Our History

Cursillo means “A short course” and literally is a “short course in Christianity” or a “short course in Christian Living.” It is a three day, intensive study and experience of how to better live your life as a Christian. The weekends are led by a team of Cursillistas (def: one who has attended a Cursillo) of about 50-60 people. The team consists of lay directors, clergy, musicians and cooks.

History

Cursillo began in Majorca, Spain in the Roman Catholic Church. Cursillo in the United States began when two Spanish pilots were in America in the 1940’s. Cursillo is now in many states as well as Europe, Canada, Australia and South America. Lutheran Cursillo of Southern California held its first set of weekends in June, 1990. LCSC was developed from other three day movements such as Episcopal Cursillo and Walk to Emmaus (Methodist). LCSC uses Lutheran Theology and is led by Lutheran Clergy. You must be an active member at a Lutheran church to attend.

There is no sponsorship from any of the main governing bodies of the different synods of the Lutheran Church. Weekends are held at either St. Joseph’s Retreat Center in Rosemead, CA or Cursillo House in Pomona, CA. We have also hosted a few weekends at El Camino Pines Lutheran Camp in Frazier Park, CA. This camp is in the mountains and provides a beautiful setting for the weekend. About 25 pilgrims can attend a weekend, with another 50-60 on each team.