SPONSORSHIP 101 by Janet Brasfield
This is the first part of a two part series. It is a reminder of the basic tenets of Cursillo: Who should attend, who should sponsor, and how. Sponsorship 102 will address the nuts and bolts of responsibilities of a sponsor. All material is taken from the Cursillo Library published by the National Episcopal Cursillo Committee.

The sponsor has responsibilities not only to the candidate but to the community.

Who Should Sponsor? Those who[1]: Are leading an active Christian life. Know the goal of Cursillo, and are familiar with who should and should not make a Cursillo. Know the candidate well and support him or her at every stage. Be an authentic witness to the Christian Life and active in the 4th Day. Can take the responsibility for incorporating the new Cursillista into the 4th-day Community.
Who Should be Sponsored? Those who are:Baptized Christian and Episcopalian. Stable and mature with a desire for God’s Love. Longing to be set on fire with a zeal to do His work in the Church and the world. Physically able to take full part in the weekend. Already living and deepening their Christian life. Potential influences on their environments. Able to receive and participate fully in the sacraments.

The Sponsor should ask[2]:
Is this person searching for Christ?
Does the sponsor see Christ in this person?
Does this person have the potential to see Christ in everyone?
Will Cursillo strengthen his or her life in Christ?

Who should NOT make a Cursillo? Those with psychological or emotional problems, or whose moral life is disordered. An individual should wait a period of one year from the occurrence of a trauma, death of someone close, or divorce.

Remember: Everything that drives Cursillo is focused on the 4th day. The Pre-Cursillo is looking at environments to be penetrated by the Gospel and identifying persons who can influence them. This is accomplished in prayer.

TALK TO GOD ABOUT YOUR FRIEND BEFORE YOU TALK TO YOUR FRIEND ABOUT CURSILLO.

[1] From “The Authentic Three Day Weekend”.
[2] From “Sponsorship”.