The Winter Retreat was fantastic. Just when you thought the King’s House staff could not make the weekend any better, they do. The talks on God’s mercy were inspiring and confirming. The facility is wonderful with beautiful prayer and chapel spaces, good food and snacks, and amaz-ing scenic outdoor views, complete with soaring eagles. Being there with our beloved 4th day com-munity is always heartwarming and joyous. And then receive multiple sacraments, and you have a great way to start the New Year.

            Thanks to those that joined us. Next year, the retreat will start on Friday night Jan. 6th, so it will be a week after the holidays and should have fewer conflicts with family events. Plan on attending!

            At the School of Leaders meeting in January, we shared some thoughts on the Charism and the strategic plan—things that have been done or started in the last two years; and other things that we should consider for the near future. We talked about the keys to effective discipleship through Cursillo---authentic grouping of piety, study, and apostolic action, attending Ultreya, and attending School of Leaders as necessary supports for our continuous progressive conversions.

            Most important for the health of the Cursillo Movement in the Twin Cities is participation in SOL. It is the heart and soul of the Movement. In the Leader’s Manual we are told….”the School of Leaders is to the Cursillo community what the team is to the Cursillo weekend”. Having experi-enced the Cursillo weekend and committing to discipleship for Christ makes each one of us leaders. The SOL is designed to support our personal and community growth and spirituality. That means the ideas and work to make our whole Movement continue to experience continuous progressive conversion comes from SOL. It means that the prayers and support for each other at SOL is what fuels our vision and perseverance. It also means reinforcing our authentic Christian friendships that drive us to openness to God’s will beyond our close knit, closed circle of friendships. The Move-ment gains momentum and we make more disciples for Jesus. Plan to attend some SOL meetings in 2016!

            Our brothers and sisters in the Spanish and Vietnamese communities are also working on ac-tivities for their growth and support. At the end of March, the Spanish community will host a Cursillo de Cursillo for our region. The Cursillo de Cursillo is designed to teach more deeply the elements of the Charism and the Movement. The English community will support them with a kitchen team for the weekend.

Our Vietnamese community will host the first-ever Twin Cities weekend in August. At this time, it will be only a men’s weekend. In the future they look to also host a women’s weekend.

English weekends 355/356 will begin February 4th. Plan to hold all of our Cursillo friends in prayer and participate in all the 4th day activities you can!

God bless you, Friends!

Larry and Jeanne Bendzinski