What an eventful year this has been for our denomination and for Episcopal Cursillo in the Diocese of Virginia! We have been part of the struggle to find our way as Christians while the church looks for answers and a way to maintain the focus of bringing the Good News to the world.

I am so very proud of you, my fellow Cursillistas, for having maintained that focus and being witnesses for Christ in your homes, your parishes, and where you work. You have shown an understanding of the Gospel message of redemption and renewal that is without parallel. You have continued to be effective witnesses for Christ and have shared your stories as a way of inspiring and encouraging each other as well as those who have not seen the Gospel lived out as you have learned to do.

Bishop Jones has seen fit to reappoint me as your lay director for this year. I am humbled and yet eager to continue as your spokesperson and I pledge to serve the whole diocese to the best of my abilities. In order to do that job effectively I am once again asking for your ACTIVE participation and support. I cannot do this job without your help along with the help of the secretariat. If you feel like you would like to be part of the decision making body (secretariat) please let me know. We have a need for new people to take a role in the secretariat who can represent their region and are willing to coordinate the efforts of all of those who make things "Cursillo" happen.

In the year ahead there are several events and tasks planned:

We hope to review and re-write our pastoral plan for Cursillo apostolic action in the diocese. Also, there will be a co-ed weekend May 12-15, 2005. It is never too soon to think about sponsoring a friend to a Cursillo weekend. Right now you can ask God in prayer to reveal to you friends who might benefit from the training of a Cursillo weekend. Then, talk with your priest about that (those) friend(s). Once prayer and consultation with the priest has been undertaken, then you can talk with your friends about Cursillo - as you can see the process takes time so, as I have already said, it is never too soon to think about sponsoring a brother/sister in Christ to a weekend.

Then in October there will be another Community Weekend held at the 4-H Center, Front Royal. I am looking for volunteers to be coordinators who will work with me and the secretariat for the program, workshops, music, and worship of that weekend. Like the plan for this past year’s community weekend, the focus will be on community fellowship, learning, and singing, telling stories, laughing, crying, eating, and worshipping together. The goal is not to have such a full weekend that there is no contemplative time for walks or other personal time.

Finally I and other members of the secretariat will continue to be available (schedules permitting) to come to any parish or gathering to join in your celebrations and speak with your local communities, if desired. Please do not hesitate to call for us.

For our movement to be sustained so that we (you and I) can continue to be Christ's hands, eyes, heart, and mouth, bringing the Gospel to those needing to hear it, we need to be involved in regular Group Reunion and Ultreyas. If you do not have an Ultreya near you, start one. All you need to know to do that is contained in the Cursillo Library and I am sure there are folks available to help you do it. Encourage each other through Group Reunion accountability and encourage your larger community through the sharing at Ultreya.

Again, it is with a humble yet eager heart that I continue as your Lay Director. I ask that you work with me and help make this movement a force for transformation throughout our diocese. "Christ is counting on you and I am counting on Christ." By keeping such a focus, we can not possibly fail.

I remain,

In His laughter and service,