Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Australian Catholic Cursillo Movement Discover your relationship with Christ and others ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://cursillo.asn.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Fr John’s Reflection – We stand against violence](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-we-stand-against-violence/) - We stand against violence and hatred, but we should not become violence and hatred Over the last week it has been possible to witness the things that can divide us. It has also drawn much commentary which seeks to understand what is happening and the potential fallout for the rest of the world. During the - [Fr John’s Reflection – The Word does not return empty without achieving its purpose](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-the-word-does-not-return-empty-without-achieving-its-purpose/) - The Word does not return empty without achieving its purpose God seems to be a carefree gardener; some might even verge on saying he is careless where the seed is thrown or even wasteful. This is not how we are taught to approach projects in our own gardens or in farming some land. The focus - [Fr John’s Reflection – Sharing our stories](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-sharing-our-stories/) - Sharing our stories A little child is always open to the other person they encounter, especially their parents who have loved them into life. For the Parents, their lives are filled with joy and hope with their little child. We witness this in the dedication that are placed on the child who can for the - [Fr John’s Reflection – Be Holy](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-be-holy/) - Be Holy How we recognise holiness in another is developed through recognising holiness in ourselves. This helps us to notice what draws us closer to God in our daily lives. It calls us to become people who can listen to what brings us life and joy. This is explored in the Ignatian Examen where we - [Fr John’s Reflection – How do we see with 20/20 vision?](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-how-do-we-see-with-20-20-vision/) - How do we see with 20/20 vision? We are on the alert for dangers that may present themselves in our daily lives. Every day there is something new that we are called to focus our attention upon. Amid the things that can distract us from being authentic to our own calling, how do we live - [Fr John’s Reflection – I will carry you on Eagles wings](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-i-will-carry-you-on-eagles-wings/) - I will carry you on Eagles wings In the Hobbit, Eagles seem to turn up at the right time to rescue Gandalf and his friends from danger. Tolkien often imagined that the Eagles would carry you towards the dawn of a new day. He said in reflecting on the Eagles, “May the wind under your - [Fr John’s Reflection – 3rd Easter](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-3rd-easter/) - How do we find our way home? This only makes sense when we are away from home, when we start to notice the absence of what is familiar and everyday. People leaving on a journey or taking a step into a new environment often feel this sense of separation. They are open to new realities, - [Fr John’s Reflection – What do we look for in a Good Shepherd](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-what-do-we-look-for-in-a-good-shepherd/) - What do we look for in a Good Shepherd What do we look for in a Good Shepherd? This question comes to mind as we reflect on the weekend's readings. There is a diverse amount of commentary that seeks to guide our understanding of how we form young men for the priesthood. We are called - [Fr John’s Reflection – Christmas](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-christmas/) - How do we become people of discernment Joseph shows us the importance of listening to the voice of God. He was a man of honour who sought to live in accord with his Jewish upbringing and in relationship with his betrothed, Mary. The Annunciation and Mary's yes to the angel raised questions in his mind - [Fr John’s Reflection – 4th Sunday of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-4th-sunday-of-advent/) - Do Not Lose Heart There can be impatience that builds into our activity, making us want Christmas to happen too quickly. Yet this is a time when we can take even a few moments each day to notice how the regular events of the day can refresh and renew us. This waiting helps us treasure - [Fr John’s Reflection – 3rd Sunday of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-3rd-sunday-of-advent/) - Do Not Lose Heart There can be impatience that builds into our activity, making us want Christmas to happen too quickly. Yet this is a time when we can take even a few moments each day to notice how the regular events of the day can refresh and renew us. This waiting helps us treasure - [Fr John's Reflection - 2nd Sunday of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-2nd-sunday-of-advent/) - How do we judge things with integrity? There can be an urgency in modern culture to have an opinion about everything. This calls us to make instant judgment based on limited information and marginal engagement with the people involved. Yet into this situation, Isaiah shows us how the Spirit of God is called to rest - [Fr John's Reflection - First Sunday of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/stay-alert-first-sunday-of-advent/) - Stay Alert These words echo as we begin the season of Advent. The challenge of staying alert and awake to the reason for the season can often elude us amid the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. There can be many things that demand our attention and divert our attention. This does not just include - [Fr John's Reflection for Sunday 16 Nov 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-16-nov-2025/) - The coming of the Lord Having just started the thirty-day retreat, I am taken back to the experience that I had during my time as spiritual director at the Seminary. I was returning from a rest day in the exercises and as I drew closer to the retreat centre, I could see an ominous cloud - [Fr John's Reflection for Sunday 23 Nov 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-23-nov-2025/) - Christ knocks at the door and waits William Holman Hunt drew a picture of Christ the King knocking at the door. The door is overgrown by ivy, and Jesus stands outside in the garden with a lantern. This image invites a more profound reflection: when people viewed it, they noticed there was no handle on - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 9 Nov 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-9-nov-2025/) - Crossing the threshold of hope Over this last year there has been a pilgrimage of hope that has seen millions of pilgrims pass through the Holy Doors that have been opened for this jubilee. In the city of Rome, there are four major basilicas each of which opened a holy door for the Jubilee of - [The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed](https://cursillo.asn.au/the-commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed/) - Called to Remember! Unusually, we celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day over this weekend. We remember our call to be saints, as well as those who have died. This dual call embodies the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The recognition that our external actions mirror our internal sense of who we are - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 25 October 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-25-october-2025/) - What prayers are heard by God? There is often a temptation to pray in a particular way for our prayers to be heard by God. This can cause us to put more effort into our time of worship, looking for the right words, the right actions and the right intention if it is to be - [Fr John’s reflection for Sunday 12 Oct 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/were-not-all-ten-healed/) - Were not all ten healed When we are sick and need it, it is easy for us to seek the aid of another. We are aware of our own helplessness and poverty, especially when we are beset by our own weaknesses. Yet in the midst of this petition, we are called to be open to - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 29 Oct 2023](https://cursillo.asn.au/1862-2/) - The Golden Rule The word "must" stands out to me as the translation in Matthew's gospel echoes the words from Deuteronomy 6.5. This gives an indication that the imperative to love God is not an optional extra or a nice ideal but the central teaching of all scripture. In saying that we are called to love God - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 26 Nov 2023](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-26-nov-2023/) - To whom do we trust our lives? The Solemnity of Christ the King allows us time to reflect on whose voice we listen to when seeking guidance for our lives. In an age where personal autonomy is king, there can be a sense of alienation towards bowing down to an external authority. Each person can - [Father John's reflection for Sunday 19 Nov 2023](https://cursillo.asn.au/father-johns-reflection-for-sunday-19-nov-2023/) - Return to sender address unknown! Each of us is entrusted with gifts and talents for the good of the whole creation. We live in a country that has been blessed not only by great natural beauty but an abundance of opportunity. Yet this is not just for our private consumption or personal pleasure. We are - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 5 Nov 2023](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-5-nov-2023/) - Listening to God with our whole lives The reflection this weekend looks at how the office that a person occupies can be confused with who the person is. In an egalitarian culture such as Australia, there has been an essential recognition that a person is taken on their merits rather than on the position they - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 12 Nov 2023](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-12-nov-2023/) - Running on empty When we set out on a journey there is always a need to ensure that we have enough fuel to reach our destination. This ensures that we make proximate plans to ensure that we know our time of departure and our time of arrival. If we are travelling by car, we seek - [Fr John's Reflection – Divine Mercy Sunday.](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-divine-mercy-sunday/) - Believing Thomas! Sunday, 11 April, 2021, Divine Mercy Sunday. Thomas always seems to get a bad rap! He wants to check out what the other disciples have experienced is true. He asks good questions about how we experience life when he says if I don't see it for myself, I cannot believe it is true. - [Fr John's Reflection – Palm Sunday](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-palm-sunday-2/) - We know the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem all too well. How cheering crowds could so easily turn into a howling mob! It is a reality we see all too often when peaceful demonstrations turn ugly when anger turns into violence and the hope of liberation turns to tyranny. There is something all too - [Fr John's Reflection – 3rd Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-3rd-sunday-of-lent/) - Can we buy off God? 3rd Sunday of Lent - 7th March Sometimes our prayers of intercession can sound more like a wish list where we try to bargain with God. We seek to influence a particular outcome in our favour and we would like God to see it from our point of view. Often - [Fr John's Reflection – 2nd Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-2nd-sunday-of-lent/) - Transformed by Light Plunged into Darkness Fr John's Reflection – 2nd Sunday of Lent Lent brings with it two amazing contrasts in the spiritual life revealed to us in the Transfiguration. The first is that we meet the full reality of Jesus contained in the law and prophets. We see clearly the black fire of - [Fr John's Reflection – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 7th February The next obvious step Mary Mackillop was always looking for opportunities in which she could apply the teaching of the Gospel to the life of the community in which she lived. She saw an urgency which did not put the work of today in the hope of what - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 5 Oct 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/2240-2/) - Increase our Faith The belief that faith is an external product that can be obtained is contrasted by Jesus' statement that if our faith were the size of a mustard seed, it could move a mountain. This is more than wishful thinking or magic but rather a willingness to hear his voice and not to - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 28 Sept 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-28-sept-2025/) - More than skin deep I remember once attending the musical 'Les Misérables' that deeply touched my life. This modern-day parable touches the reality of both justice and redemption through compassion. The way the story unfolds invites the person to notice the contrary forces present in the human heart. This story is told by Victor Hugo - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 21 Sept 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-21-sept-2025/) - How do we spend our time? How do we spend our money? When we spend time in prayer and reflection, do we consider what God may be guiding us towards? So often, we can focus on how much money we have and how little time we have in which to spend it. The pressure can - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 14 Sept 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-14-sept-2025/) - Encountering the Cross Each of us will face challenges in life. This can often confront us with the reality of suffering and sin. We can start to ponder what has caused these events to occur and what remedies will lift this cross from our shoulders. Sometimes what we struggle with is the bad choices that - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 7 Sept 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-7-sept-2025/) - Knowing the mind of God I remember hearing an interview with Paul Davies, an English Physicist who had just written a book called "The Mind of God.” I remember the interviewer being enthralled by the discussion so much so that at the end of the hour that he apologised for going through the usual interludes - [Fr John's Reflection for Sunday 3 August 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-3-august-2025/) - Giving Thanks for what we have We live in an age where our success can be measured by how much we consume, how much we produce, or by the influence we have on others in our lives. The appeal of being useful can influence how we make decisions and how we allocate our time. We - [Fr John's Reflection for Sunday 27 July 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-27-july-2025/) - Unconditional Love We live in a world where we are accustomed to making contracts with one another for specific goods and services. They have three essential elements: an agreement on what is to be exchanged, the time when it will be exchanged, and the method in which it will be exchanged. The difficulty with this - [Fr John's Reflection for Sunday 20 July 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-20-july-2025/) - What draws us to the table "Martha, Martha you worry and fret over so many things when only one thing is necessary!" We can easily imagine the scene. An important guest has come to our house and we are doing our best to impress them. We want to not only provide a good meal but - [Fr John's Reflection - Sunday 18th May 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-sunday-18th-may-2025/) - Pruning The seasons seem to be out of order. We have skipped winter and gone straight into Spring. Daffodils are starting to put forward their new growth at least two months early. Those who are more attentive to their gardens would also notice subtle changes in the climate and how this can confuse plants, no - [Fr John’s Reflection – Sunday 11th May 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-sunday-11th-may-2025/) - Listen to my voice Good Shepherd Sunday is an appropriate time when the Cardinals in Conclave consider a Pope to succeed Pope Francis. It allows us to reflect on our journey of faith, where we are called to listen, follow and seek the Kingdom of God. This is at the heart of a person in - [Fr John’s Reflection – Sunday 4th May 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-sunday-4th-may-2025/) - Do you Love Me! The three questions that Jesus asks Peter illustrate the distinction between conditional and unconditional love. They help us understand the mission of God, which is to love each of us unconditionally and to respond to that call. This availability to engage in conversation daily lies at the heart of our prayer. - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 29 Dec 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-29-dec-2024/) - Review of Life As we approach a new year, we can start to reflect on how we want to enter into 2025. There seem to be many things that can grab our attention about becoming our best self. When we seek to make intentions, we can focus on things that will produce that best self - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 22 Dec 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-22-dec-2024/) - Visitation Travelling overseas I have witnessed how many families are travelling with young children. This mass movement of people reflects much of what we have seen at the first Christmas when Mary travelled with Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. We know that travel brings its own difficulties and trials along the way. The same is - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 15 Dec 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-15-dec-2024/) - Make the Paths Straight Once again, we listen to the teaching of John the Baptist. He reminds us to reach out to those in need and not to exploit our positions for personal gain. As we come closer to Christmas, I pray that our hearts not be coarsened. Have a peaceful preparation for the remainder - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 1 Sept 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/learning-to-live-by-the-spirit-of-the-game/) - Learning to live by the spirit of the game When I listen to others, I often ask myself what am I listening for? There is an art in conversation that is more than considering your response but attentiveness to what the other person is trying to express. I often find myself echoing the prevailing wisdom - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 25 Aug 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-25-aug-2024/) - Come closer but not too close! The remarkable miracle of the Eucharist is that God wants to invite us to the table and be met body and soul. So often we find people asking whether people will notice if they are not there on Sunday and quietly slip away. There can be a sense that - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 18 Aug 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-18-aug-2024/) - When a house becomes a home One of the struggles of our time is how we provide adequate housing for people so that they can feel at home within the community in which they live. The emphasis can often focus on the external provision of a building to meet the internal needs of the heart. - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 11 Aug 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/1965-2/) - Having a conversation that matters We encounter Elijah at his lowest ebb. Having escaped from the clutches of Jezebel he flees into the desert after he has put the prophets of Baal to death. At a time when we witness one of the great signs of the offering of sacrifice to God, we notice the - [Fr John's reflection for 4 Aug 2024](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-4-aug-2024/) - Do not work for food that does not last but work for food that endures for eternal life. We are often told by dieticians and nutritionists that we are what we eat. In a world where diets come in and out of fashion, we are often bombarded with too much information to look after our - [Fr John's reflection for Sunday 3 Dec 2023](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-for-sunday-3-dec-2023/) - Are we ready for Christmas? There can be a fear that Christmas comes too early and we are not ready. While the shops seem to be decorated with the trimmings much earlier each year we can lose a sense of the natural rhythm that leads us into this Advent season. We start humming Christmas carols - [Fr John's Reflection – 4th Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-4th-sunday-of-lent/) - 4th Sunday of Lent - 14th March What bites us may not kill us! The image of Jesus suffering on the cross has often been one of the most confronting images in which we encounter a God who self-empties everything for our good. This is a very disturbing reality for most of us as we - [Fr John's Reflection – 5th Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-5th-sunday-of-lent/) - 5th Sunday of Lent - 21st March The Law written on our hearts! When someone asks us, what is the right thing to do we often turn to a book of rules or laws. When we ask how I am called to be the person that God desires me to be we need to know - [Fr John's Reflection – 1st Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-1st-sunday-of-lent-21th-february/) - 1st Sunday of Lent - 21st February What do we thirst for? Lent is a time when we are driven out into the desert to face our own demons. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often are drawn to events outside of us which seem to crowd out - [Fr John's Reflection – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-6th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 14th February Preparing for Lent Thinking back over the last year it seems as though we have had our longest Lent. When we first started to hear about COVID we thought that it would last for a relatively short time. But in many ways, it has been like a longer penitential - [Fr John's Reflection – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-4th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 31st January Listening to silence In a world which seeks to make us busy, many opinions can be thrown us on a daily basis. I am often taken from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep we listen to many different voices. These voices can - [Fr John's Reflection – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-3rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 24th January The Kingdom is close at hand Our mission field is provided by the one square metre in which we live. This becomes more self-evident when we become aware of physical distancing in this age of the pandemic. Often this can feel like holding people at arm's length for - [Fr John's Reflection – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 17th January What do we set our hearts on? The desire for something or someone greater than ourselves lies at the heart of our quest to be truly human. It is almost as if there is something in our DNA which naturally seeks union with the whole of creation and - [Fr John's Reflection – The Baptism of the Lord](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-the-baptism-of-the-lord/) - The Baptism of the Lord – 10th January Become like water At the centre of our Christian life is the sacrament of baptism in which we die to ourselves to become one with Christ. In this sacrament, we hear the words of God spoken saying "You are my Son, the Beloved: my favour rests on - [Fr John's Reflection – The Epiphany of the Lord](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-the-epiphany-of-the-lord/) - The Epiphany of the Lord – 3rd January What gift do I lay before the Lord? Circumstances can often dictate our response to how we live. Whether it is the continuing effects of the pandemic or simply putting on a few extra kilos over Christmas there can be a tendency to feel that our life - [Fr John's Reflection – Fourth of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/reflection-fourth-of-advent-fr-johns/) - Fourth of Advent – 20th December Waiting Patience is a virtue but at times when we are time-pressured, it can be put to the test. The last-minute activities prior to Christmas can even seem to test the best of us to maintain a steady pace and a peaceful demeanour. As the days count down, we - [Fr John's Reflection – Third of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-third-of-advent/) - Third of Advent – 13th December Be Happy at all times "When faced with trials put on a happy face!" There can be a sense that when Paul writes to the Thessalonians there is a sense of being overly optimistic or covering up the difficulties we face with a false smile. I believe what Paul - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-10/) - October 2020 - [Fr John's Reflection – Second of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-second-of-advent/) - Second of Advent – 6th December Writing Straight with Crooked lines Walking through the shopping centre the other day it was hard to believe the hardships we have been through and that much of the rest of the world is facing. There was a distinct feeling of deja vu. That people were shopping, preparing for - [December 2020](https://cursillo.asn.au/december-2020/) - [Fr John's Reflection – First of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-first-of-advent/) - First of Advent – 29th November Guiding Star Over the last few weeks, much attention has been focused on the results of the US Election. This has not just caused us to reflect on the electoral process that has taken place but also the varied standpoints which have emerged about whether the result was free - [Fr John's Reflection – Christ the King](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-christ-the-king/) - Christ the King – 22nd November Who will I be when I die? As we near the end of the Church's liturgical year we are called to remember the four last things: death, judgement, heaven and hell. This is something which is seldom preached on and when it is memories of those who recall the - [Fr John's Reflection – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-33rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 15th November Many Gifts, One God Each day is a new day when we can give thanks to God for the gift of life. Especially as we move towards Advent and the end of our liturgical year this can become a time of review. Where do we notice we are - [Fr John's Reflection – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 8th November Running on the smell of an oily rag! There can be times in life when we just keep on going through an interior motivation to achieve a particular end. Yet we can also be conscious of feelings of tiredness, discouragement and at times being overwhelmed by the world - [Fr John's Reflection – All Saints Day](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-all-saints-day/) - All Saints Day – 1st November Called to be saints We are used to the process of elections where we seek to choose the person we believe is best able to govern on our behalf. The process of choosing the right person causes us to notice both their words and their actions. We seek not - [Fr John's Reflection – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 25th October The Golden Rule If there is one thing which unites all of humanity it is what is considered the Golden Rule: To do good to the other that you would do for yourself. It is at the heart of our welfare system and seeks to ensure that each - [Fr John's Reflection – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-29th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 18th October The Piper plays the tune Each of us from time to time would be concerned about our financial wellbeing. We are called to be people who do not live beyond our means but also become accountable for how we spend our money. This is one of the difficulties - [Fr John's Reflection – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-28th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 11th October Not just any invitation There is usually great excitement when we receive an invitation to a wedding especially if it is someone we know well. The anticipation building up to the day is not only about buying the right gift or wearing the right clothes but rather the - [Fr John's Reflection – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-27th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 4th October Becoming pastors not managers Pope Francis in speaking to priests reminded them that they were called to be pastors not managers of the parishes in which they lived. The difference that he was pointing to was that in one case we focus on managing people and resources entrusted - [October 2020](https://cursillo.asn.au/october-2020/) - [Fr John's Reflection – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-26th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 27th September When we say yes what do we mean? What we say yes and no to shapes our life. Our choices influence the person we seek to become. They indicate what is our preference and help us to notice what most draws our attention. Yet in our society, we - [Fr John's Reflection – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-24th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-2/) - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 20th September Answering the call There can be times when we seem to work hard in the heat of the day and wonder what our reward will be. This can be especially true when others seem to benefit from the work we perform. I believe our attitude to our work - [Fr John's Reflection – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 6th September Where two or three are gathered One of the strengths of our Christian faith is that when we are gathered even in the smallest numbers Christ is present in our midst. Yet it is the purpose of our gathering which is to love God and love our neighbour. - [Fr John's Reflection – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-24th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 13th September Making peace with ourselves There can be times when a person or an event can cause deep resentment to stir within us. This may be disproportionate to the situation but it can well up in us like acid or a volcanic eruption waiting to burst forth. It is - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-9/) - August 2020 - [Fr John's Reflection – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 30th August On whose terms? The Gospel of this weekend reflects how just as Peter recognised who Jesus was, he wanted to dictate how his ministry should unfold. We can notice this in our own prayer where we try to set the agenda and then assess how God matches up - [Fr John's Reflection – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – 23rd August Who do you say I am? Jesus does not ask this question in a way which seeks a throwaway reply. He seeks for us to discover how his life affects our own. In order to understand this, we need to examine the context in which this exchange takes - [Fr John's Reflection – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 16th August I already know what will be good for you! Often when we consider proclaiming the gospel to another person it is possible to proceed from a position of needs to have what we are having. This is a dynamic which sees the other person as a blank slate - [Fr John's Reflection – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 9th August Walking on water There is a constant theme in this weekend's Gospel story where Jesus invites Peter to walk towards him across the water. This seems impossible and unrealistic, yet Peter steps out of the boat in a belief that he can reach Jesus. Yet in the midst - [August 2020](https://cursillo.asn.au/august-2020/) - [Fr John's Reflection – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 2nd August Why spend your money on what cannot fill, why spend your time on what fails to satisfy? In times of the pandemic, there are two fundamental questions about how we spend our time and how we spend our money? The spiritual exercise of looking at our diaries and - [Fr John's Reflection – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 26th July Where is my life heading? Solomon prays for the gift of service for himself into seeking to discern between good and evil in the service of others. In fact, it is one of the reasons we need to pray for the people who offer leadership either in government - [Fr John's Reflection – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 19th July The Tolerant Gardener I was struck by how when I look at the little garden I am cultivating under my window that the weeds seem to be more prolific than the carefully planted bulbs. I have the hopes of a wonderful floral display to greet me especially in - [Fr John's Reflection – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-15th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 12th July The Careless Gardener Over the weeks and months since we entered into the pandemic, I have a fresh appreciation of nature and creation. There has been a growing appreciation of how things grow even in the midst of terrible disasters. Going through some of the countryside ravaged by - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-8/) - June 2020 - [Fr John's Reflection – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-14th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 5th July Come to me all you who are heavily burdened! Often we feel that trying to find God in daily life can be hard work! Yet in the gospel reading for the weekend we discover a God who labours for us and with us. This discovery can change the - [Fr John's Reflection – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-12th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 21st June Telling our truth to the world In reading through the newspapers over the last few months there has been much which has sought to elicit the opinions of people. Not least these have focussed on the pandemic and social unrest in the United States. There has been a - [Fr John's Reflection – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-13th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/) - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 28th June Nurturing the holy Many of us have an intuitive sense of what makes for a holy person but we find it hard to give expression to this in words. They speak with words which are heard by the ear of the heart and seek to articulate our deepest - [Fr John's Reflection – Feast of Corpus Christi](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-feast-of-corpus-christi/) - Feast of Corpus Christi– 14th June Eat to your heart's content One of the ways which we are called to trust another is to sit down and have a meal with them. This is not only sharing their company but a reassurance that we will not be ill-fed or be poisoned by what we eat. - [Fr John's Reflection – Trinity Sunday](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-trinity-sunday/) - Trinity Sunday – 7th June Not to condemn the world but save it Over the last week, there has been much which has focussed our attention on the civil strife in America. It has also drawn much commentary which seeks to understand what is happening and the potential fallout for the rest of the world. - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-7/) - April 2020 - [APG Newsletter](https://cursillo.asn.au/apg-newsletter-2/) - March 2020 - [APG Newsletter](https://cursillo.asn.au/apg-newsletter-3/) - May 2020 - [Fr John's Reflection – Pentecost Sunday](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-pentecost-sunday/) - Pentecost Sunday – 31st May How do we fall in love? I was particularly struck by some words from Richard Rohr in his book "The Naked Now", 'Authentic love is of one piece. How you love anything is how you love everything.' (p127) What particularly struck me about this was it strikes me as being - [Fr John's Reflection – The Ascension of the Lord](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-the-ascension-of-the-lord/) - The Ascension of the Lord – 24th May I am with you until the end of time The words that leapt out at me from this weekend's Gospels are make, baptise and teach. My initial reaction was this seemed like an impressive 'to do' list. This great commission that is given to us is to - [Fr John's Reflection – 6th Sunday of Easter](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-6th-sunday-of-easter/) - 6th Sunday of Easter – 17th May Who will bring us hope? This seems to be the longest two months in history. Many of the things that people have taken for granted such as freedom of movement, public gatherings and group activities seem to have disappeared overnight. We start to connect more online with each other - [Fr John's Reflection – 5th Sunday of Easter](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-5th-sunday-of-easter/) - 5th Sunday of Easter – 10th May Living Stones We can often admire Churches which give us a sense of God's presence. They provide us with the place where we find ourselves truly present to the presence. At a time when often our Churches are closed there is not only a sense of physical distancing but - [Fr John's Reflection – 4th Sunday of Easter](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-4th-sunday-of-easter/) - 4th Sunday of Easter – 3rd May Being known by name One of the most important parts of our lives is the name we are known by. It not only creates our identity but allows us to respond to those who call us. Yet our name is used in many different contexts. In this modern age - [Fr John's Reflection – 3rd Sunday of Easter](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-3rd-sunday-of-easter/) - 3rd Sunday of Easter – 26th April Were not our hearts burning within us? In this age of social distancing and the difficulty in gathering as a community in prayer, we have often become the smallest of communities travelling in pairs. There is something important about sharing time with another and listening to our own stories - [Fr John's Reflection – 2nd Sunday of Easter](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-2nd-sunday-of-easter/) - 2nd Sunday of Easter – 19th April In the upper room The period of Easter opens up to surprises and to new life. The very experience of spending large parts of our time at home for fear of the COVID 19 virus gives us more time than we would have expected in reflecting on the direction - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-6/) - March 2020 - [OMCC Spiritual Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-spiritual-bulletin/) - April 2020 - [Fr John's Reflection – Easter Sunday](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-easter-sunday/) - Easter Sunday – 12th April Who do we stake our life on? When our lives are turned upside down and our usual activities are disrupted, we can wonder what on earth is happening? The COVID 19 outbreak has impacted on many of the things we take for granted: popping over to see friends, enjoying a pleasant - [Fr John's Reflection – Palm Sunday](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-palm-sunday/) - Palm Sunday – 5th April Keeping the lights on I was woken up in the middle of the night with an idea about how we could celebrate the Easter Vigil and Palm Sunday. People are coming up with ideas about how we can express our faith when we are unable to gather in groups of more - [Fr John's Reflection – Fifth Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-fifth-sunday-of-lent/) - Fifth Sunday of Lent – 29th March Jesus Wept! I believe that the story unfolds in two ways which address both our hearts and our minds. In addressing Martha and Mary they make the same comment, "If you had been here our brother would not have died." They receive two very different responses. Martha is engaged - [OMCC Special Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-special-bulletin/) - March 2020 - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-5/) - January - February 2020 - [Fr John's Reflection – Forth Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-forth-sunday-of-lent/) - Forth Sunday of Lent – 22nd March Beware of Schadenfreude In the midst of any crisis, it is possible to become blinded to what is in front of us. This is certainly the story which we are focussed on in this Sunday's Gospel. The man born blind is cured by Jesus and is able to see. - [Fr John's Reflection – Third Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-third-sunday-of-lent/) - Third Sunday of Lent – 15th March Where do we find the oasis in our life? There is often a desert of good news stories in our lives. The impact of the bushfires and the recent outbreak of the coronavirus have served to identify the places where we are most vulnerable. They cause to focus - [Fr John's Reflection – Second Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-second-sunday-of-lent/) - Second Sunday of Lent – 8th March Will my name be a blessing When people speak our name does it bring a blessing to others? There is importance to being recognised by name. There is a sense in which the use of the name is not just the sound but also the tone with which - [Fr John's Reflection – First Sunday of Lent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-first-sunday-of-lent/) - First Sunday of Lent – 1st March Walking with Jesus Our Lenten discipline is not so much an obligation but rather a time of formation when our hearts can be more open to Jesus in the concrete events of our daily lives. Our prayer is not called to become a recitation of words but rather - [Fr John's Reflection – Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-sixth-sunday-of-ordinary-time/) - Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time – 16th February Wisdom: Learning to say yes and no! I remember in reading one of Brene Brown's book "Braving the Wilderness p33-36" she emphasises the importance of belonging more than just fitting in. The emphasis that she placed on belonging was the confidence in ourselves and what we believed - [Fr John's Reflection – Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-seventh-sunday-of-ordinary-time/) - Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time – 23rd February What is Lent about anyway? As Catholics and increasingly among many Christians there is an intentional desire to come closer to Christ and to understand His mission among us. This is not just about accumulating a certain amount of information about his life, death and resurrection but - [Fr John's Reflection – Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-fifth-sunday-of-ordinary-time/) - Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time – 9th February Actions speak louder than words We live in a world which is fed by a 24/7 news cycle which informs us very rapidly what is happening in our world. This can be both a blessing and a curse as it can move us into an attitude where - [Fr John's Reflection – Third Sunday of Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time/) - Third Sunday of Ordinary Time – 26th January What makes us who we are? What makes Australian? Is it the fact that we were born in a particular country or that we chose to migrate to this wide dry land? Was there a common bond that drew us to settle in this land and to - [Fr John's Reflection – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord/) - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – 2nd February Offering ourselves to God The celebration of the Presentation of the Lord known more popularly as Candle Mass allows the opportunity to notice how Christ brings light to our world. Often this happens at Baptism where we are immersed into the Christ-life and called to - [Fr John's Reflection – Second Sunday of Ordinary Time](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-second-sunday-of-ordinary-time/) - Proclaim the Gospel with your lives! Second Sunday of Ordinary Time – 19th January Where do we see Christ at work in our lives? Our prayer and our actions are called to raise our awareness and attentiveness to this question. This is a sense of anticipation that Jesus walks in our midst, often unseen, and - [Fr John's Reflection – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-feast-of-the-baptism-of-the-lord/) - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord – 12th January Baptised into Christ One of the most significant events of the Christian life is one that many people will not remember unless they have been baptized later in life. As we know baptism is efficacious, that is that it achieves in the life of the - [Fr John's Reflection – Epiphany of the Lord](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-epiphany-of-the-lord/) - Epiphany of the Lord – 5th January . . . How do we use our time and money? With the Feast of the Epiphany approaching we are able to notice how the wise men lay down their gifts at the feet of Jesus. What I particularly notice about this story is not just their generosity - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-4/) - November - December 2019 - [Fr John's Reflection – Feast of the Holy Family](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-feast-of-the-holy-family/) - Feast of the Holy Family – 29th December Resolutions After Christmas we have time to review what is important in our lives. So often we seem to be driven by what is urgent. This can cause us to wonder what direction our lives are taking. What do we consider most important for the way we - [APG Newsletter](https://cursillo.asn.au/apg-newsletter/) - December 2019 - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-3/) - September - October 2019 - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin-2/) - July - August 2019 - [Fr John's Reflection – Second Sunday of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-second-sunday-of-advent/) - Second Sunday of Advent – 8th December . .. Prepare the way The immanence of Christmas can cause us to start to plan with the end in mind. Our activity while being focussed on that event can distract us from what is happening at the moment. The preparations can all seem present to something that - [Fr John's Reflection – First Sunday of Advent](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-first-sunday-of-advent/) - First Sunday of Advent – 1st December . .. Beginning at the end We start the first Sunday in the same way we finished the liturgical year. We are called to be aware and awake of how God is present to us in our daily lives. This can be especially important as we journey towards - [Fr John's Reflection - Feast of Christ the King](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-feast-of-christ-the-king/) - Feast of Christ the King – 24th November . . Who will lead us to the truth? This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. In a world where the idea of the monarchy has diminished to a ceremonial role and leadership is found in the form of democracy, dynastic rule or in - [Fr John's Reflection 33rd Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-33rd-sunday-of-the-year/) - 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – 17th November . . A rule of life We live in a world where the opinions of others matter deeply. We can become fascinated by the latest developments whether they be about finance, politics, fashion or sport. Part of the fascination can be motivated by a deep interest in - [Fr John's Reflection 31st Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-31st-sunday-of-the-year/) - 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time – 3rd November . . A God of mercy and justice When we encounter situations which cause us difficulties which cause us to suffer or which cause us harm our immediate cry can be for justice against the person who has caused this event to occur in our lives. We - [Fr John's Reflection 30th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-30th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 27th October . . To be good or to do good One of the temptations of the Christian life is to believe that we win God's love by what we do rather than who we are called to become. If we believe that our goodness is judged by the - [APG Newsletter](https://cursillo.asn.au/agp-bulletin/) - October 2019 - [OMCC Bulletin](https://cursillo.asn.au/omcc-bulletin/) - May-June 2019 - [Fr John's Reflection 27th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-27th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 6th October Listening for the still, quiet voice! Our faith starts from where we are and the place where we encounter Christ. This call to follow him is not just a private endeavour or a personal preference but rather a living response to how Christ calls us to follow. - [Fr John's Reflection 29th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-29th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 20th October . God give me strength! In this weekend's readings, we can see the image of Moses combating the Amalek's. When he raised his hands up they were victorious but when he became tired they started to lose heart. So, Aaron and Hur sat him down and kept - [Fr John's Reflection 28th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-27th-sunday-of-the-year-2/) - 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 13th October Praying for healing and mercy Even in an age of greater levels of medical care, there can still be a feeling that sickness isolates us from the rest of the community. We start to recognise that our priorities shift and that we start to wonder how this - [Fr John's Reflection 26th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-26th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 29th September The climate is changing! In our post-modern age, we often live as though our world is empty and meaningless and where we are called to define our own meaning. Things become what we want them to be rather than what they are. There is a sense in - [Fr John's Reflection 15th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-15th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 15th Sunday of the Year – 16th July How many homilies can you remember years after they are spoken? In a world deluged by words what takes hold of our hearts and engages us with life? The Gospel of the good seed scattered in the ground reminds us of how liberal and generous God is with the reminder - [Fr John's Reflection 16th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-16th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 16th Sunday of the year – 23rd July "Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groaning.. And the one who searches hearts knows what the intention of the Spirit is, because he intercedes for the - [Fr John's Reflection 17th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-17th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 17th Sunday of the Year – 30th July There is often a subtle distinction between choosing what is right and wrong and what is good and evil. The first deals with observable acts which can be seen to be right or wrong according to a moral code or enacted law. The second deals with the unseen motivation - [Fr John's Reflection The Feast of the Transfiguration](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-the-feast-of-the-transfiguration/) - Feast of the Transfiguration – 6th August How we listen to another indicates the way we will live our lives. The Transfiguration puts the same words before us that we hear at the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist: "This is my beloved son, listen to him". This is not just about hearing what he - [Fr John's Reflection 18th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-18th-sunday-of-the-year/) - How do I get to the other side I am often reminded of the conversation between two people on opposite sides of the road. One calls out to the other, "How do I get to the other side?" The person responds, "You are on the other side!" Sometimes this can be our experience of prayer, - [Fr John's Reflection 19th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-19th-sunday-of-the-year-2/) - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 11th August Listen! I have been reflecting over the last month on how our relationship with God is fundamental not only to our prayer but the way we live. I think some of the difficulties that we find in our prayer are that we concentrate on whether we are - [Fr John's Reflection 25th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-25th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 22nd September Who plays the tune of our lives? The news programs are often timed to occur at the traditional times when people would gather from prayer at morning, noon and evening. These hours seek to let us know issues of importance which are occurring in the world and - [Fr John's Reflection 24th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-24th-sunday-of-the-year/) - 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 15th September To whom do I confess my sins? There has been much debate over recent months since the Royal Commission on the sacrament of confession and about the seal of confession. Many jurisdictions have enacted laws or are proposing laws to mandate what is heard in this sacramental - [Fr John's Reflection 23rd Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-23rd-sunday-of-the-year/) - 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – 8th September Building on good foundations Planning is an essential part of life. It calls us to seek out a vision which inspires us into action and also to review the place from which we begin the journey. Nobody starts life from ground zero even when we have the - [Fr John's Reflection 22nd Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-22nd-sunday-of-the-year/) - 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – 1st September What's in it for me? What am I doing this for? This question can loom large in life when we seek to discover what the result may be for all our effort. We can consider whether the goal is worth devoting our energy to and whether the - [Fr John's Reflection 21st Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-21st-sunday-of-the-year/) - 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time – 25th August Where are you coming from? Whenever we meet a new person often the first questions reflect what we consider important about life. Hence the most universal questions in the western world are what do you do and where do come from? What quickly follows are incidental questions - [Fr John's Reflection 20th Sunday of the Year](https://cursillo.asn.au/fr-johns-reflection-20th-sunday-of-the-year/) - Marathon not a sprint There are many how-to books that we can buy in the bookshops or borrow from the library. They seek to give examples of how the author has adopted a certain method which they wish to apply to how we should live, how this will be successful for another. The temptation to ## Pages - [Home](https://cursillo.asn.au/) - To live Cursillo is to discover and experience Jesus. The Cursillo Movement invites Christians everywhere to build a world, founded on love and friendship. - [Lismore](https://cursillo.asn.au/lismore/) - Information about Cursillo in the Lismore Diocese. - [Lismore - Cursillo Weekends](https://cursillo.asn.au/lismore/lismore-cursillo-weekends/) - [News OMCC](https://cursillo.asn.au/newsletters/news-omcc/) - [Cairns Cursillo Weekends](https://cursillo.asn.au/cairns/cairns-cursillo-weekends/) - [News APG](https://cursillo.asn.au/newsletters/news-apg/) - [Brisbane Newsletters](https://cursillo.asn.au/brisbane/brisbane-newsletters/) - Newsletters produced by Cursillistas in the Brisbane Archdiocese. See what has been happening in that Diocese. - [Brisbane Ultreyas](https://cursillo.asn.au/brisbane/brisbane-ultreya/) - Details of Ultreyas in Brisbane. - [Wollongong Newsletters](https://cursillo.asn.au/wollongong/wollongong-newsletter/) - Newsletter - [Wollongong Weekends](https://cursillo.asn.au/wollongong/wollongong-weekends/) - [Wollongong](https://cursillo.asn.au/wollongong/) - Information about Cursillo in the Wollongong Diocese. - [Canberra - Goulburn Newsletters](https://cursillo.asn.au/canberra-goulburn/canberra-goulburn-newsletters/) - Newsletters from Cursillo in the Canberra-Gouldburn Archdiocese. These show the activities and spirituality of Movement in that area. - [Canberra - Goulburn Groups](https://cursillo.asn.au/canberra-goulburn/canberra-groups/) - [Wollongong Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/wollongong/wollongong-secretariat/) - [Canberra - Goulburn Weekends](https://cursillo.asn.au/canberra-goulburn/canberra-weekends/) - [Cairns](https://cursillo.asn.au/cairns/) - Information about Cursillo in the Cairns Diocese. See what is going on in the Tropical North! - [Cairns Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/cairns/cairns-secretariat/) - [About Cairns Cursillo](https://cursillo.asn.au/cairns/about-cairns-cursillo/) - About Cairns Cursillo - [Canberra - Goulburn Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/canberra-goulburn/canberra-secretariat/) - [Canberra - Goulburn](https://cursillo.asn.au/canberra-goulburn/) - Information about Cursillo in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese. - [Brisbane](https://cursillo.asn.au/brisbane/) - Information about Cursillo in the Brisbane Archdiocese. - [Brisbane Cursillo Weekends](https://cursillo.asn.au/brisbane/brisbane-cursillos/) - Join the team on the next Cursillo weekend. - [Wollongong Ultreyas](https://cursillo.asn.au/wollongong/wollongong-ultreyas/) - [News Overseas](https://cursillo.asn.au/newsletters/news-overseas/) - [Canberra - Goulburn Ultreyas](https://cursillo.asn.au/canberra-goulburn/canberra-ultreya/) - [Cairns News](https://cursillo.asn.au/cairns/cairns-news/) - [Perth](https://cursillo.asn.au/perth/) - Information about Cursillo in the Perth Archdiocese. - [Maitland - Newcastle](https://cursillo.asn.au/maitland-newcastle/) - Information about Cursillo in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. - [A Personal Account](https://cursillo.asn.au/about/a-personal-account/) - To live Cursillo is to 'discover' and 'experience' Jesus Christ. The Cursillo Movement invites Christians everywhere to build a world of love and friendship. - [What is Cursillo?](https://cursillo.asn.au/about/what-is-cursillo/) - To live Cursillo is to 'discover' and 'experience' Jesus Christ. The Cursillo Movement invites Christians everywhere to build a world of love and friendship. - [National Encounter 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/about/national-encounter-2025/) - To live Cursillo is to 'discover' and 'experience' Jesus Christ. The Cursillo Movement invites Christians everywhere to build a world of love and friendship. - [National Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/about/national-secretariat/) - Those who have volunteered to lead. This is the currently elected Secretariat. Please join us in thanking them. - [Resources](https://cursillo.asn.au/about/resources/) - Resources that Cursillistas can purchase are listed in the embedded document. Send your orders to the Bookshop Coordinator. - [News National](https://cursillo.asn.au/newsletters/news-national/) - [Newsletters](https://cursillo.asn.au/newsletters/) - [About](https://cursillo.asn.au/about/) - To live Cursillo is to 'discover' and 'experience' Jesus Christ. The Cursillo Movement invites Christians everywhere to build a world, founded on love and friendship. We invite you to discover this movement which is spreading the Love of Christ, worldwide in more than 60 countries and across denominations. - [Palanca Corner](https://cursillo.asn.au/palanca-corner/) - Palanca Corner | Australian Catholic Cursillo Movement - [Maitland - Newcastle Newsletters](https://cursillo.asn.au/maitland-newcastle/maitland-newcastle-newsletters/) - Newsletter - [Wollongong Small Groups](https://cursillo.asn.au/wollongong/wollongong-small-group/) - [Perth Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/perth/perth-secretariat/) - [Maitland - Newcastle Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/maitland-newcastle/maitland-newcastle-secretariat/) - [Lismore Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/lismore/lismore-secretariat/) - [Brisbane Secretariat](https://cursillo.asn.au/brisbane/brisbane-secretariat/) ## Events - [Lismore Cursillo ‘Three Days’](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/lismore-cursillo-three-days/) - You are invited to a Cursillo ‘Three Days’. All are welcome. Come and enjoy a 3 day journey centred on faith in everyday life Thursday 15th – Sunday 18th October Marian Valley Retreat Centre The Cursillo opens with an introductory dinner and a short retreat as preparation for the three days. A combination of presentations, discussions, - [Wollongong Cursillo](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/wollongong-cursillo/) - There will be a Wollongong Women's Cursillo to be held from 10th to 13th September 2026. Information and Application - [Cairns Cursillo Weekend](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/cairns-cursillo-weekend/) - Long Weekend Retreat July 17-19, 2026 Hugh O'Brien Centre, Saint Mary's College 53 Anderson Rd, Woree QLD 4870 A reflective and renewing Cursillo long weekend — a short course in Christian living. Price: $150 (incl. meals) Early bird: $100 by July 4, 2026 Day retreat with accommodation available for travellers. Cursillo 2026 Media release Cursillo - [Canberra-Goulburn Mixed Cursillo Weekend](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/canberra-goulburn-mixed-cursillo-weekend/) - The next Canberra-Goulburn Cursillo will be mix-gender weekend at Galong. Find more information and register at https://tinyurl.com/cursillo2026 - [World Ultreya 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/world-ultreya-2025/) - English Version of the Program - [AGM & National Encounter 2025](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/agm-national-encounter-2025/) - More info can be found here. Please contact your local secretariat or the national for registration details. - [National Secretariat - AGM](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/national-agm/) - AGENDA: Prayer to the Holy Spirit (9:00 am) Welcome and Introduction to Country Introductions and Apologies Prayer /Reflection Diocesan reports National Executive reports Other Matters of Business: Insurance Safeguarding – Diocesan response Revised Role of the National Secretariat OMCC Budget National Archives World Ultreya 2025 Website & Palanca National Encounter 2024/25 Evening Mass (5:00 pm) - [Cursillo 3 Day Weekend](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/cursillo-3-day-weekend/) - Wollongong Cursillo 3 Day Weekend at St Mary's Towers Retreat Centre. A spiritually uplifting encounter for all the faithful. Follow this site for further details. Registration/Application Form:[pdf-embedder url="http://cursillo.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Invitation.pdf"] - [Zoom meeting "daily thoughts of Eduardo"](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/zoom-meeting-daily-thoughts-of-eduardo/) - There has been interest shown in linking into a FEBA event facilitated by FEBA USA regarding some ‘daily thoughts of Eduardo’ sent out via WhatsApp to everyone who has registered AND a Zoom meeting that will take place at 5am (EST in Australia) on Sunday 23rd August 2020. If people want to take part, everyone - [Ultreya](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/ultreya/) - A Pot-Luck dinner will be held following the 16th November Ultreya at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Rosemeadow. All are welcome, for further details contact Ken garland 0417 244 059 - [Call to Holiness](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/call-to-holiness/) - “Call to Holiness” The weekend will centre on talks inspired by Pope Francis’ “Gaudete Et Exsultate (Rejoice and Exult)”. It will also be a time of friendship and fellowship. You can come for a day or stay for the weekend. For further details contact Ken Garland 0417-244 059 http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html - [Next National Secretariat Meeting](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/next-national-secretariat-meeting/) - The 2017 National Encounter and Secretariat meeting will be held in Wagga Diocese prior to the National Encounter on Friday October 20 & Saturday October 21.. - [2017 NATIONAL ENCOUNTER](https://cursillo.asn.au/event/2017-national-encounter/) - Theme: Lord show us the Way – a new beginning On behalf of our sub-committee I am pleased to invite you to come to the 2017 National Encounter which will be held in conjunction with the 2017 meeting of the National Secretariat. I provide the following supporting information. ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://cursillo.asn.au/news/uncategorized/) - [National](https://cursillo.asn.au/news/latest-news/national/) - News, Notices and Gallery - [OMCC & Asian Region](https://cursillo.asn.au/news/latest-news/omcc-asian-region/) - News - [Overseas](https://cursillo.asn.au/news/latest-news/overseas/) - News - [Latest News](https://cursillo.asn.au/news/latest-news/) ## Tags - [Reflection](https://cursillo.asn.au/tag/reflection/) - [Spiritual Adviser](https://cursillo.asn.au/tag/spiritual-adviser/) ## Event Categories - [National Event](https://cursillo.asn.au/events/category/national-event/) - [Wollongong](https://cursillo.asn.au/events/category/wollongong/) ## Portfolio Categories - [Resources](https://cursillo.asn.au/portfolio_entries/resources/)