Cursillo is a short course in Christianity. Over a weekend -- from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon -- participants in Cursillo experience living in a community of people who are trying to live as Christians.

Cursillo was developed by the Catholic Church in Majorca, Spain, and was brought to the U.S. by Spanish airmen stationed in Texas during the 1950's. Cursillo spread, with the help of Catholic sponsors, to the Episcopal Church in Iowa and Minnesota in 1972, and has been a growing phenomenon ever since. More than 4,000 men and women have attended Episcopal Cursillo weekends in Minnesota.

A weekend is full of talks by clergy and laity, worship services, and discussions of the meaning of Church teachings. A great deal of learning -- and spiritual growth -- occurs in a short time. Those members of Ascension who've attended speak of the joy of focusing three full days on their lives as Christians, and they're enthusiastic sponsors of anyone else who'd like to have the experience.

For more information contact Ascension Parish Cursillo Coordinator Tim Schmolke at 651-439-8652 or t.schmolke@ae-church.org