February 2009

Ash Wednesday,
 February 25

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, our forty-day preparation for Easter.  The Ash Wednesday Liturgy reminds us to “observe a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance, by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.”

(BCP p.265)

Ash Wednesday Services

7:30 am        Imposition of Ashes
12 noon        Imposition of Ashes
6:30 pm        Imposition of Ashes
with Holy Eucharist

Pg. 1
Text Box: Announcing -- Cursillo 223! February 19 – 22, 2009 What does Cursillo do? It helps to renew and deepen Christian commitment. Cursillo is one of many renewal movements. Many people have said Cursillo provides an important learning experience which causes many to feel like newly made Christians with a purpose and with support. The Three-Day Weekend brings together a diverse group of Episcopalians to share the richness of many modes of worship and to broaden each one's appreciation for our Church. Lay people conduct the weekend with two or three members of the clergy functioning as spiritual advisors. Cursillo presumes that those who attend are already well grounded in the faith. It is not intended to be a conversion experience but an enriching and deepening of what is already there. It often provides new insights into our faith as well as fostering ministry among lay people. The weekend begins Thursday evening spent in the Chapel with meditations, discussions, and Compline. Then blessed silence is kept until after the worship on Friday morning. After breakfast, participants are assigned to table groups for the weekend. The three days are filled with talks and group discussions with emphasis on the doctrine of Grace, the Sacraments, and the great Cursillo tripod: Piety, Study, and Action. Plus there is fellowship, singing, good food, and time for privacy, meditation, prayer, and walks through the beautiful grounds of Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas. Eucharist is celebrated each day. St. Francis is presently looking for previous Cursillistas to be sponsors for attendees to Cursillo 223, which is scheduled for Feb. 19 -22. Please contact Mother Suzanne, Father Fenton or Marty and Mairi Krausse for more information.

Information about Cursillo is also available online at the following websites:

National Cursillo Center: http://www.natl-cursillo.org/

The Cursillos in Christianity: http://www.EpiscopalCursilloTexas.org
Cursillo