Fall 2024 Cursillo Weekends held in Edina

Over a three-day weekend, they lived a fully packed schedule of Daily Mass, prayers, spiritual talks, jokes, good meals, and meditations. They delved into the life impact of ideals and executing the role of Catholic laymen, who make authentic piety a way of life, using God’s gifts of habitual and actual grace.”

Ken Shroeder

SCROLL THE ARROW to see another photo. 

The Cursillo Movement for the Jefferson City diocese held its Fall 2024 Weekends at St. Joseph Parish in Edina.

This was the second time in two years that weekends were held there.

Men’s weekend

Men’s Weekend #74 was from Sept. 19-22 and included 12 candidates.

They represented Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Thomas More Newman Center parishes in Columbia; St. Pius X Parish in Moberly; St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Sedalia; St. Martin Parish in St. Martins; St. Stanislaus Parish in Wardsville; and Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City.

Ken Schroeder of St. Pius X Parish led a team of 14 people, including service team members and cooks, to conduct the weekend.

Father Joseph Corel, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Sedalia, served as spiritual director. Deacon Ray Purvis, who assists the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City, served as assistant spiritual director.

“Twelve men from across the diocese met and became friends at St. Joseph in Edina,” said Ken Shroeder, rector.

“Over a three-day weekend, they lived a fully packed schedule of Daily Mass, prayers, spiritual talks, jokes, good meals, and meditations. They delved into the life impact of ideals and executing the role of Catholic laymen, who make authentic piety a way of life, using God’s gifts of habitual and actual grace.”

Fr. Corel said the sponsors of the men on the weekend did a great job of preparing them for the experience.

“They came ready and opened up to the retreat and weekend very quickly,” said Fr. Corel. “They walked away with a great understanding of what we hoped they would receive from the weekend.”

Women’s weekend 

Women’s Cursillo Weekend #82 was held Oct. 10-13 in Edina.

The St. Joseph Retreat Center has several bunk beds, a nice kitchen, and a dining area.

Also significant was the chapel, which provided for Masses and very intimate visits with the Blessed Sacrament.

Sixteen women from several parishes were candidates on the weekend.

Five came from Sedalia, two from Jefferson City, two from Hannibal, two from Monroe City, two from Columbia, one from Moberly and one from Novinger.

Father Gregory Oligschlaeger, pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Monroe City and St. Stephen Parish in Indian Creek, was the spiritual director. Deacon Christopher Korte, director of the Kirksville Newman Center, was the assistant spiritual director.

Susan Stolwyk was the rectora. 

The Holy Spirit was very much alive and working in the team and the 16 women who participated.

“The graces that were poured out on the women and team members were beyond measure,” a team member stated.

The weekend was filled with a few tears, a little dancing, fun, love and much laughter.

The women opened up their hearts and minds like beautiful roses in the garden of God’s grace, pointing their faces toward the Son and His love for them.

The Cursillo movement is about strengthening one’s relationship with Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

The Cursillo Secretariat has scheduled Summer 2025 Weekends at Fr. Tolton Regional Catholic High School in Columbia.

Anyone who has never been on a Cursillo weekend is highly encouraged to attend.

Fourth-Dayers are encouraged to begin now to look for new candidates to sponsor for both of these weekends. 

For more information, visit diojeffcity.org/cursillo.