Go Fourth!

January 1997

• Diocesan Spiritual Director's Letter
• A New Job For The Lay Director
• A Letter From Norman
• UK Ultreya---southward 1996
• Cursillo Leaders Workshop, Perth
• New Beginnings
• New Beginnings Too!
• "I Can't Force You To Love Me"

DIOCESAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR'S LETTER

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Dear Friends,

I came across a story I want to share with you. When I first read it the tears began to flow, and I could see God's blessing at work in it. I hope it moves you in the same way and that it inspires you to greater efforts to spread the word about Cursillo.

'A group of young men from the Spanish Catholic Action movement were attempting to renew the church in Palma, Majorca, Spain in 1949. They had worked long and hard to get people, especially me, more involved and to counter the non-Christian world they were living in with its rise of secular values but all their efforts floundered.

Each attempt seemed worse than the one before. They were at the point of giving up. Then one evening, one of the men who had been working to develop the programme received an unexpected call from the chaplain of the local prison asking for a couple of volunteers to come to the prison and help with a difficult problem. Two young men were to be executed the next day, but they would have nothing to do with the chaplain. The chaplain thought perhaps a layman could reach them.

The man who received the call was frightened at the prospect of entering a prison, but after considerable prayer, he called a friend to join him in responding to the chaplain's call. Neither man had ever been in prison, but they agreed to come. As the two men entered the cell, they encountered the condemned pair playing cards and gambling with the guards. Prison rules declared that two guards must stay in the cell with the condemned men on the last night before execution. Their cell was littered with pornographic magazines and pin-ups. The condemned men seemed bent only on swapping dirty stories and gambling the night away.

One of the two men the chaplain had called was Eduardo Bonnin. He asked for permission to let them take the place of the guards. When this had been granted, they began talking to the prisoners, listening to their stories. Gradually, they won the prisoners' confidence and eventually, Eduardo said to them: "We came here to ask a favour of you."

At this point, the two men laughed loud and long. "A favour? Don't you realize that later this morning we..." and he made a gesture of being executed. "But there is something you can do," said Bonnin. "We only wanted you to recommend something to the Lord for us. You are the only people we have met who know when they will meet the Lord face to face. Neither the Pope nor rulers nor rich nor poor know when they will meet God, yet you do. We want you to say something to Him. We feel it is so urgent. We have this wonderful project from which we expected great fruits, but so far we have failed miserably to get it going. We want you to ask the Lord to help us." And Bonnin proceeded to explain their hopes and anxieties concerning the program.

As the night worn on, they spoke of Christ and His love and mercy. They spoke of how the good thief had "stolen" heaven, and they talked about forgiveness. In the early hours of the morning, the chaplain heard the confessions of the inmates and held a private mass. The two inmates, Bonnin and his friend all received the Eucharist.

One of those men wrote to his family that night, and this is a translation from the Spanish:

Dearest family, so close to my heart,

These lines I am writing are the last you will receive from your son and brother. I am writing them more with my heart than my pen. I am in the condemned cell and have only a few hours remaining before I leave this life.

After my life of ill luck, God has granted me the extraordinary grace of enabling me to recognize my past faults and making peace with Him. He has given me this opportunity for sincere confession, which has opened, little by little, the gates of heaven.

It only remains for me to ask your pardon for all the heartaches I gave you during my life, with my straying, to recommend to my brothers whom I love with all my heart never to stray from the path of duty that you, my parents, taught us to follow. I never remembered you with such affection as at this moment. The end of my career has arrived. Praise be to God, who gave me these moments to ransom my life and to die as do those men who have faith.

My last thoughts on Earth are with you. Adios, until eternity.

When invited to have breakfast with the condemned men, Bonnin could not eat. He was too nervous. A short while later, they were led to the execution. One of them cried out for Eduardo Bonnin, and Eduardo told of how that man died, holding Eduardo's crucifix in one hand as Eduardo knelt beside him, praying for him. The executioners placed the hood over the man's head and affixed the chain that would break his neck with a sudden jerk.

These two inmates were executed in January 1949. The project that Eduardo Bonnin and his companions had in hand, and that they were unsuccessful in launching despite all their trials and efforts, was referred to as "Cursillos de Christiandad".

Surely we can conclude that Jesus said to them as He said to the thief who was crucified with Him "Today you will be with me in Paradise." Bonnin still wears the cross the young condemned man held at his execution.

Extracted from the Kairos Korner, LVCCM newsletter, October 1996.'

My brothers and sisters, Go fourth trusting in the Lord he has a great work for us to do in Chester and he needs our help.

Every blessing

Stephen Waters

Home Page: http://www.frwaters.demon.co.uk/

A NEW JOB FOR THE LAY DIRECTOR

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Due to a catalogue of errors, not the least my hard disk packing in just at the wrong moment, there was no September edition of Go Fourth. I am now furnished with a new hard disk which has been very kindly loaned to me by Malcolm Brown, and so we're back in production. (Never let anyone tell you that new technology is fool proof!)

If the September edition had made it out, there would have been an article from Barbara Hood giving an outline of the function of a Diocesan Lay Director, and encouraging you all to consider if the post was right for you.

Barbara had held the post for three years as of the November Diocesan Ultreya, and I'm sure that you would all wish to join me in congratulating her on a job very well done. On a personal note, I cannot thank her enough for the help she gave me when less than a week before my Cursillo weekend in October 1994 I called to ask if my application had been received!

At the November Diocesan Ultreya an election was held, and Keith Craddock was duly elected to the post of DLD. Congratulations Keith: all our prayers are with you.

Barbara, on the other hand, barely had time to breathe before she took up her new rôle of Secretary for the British Anglican Cursillo Council. She takes up this post as BACC enter into a period of change. Cursillo in the UK has spread to such an extent now that a single committee with representation from all diocese is now getting unmanageable. There is going to have to be some form of diocesan groupings which work together and then appoint up to the UK Secretariat; this will take some time, and will undoubtedly need a lot of time and energy expended upon it. Barbara definitely, along with the rest of the UK Secretariat will need our prayers and love.

I'll leave you with the PS from Barbara which was attached to her original article.

Geoff Riley

PS: Many thanks to you all for the love and prayers I have received during my three years as your Lay Director. After the last Secretariat and Lay Rectors' Meeting on the 10th September we were presented with a laminator by an anonymous donor. Many thanks to you, whoever you are. We now need lots of place mats to laminate.

Barbara Hood

A LETTER FROM NORMAN

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[Norman was on the staff for Chester Cursillo #20, 24th-27th October, 1996. Ed.]

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Jeremy (Lay Rector) for inviting me on staff as a Gofor. It was a memorable occasion and will be indelibly on my mind.

It was also a pleasure to work with Rowena, with whom I shared numerous duties, and all the staff of whom I found illustrious company.

I have not yet expressed my feelings of what the Cursillo movement has done for me, I can only say what it is doing.

A continuing process of belief, firstly in the love of God, the Christian faith, tolerance and the belief in oneself.

I never cease to feel the love, warmth, and Fellowship when meeting other Christians.

God Bless

Norman Horrobin

UK ULTREYA---SOUTHWARK 1996

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Our cell group decided to attend the UK Ultreya, "letting the train take the strain" and making a weekend of it. After a tense weekend and many telephone calls because the train drivers threatened to be on strike, we arrived at Euston Station on Saturday Morning, excited and looking forward to the Ultreya.

It is always a great feeling of love and fellowship which greets everyone on these occasions and Southwark was no exception. To see so many friendly Christian smiles on what are now becoming familiar faces after five years in Cursillo, was wonderful and even more so when Sue and Peter Lane (#15 & #17), late of Macclesfield and now living in Tunbridge Wells, appeared. They send their love and hugs to everyone in Chester.

The Ultreya itself was a little disappointing, but it is always a support to meet with others in groups and realise that your problems aren't confined to just you, we as Christians suffer the same temptations and irritations in our lives as everyone else.

The afternoon Eucharist, led by our UK Spiritual Director, Canon Christopher Lewis, made up for the mornings disappointments. The preacher was the Bishop of Dover, Richard Llwellin, who introduced himself as one of an increasing body of men, Cursillista Bishops. He spoke to us of people who have drastically changed our lives and compared our lives to St. Matthew who had his life style turned upside down when he met and decided to follow Jesus, and how our lives are changed because as followers of Christ we have to be in the world and out of the world. We must work for Christ and not retreat into fox holes. The Lords presence during the Communion was tangible. To take communion with two to three hundred committed Christians is always a spiritual experience.

We left the Cathedral refreshed and renewed. Ready to return to our own environments to carry on our given tasks. We returned on Sunday evening to Congleton exhausted, but exhilarated after our weekend break (but that's another story).

It is hoped that the UK Ultreya in 2000 will be in Canterbury and the Archbishop will be present.

Sylvia & Keith Craddock, June & Jerry Tickner, Joan Proctor
--- Congleton Cell Group

CURSILLO LEADERS WORKSHOP, PERTH

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At midnight on Thursday---Friday, 5-6th September 1996 Julie Withers and I set off on our adventure to Perth, Scotland (NOT Perth, Australia, as one of our friends thought!).

The plan was to travel overnight on near-empty roads, thus avoiding the big lorries, and hopefully arriving in the Perth area in the early morning; then we would find some quiet, secluded spot and sleep for a while.

The plan worked well. We travelled up the motorway admiring the beautiful night sky and just a little excited!

At about 5:30am, when we were somewhere near Stirling, we stopped and had a Little Chef type breakfast. Feeling rather weary (and with quite full tummies) we managed to spend a couple of hours snoozing in the car park.

Feeling remarkably refreshed, we then drove on and spent a couple of hours sight-seeing. It was lovely---the scenery, the weather and us just being there together, sharing the whole experience.

We arrived at St Mary's late on Friday morning and we were invited in, even though we were several hours early!

We were given a cup of coffee and shown to our rooms where we were able to have a sleep on a bed... what bliss! We were made so welcome, it was wonderful.

Later in the afternoon we had a cup of tea and met up with some of the other people who were attending the CLW. Dinner was at 7pm so we had a little free time in which we slept some more and also had a little wander up Kinnoull Hill. After dinner the work started---three talks on the first evening! I had almost forgotten that we were there to work!

There were 17 of us in all, a real mixed bunch. Several Scots, as you can imagine, but also people from several northern England diocese and someone from Exeter and even a couple from New Zealand.

We were a real good mix, male and female, youngish and not so youngish, ordained and lay.

The workshop was made up of 12 talks, which were usually followed by discussions, and prayer and worship. It was quite hectic, we had to watch the time and keep to the timetable---some things never change! Actually we did have some free time on Saturday afternoon when we were able to go for a walk, or have a rest or read or spend some time in quiet reflection.

The weekend finished after lunch on Sunday. I think that most of us felt a little sad at having to "disband"! It seems to be the same wherever we are with Cursillo, a sort of sadness at having to leave each other---I think that the joy we shared, that happiness is just how it will be in heaven.

I was quite apprehensive about going on this CLW. I really wanted to go, I was eager to learn but I was worried that I couldn't physically take on anymore and I certainly wasn't a leader! I worried that they were going to want more from me.

It wasn't like that at all. Everyone was lovely. The fellowship was wonderful and I felt that none of the "serious stuff" was too much for me, not too intellectual. It was interesting to learn more about Cursillo and to have chance to read, or at least to have a quick flip through the "library," and to share with our new found friends our experience of Cursillo and what goes on in our own diocese.

Julie and I heard for the first time, De Colores sung in Spanish with extra special sound affects!! And we were all taught a New Zealand song.

We had a great weekend. The work was interesting, we were well looked after, we made new friends and the weather was glorious.

We had a good journey home, the weather was still glorious---blue sky and sun and we seemed to get home very quickly, mind you, it was down hill on the way back and we were talking nineteen to the dozen!

I felt that I wanted to share my experience with you because I feel that I have come back from the CLW different. This seems to happen each time I go away with Cursillo! I feel that I have been re-affirmed and gently encouraged, not to take on more and more, but encouraged in what I am already doing. I feel so strong, so much more confident in myself, for Cursillo, for my own church and for God.

I would recommend a CLW to anyone who is able to go.

Alice Brown

NEW BEGINNINGS

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'Twas a cold, wintry night, and the snow didst come down in droves.

However, the Volvo coped quite well and we had the heating on. As we (myself, my mum and Richard, a friend) ventured along the roadways towards Uttoxeter, in mid-April, despite the weather, I don't mind admitting that there was a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, making their presence very felt.

For all I knew, I wouldn't get on with anybody and I'd hate the whole thing.

Our destination was Denstone College, Uttoxeter...

Our mission, after we chose to accept it, was to investigate an ecumenical youth weekend by the name of New Beginnings... Although I had received some literature (about three A4 sheets) they had that parental quality of giving lots of facts, but still leaving you unaware of what was going to happen to you.

Nevertheless, I was intrigued enough to go...

On arrival at the college, we went to get booked in, were given little plastic discs with our names on and were led off to our dorm. After flinging down our bags, we moved on to a common room in another dorm, where people were playing those "learn peoples' names whilst having fun" games, involving two sponge tennis balls.

Following this, we dined.

Well, everyone else dined, whilst we were still full from the Little Chef.

Then we moved on, and the event really began.

We were divided into small "Family Groups" and so the three of us went our separate ways, and I got to know my group.

For the most part, the weekend was hearing someone talk about some point, and then discussing this in our groups. This was punctuated with general relaxation time, some really good songs (with actions), sleeping and eating.

I have to say that this was a marvellous experience, and it helped my faith to see all of these other young Christians of my age, although there were only about six boys, and the other thirty-four were girls.

It was hard at first to share experiences with the group, but I got over it, and so did everyone else.

By the end of it, I had made lots of new friends, and my group felt almost like family, but without the arguments.

There were hundreds of chances to develop new friendships, from spending time in the groups to midnight pillow-fights in the dorm.

This definitely scores an eleven out of ten in my book, and anyone who is twelve to fourteen inclusive should go!

Simon Withers (age 14)

NEW BEGINNINGS TOO!

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I found New Beginnings one huge laugh. It was great to be able to be with Christians of my own age sharing the love of Christ in an enjoyable and fun environment. We spent our time in our "Family Group," praying, talking and on the whole having fun. Mind you there are a lot of late nights involved. I think everybody aged 12---14 should give it a go.

Richard Bailey (aged 12)

"I CAN'T FORCE YOU TO LOVE ME"

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Whilst some Cursillistas were able to attend the UK Ultreya at Southwark Cathedral last September, those of us who were unable to attend had the opportunity to see Adrian Plass at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre.

Billed as "An Unpredictable Evening with Adrian Plass," the event was being staged by the Bible Society. It certainly lived up to it's 'Unpredictable' title: a mixture of both humorous and more serious issues proved a most entertaining evening.

Adrians monologues and dialogues always have an underlying lesson whether they are serious or humorous; and Adrians delivery allows the lesson to slip in without noticing.

His presentation, on this occasion, included a number of sketches with which I was already familiar, but most of the material was new to me. He provoked emotions ranging from the verge of tears to almost uncontrollable laughter.

Just as in his books, he manages to produce caricatures of aspects of church life which exaggerate (to a greater or lesser extent) to a point where you easily identify with a situation: but at the same time are relieved that it's not as bad as the example!

Take, for example, Adrians church notices: he managed to pull out the very essence of the typical church notice with an announcement concerning the location of the key for the side chapel. (I cannot remember the exact wording, but it was something like the following.)

"The key for the side chapel is kept in the junction box by the vestry door, the key for the junction box is kept in the tall cabinet under the tower. The key for the tall cabinet under the tower is kept in the chest in the vestry and the key for the chest in the vestry is kept by Mr Such-and-such. Mr Such-and-such makes the key available on the first and third Wednesdays and the second and fourth Thursdays, except for when the first of the month is on a Friday when the key is available on the second and third Tuesday and the first and last Friday. We are a little concerned that this facility is underused."

Another 'tradition' at the sharp end of Adrians wit was the reading of the lesson. He conjured a picture of a man approaching the lectern to read the Old Testament lesson, not having previously read it through, to discover that it involves many long Jewish names. Nick Page played the part of the reader---faltering his way through a particularly tortuous few verses.

In a different vein, Adrian enacted a possible dialogue between God and Gideon. Gideon, being a nervously hesitant character, is 'guided' into cutting down his army from thirty-two thousand to three hundred by a variety of means. The climax of the conversation is reached when Gideon reports back to God, who enquires "How's it going?" Gideons response is "Three hundred left. Tents and provisions for thirty-two thousand being shared by three hundred dentally handy-lapped men. God?" "Yes?" God enquires. "I'm frightened." The full story is (as I'm sure you all know, but I'll remind you just in case) in Judges 7:1-8.

Musical accompaniment was beautifully provided throughout the evening by Simeon on flute, panpipes, overtone whistle and by John on various guitars.

For me, the most moving part of the whole evening was a piece right at the end of the evening, which illustrated how God regards us. The theme throughout was "I can't force you to love me."

Geoff Riley