reverend Larry Chatman was inspired to bring us together and form human circles of Healing Prayer around Christine, supporting her and uniting us all in the Peace and Love of Christ. Both of these experiences left those who attended the Ultreya feeling deeply moved and inspired by the day. Submitted by Stella Walsh WANTED An individual (preferably with suitable computer experience) to take over the responsibilities of Webmaster for the Central Diocese Cursillo website. Anyone interested can contact Fred at fred.pafford@nl.rogers.com. Ultreya Indian Bay Parish - November 20, 2010 A beautiful Ultreya was held in the Parish of Indian Bay on November 20th with approximately 79 people in attendance. The music team lead by Penny Button played lots of wonderful music and those present sang as they waited for all to arrive.a Service of Holy Eucharist began at 11am with Rev. David Coffin and Rev. Shaun O`Connor officiating. The readings were inspirational as was the very spiritual, encouraging and uplifting sermon presented by Rev. David. Celebrant for the morning was Rev. Shaun O Connor. After the service everyone went into the parish hall for a delicious cold plate lunch followed by (a just as delicious) dessert. Feeling well-nourished and refreshed we went back into the church to begin the Ultreya which was led by Fred Pafford. Following opening prayer we divided into small groups to reflect on Piety, Study and Action. Arletta Hunt of Indian Bay, witness speaker for the day, inspired those present as she talked about her journey with Christ from youth, her dry spells, faith struggles and the Lord's continual guidance as He called her to Lay and Eucharistic Ministry. Trudy Collins, accompanied by the music team and congregation as they picked up the tune, sang a song that she had written entitled Rustle the Leaves. Laying on of hands in prayer was offered to those in need of healing. Marina Kean offered thanks and praise to God for healing that is taking place. The Ultreya ended with announcements and prayerful thanksgiving for God's wonderful blessings of a time of worship and fellowship, and for the safety of those traveling to other Parishes. Submitted by Trudy Collins
Revista - Holy Trinity Parish Grand Falls-Windsor - January 14-15, 2011 The theme for the Revista was Christian Healing. Friday evening began with a gathering of 80 Cursillistas at the E.M. Bishop Hall at 6:30 p.m. At 7p.m. Fred Pafford, our Lay Director, welcomed everyone to Holy Trinity and then Rev. Tim Graham our Spiritual Director opened the Revista with prayer. Our music team led by Rev. Roy Martin began the evening with some beautiful hymns and choruses until 7:30 p.m. when Fred gave a talk on Living Out Our Fourth Day. This talk reminded us how we are to live our lives daily in our parishes, to give our best in all of our endeavors to live a Christian life. Rev. David Coffin then gave us a short talk on Christian Healing. His talk gave us many examples of healing that have been a part of his life and how important it is to pray to God with boldness. A healing service officiated by Rev. Glenn Small followed, during which there were prayer stations set up for people to go and ask for prayer and healing. The presence of the Holy Spirit during this time was felt by all in attendance. The music was such that the sense of reverence felt during the whole service was wonderful. Once again the evening finished with prayer, praise and lunch. Saturday morning started at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast cooked & served by some of our sidesmen. Rev. Larry Chatman followed with an inspirational meditation that set the tone of the day. Rev. Martin and group led us once again in singing and praising the Lord, after which Rev. Randy Lockyer gave a talk on Christian Healing and its importance in our churches. Rev. Ray Brett gave us an interesting insight into some of the healings that took place during his time in parishes throughout the area. The Holy Eucharist began at 11 a.m. with Rev. Randy as Celebrant and Bishop David doing the Homily. His homily was on the Crucifixion and Resurrection which was the beginning of the healing mission. Lunch followed, again served by parish members. At 1 p.m. the music team once again played and sang for our enjoyment and to give us inspiration. Our witness speaker Rita Rowsell gave us a wonderful insight into her work for the Lord, and how she feels she is still a work in progress and has much yet to do for the Lord. There were many responses to her witness talk and then Rev. Tim gave a scriptural reading. Ann Shears gave a talk on The Role of Laity in the Healing Ministry. This talk was to show how there are many things we can do daily to help in the healing ministry by following in Christ s footsteps and doing what he would do when we see someone in need. This was followed by more music, praise, thanksgiving and a few announcements, and then closed with a prayer by Bishop David. Everyone left for home having experienced another successful Revista. Thanks go to the Post-Cursillo Committee for their planning and to Holy Trinity Parish for the execution of the event. Submitted by Ann Shears CURSILLO WEEKEND There is a copy of the Cursillo Weekend application attached to this issue of the Flyer. Please encourage any candidates to get their application for the weekend in as soon as possible. They should also indicate if they would prefer the spring weekend or the fall weekend.