Since the first Quincy Cursillo in December 1974, more than 10,000 men and women have participated in the 304 weekends. Those who attend are from roughly a 150-mile radius of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, holding eight weekends per year; four for men and four for women. They are held at Quincy University’s Franciscan Retreat Center at 18th Street and Seminary Road.

Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning “short course.” During this three-day experience, those attending pray together, celebrate Eucharist, listen to talks given by priests, religious and laypersons, and share fellowship of Jesus Christ and each other. Cursillo proposes no new type of spirituality but simply a method through which one’s spirituality may be developed, lived and shared in any area of human life.

As a lay movement, Cursillo gives those who attend a living understanding of basic Christian truths and a desire to serve the church. It also provides a means to continue the Christian formation that begins during the three-day experience.

Bob Schepers was instrumental in bringing Cursillo to Quincy and in many ways considered the “father” of Quincy Cursillo. He passed away in 2010.

Quincy Cursillo is not an exclusive Catholic movement but welcomes

participants of other faith denominations. For those that would like to experience a Cursillo weekend, information is on the Quincy Cursillo website: www.quincycursillo.com.

The celebration will begin with music and song at 1 p.m. with Mass at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2600 Maine St., Quincy, with Mass being concelebrated by Father John Doctor OFM, and Father Tom Henseler, formerly from Mt. Sterling and the spiritual director of the first Cursillo in Quincy.

Father Henseler will be the homilist. A carry-in dinner will follow in St. Peter’s School. All past participants of a Quincy Cursillo, over the past 40 years, are welcome to attend.