For the past 45 years Quincy University has been the host site of a profound Catholic renewal called Cursillo, which means a short course in Christianity. This renewal program is a lay church outreach that invites adult men and women to share in a three-and-a-half-day gathering to renew folks in their Catholic faith.
I traveled there to pray for the 65-75 women attending Cursillo #318. Folks from all over the tri-state area (Illinois, Iowa and Missouri) and beyond continue to pray for new attendees. In 1971 Father Tom Henseler and Bob Schepers and the team of Cursillo #1 brought this renewal weekend to our diocese, and since then thousands have come to be fed and strengthened in their faith walk with Christ.
While I was at the Franciscan renewal center serving the lunch meal to the ladies I was struck in a powerful Holy Spirit way to see “Discipleship as a Way of Life” happening very well. First I saw Jane Deters. For over 30 years this humble and holy woman has been God’s chosen servant, leading other women (and men like me) to a deeper walk with Christ. The theme of the weekend was, “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.” Jane is a living witness to that joy.
Joan Haubrich too carries the torch of discipleship well as she has been a renewal leader in both Cursillo for adults and TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) for youth. Joan always says, “Yes, Lord” —with her husband, Joe — to being true disciples, who desire to share and evangelize the Good News of Jesus.
Ann Gage totally embraces the discipleship call. A Catholic school educator, principal, director of Religious Education, pastoral associate, she will serve as lay leader (rectora) of the July Cursillo #320 weekend. Christ’s way, truth, and life are easily seen by Ann’s “yes” response to be an intentional disciple.
As a parent what do you pray, wish, and hope for your children? Jenny Gramke is the lay leader of this weekend and truly walks the walk Jesus has invited her to walk. Jenny has a wholistic, strong Catholic faith, so rooted in prayer. She has a unique clown ministry which touches hearts and souls. She can shepherd these women well, by challenging them to love him, and to join her in feeding his sheep.
Her sister, Kathy Schwartz joined her on this weekend as a servant and disciple called to witness to these women candidates making their first Cursillo. In her parish at St. Peter, at Cursillo and TEC, and in many other faith based ministries, she has given her all to be an intentional disciple. She radiates Christ’s love. Can you imagine the joy today in the hearts of their parents as they hear Jesus rejoicing as he watches these ladies, called to action, serving the Lord in joy and gladness, as they allow him to be their strength?
I drove around Quincy and smiled at every beautiful dogwood tree I could get my eyes on. God was pleased I’m sure that I was pleased with his creation. He then showed me what even more was blooming in Quincy. Faith … discipleship … his glory! I was blown away at his revelation to me of true growth and beauty, a renewal opportunity for 75 women to enter into his paschal mystery, and encounter his living presence. I was filled with hope that “Discipleship as a Way of Life” is alive and well.
“Glory be to Him, whose power deep within us, can do infinitely more that we can say or do, glory be to Him who power deep within our hearts, can take us by the hand, and lead us to Himself,” are the words of Scripture and a song written by a Dominican sister. This was the “blooming” I got to witness once again as I was able to help on a Cursillo. This Scripture defines true “discipleship” at its best.
It is weekends and gatherings like this that give hope to our church, creating disciples every weekend. Our diocese seeks to become a total Stewardship/Discipleship diocese. I have no doubt we are on the way … which obviously is his way.