Latest Cursillo Happenings
Nick & Jen Crisp
On Saturday March 14 we drove to Bundaberg for their annual Ultreya (a “Reunion of Groups”). We went via Eumundi Market (for breakfast), and also took a brief break at Gunalda (to top-up our EV with some free electrons!), arriving
in time for a BYO-Lunch in the hall at Good Shepherd, Bundy West. The Ultreya began as usual with a concerted loosening of our vocal-chords, and then we were treated to perhaps the most understated Witness Talk we have ever heard! Margaret Darnley began her Cursillo journey on Weekend W2 in 1985.
From that time on, The Holy Spirit led Margaret to many places around Australia, and in each location she was a primary driver in creating a new Cursillo beginning. Margaret told it like she might list the ingredients in a nice salad, barely mentioning the massive effort she put in, in those early days. The theme for the Ultreya was “A Grateful Heart”. While the intention was to reflect on our being grateful to God for all that we are given, we were equally conscious that all Cursillistas have been the recipients of God’s Love shone through the efforts of the Margaret Darnleys of our world. After 40 years in Cursillo Margaret is just as enthusiastic as ever!
Since much of Bundy and surrounds were in the middle of a clean-up after severe flooding, we thought it best to not try to book accommodation in Bundy, but returned to Tin Can Bay for the night. There was no Anglican Service there next morning, so we Zoomed-in to Rev’ Sam’s service at Manly, wrapping-up a short but inspiring and invigorating getaway!
On Saturday March 21 we drove to Toowoomba West Parish (St Augustine’s) for the start of Team Training for this year’s Weekend #84. (A combined Women’s + Men’s Weekend, scheduled for August 21-23.)
The Team was Commissioned by our Cursillo Diocesan Spiritual Advisor – Rev’ Pauline Harley, in a short service (less stretching of the vocal-chords) prior to the start of the first Training session. Some Team-members were spread from the Gold Coast to Bundaberg, so they were Commissioned “on-line”.
After Commissioning, Nick presented a module (thanks to Jen for the ppt file!) on “small group dynamics” to the Team. We then collected a huge pile of banners from past Weekends (from Resources Co-ordinator Allan Zirbell – who is on Team #84) to embellish St Gabriel’s Carindale on May 9 for our local “Moreton Deanery Ultreya”. We returned via Crow’s Nest, Esk, and Wivenhoe (stopping to boil the billy from the EV 240V outlet, as you do!).
Soar as on wings like eagles – join us in Cursillo.
All blessings, Jen & Nick
Read the whole newsletter below
Manly Parish Newsletter 5 April 2026