Words of Wisdom

Mimi Fitzgerald
Lay Director May 2008 --

Mimi Fitzgerald, Lay Director 

Message from Mimi #39 11/25/09

We gather this Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving in many different ways: giving thanks to God for many blessings in many different ways with friends and family, preparing and serving dinners for those less fortunate, joining the Turkey Trot for SOME, just to mention a few.

Following quickly is the first Sunday of Advent. How will we celebrate this wonderful season? Will we light a candle? Will we spend some time in prayer, waiting as Mary did?
Will we shop for those we love and perhaps take a tag from a Giving Tree? I can't resist sharing the Christmas Novena at St. Charles - Simbang Gabi - a Filipino tradition of Mass at 5:00 a.m. and breakfast after each morning for the nine days before Christmas.

You can contemplate how you will spend your season of Advent on Tuesday, December 1, with a Quiet Night - A Promise Kept. Jane Duffy will present in the chapel at Missionhurst from 7 to 9 p.m. Join us and give yourself time to consider how Jesus is birthed in each one of us and how we share this with those around us.


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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #38  11/16/09

Hi all,

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. We give thanks for our families, friends and community and gather next Saturday night at Holy Family Parish, 14160 Ferndale, Dale City VA 22193 at 7:00pm for Diocesan Ultreya . Check the website for a map, www.Arlingtoncursillo,org Bring a friend and a snack and share an evening of rejoicing for all of the gifts that God has given us. Hope to see you there.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #37  10/25/09

Hi all,

 Many thanks to John Rausch for conceiving the idea of the Octoberfest and organizing all the volunteers.  Thanks to all for setting up, cooking and clean-up, music, salads, desserts and anything that I have forgotten.  It was fun to be with everyone, to welcome and get to know new people and visit with friends of many years.  And for those who missed it, we hope you will join us next time.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #36  10/19/09

Good morning all, 

As we sang this weekend, I want to pass this on - Father Mike Hann stopped me after mass this morning to say "thanks" for leaving the house at Missionhurst better than we found it , beds made, downstairs clean, and kitchen spotless - (my words) the grill has never been cleaner!!!  See what the human spirit can do when illuminated by the Holy Spirit!! (words from one of our new cursillistas.) 

Thanks to all for prayer, support in many practical ways, clean-up, set-up for closing and all of the many details!!  Hope to see you this Saturday, October 23 at St. John Neumann for Octoberfest.  Coming up: Fourth Day School (SOL) at St. Mark's on November 14 and Diocesan Ultreya on November 21 at Holy Family.  Please check the website: www.arlingtoncursillo.org for details.  

Also, I have a men's blue jacket left at OLGC.  Give me a call at 703-527-6721.   

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #35  10/16/09

Good morning cursillistas, 

If you are out and about on this gray wet morning, think clear and bright as the song says.  You may be delivering palanca to the door at Missionhurst as some of us do.  Stop and pick up a snack on your way - something healthy, hopefully.  You can drop it off in the Palanca Box at the main door, put it in the Shepherd's Door (to the right at the bottom of the stairs) or give it to the kitchen crew - door on the far left of the building.  Thanks much!!

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #34  10/14/09

Hi all,

 Holiday weekends are wonderful, except that suddenly it is Tuesday!! In two days the team of the 119th Men's  Cursillo will gather at Missionhurst to welcome candidates.  Please check the website: www.Arlingtoncursillo.org for all information on the candidates list., a few spaces left on the Palanca calendar and a volunteer for lunch on Friday and Sunday's activities.  Also, another spiritual director has joined the group.  Father Joe Nangle will be with them for the weekend, so please remember him in  your prayers.  Finally the leaders from Area  II Cursillo will be meeting in Vineland , NJ this weekend, so please keep us in your prayers.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #33  10/1/09

Hi all,

 Fall seems to be with us.  Children of all ages are back in school, soccer and football are in full swing and our schedules are a bit more normal.  I wanted to mention two things.  We have a Men's Cursillo weekend in just about two weeks, beginning on October 15, and it would be nice to add a few more candidates.  Many of us have people we have talked to in the past about cursillo.  Pray on it and perhaps now would be a good time to touch base with these people.  And keep in mind, people make cursillo at a time that is good for them and God.  God's time may differ from ours. 

Please take a look at the palanca clock which is up for the weekend on the website www.Arlingtoncursillo.org .   You have your choice of many hours. 

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald --

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Message from Mimi #32  9/8/09

 

Hi all,

Summer seems to be over and it has been a good summer, wonderful weather, new cursillistas and a number of ways to connect with our God and each other!!

This coming Saturday, September 12, after the 9:00 am Mass, we gather at Nativity in Burke for SOL. We are studying Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical "Spe Salvi", session 3. We will also take a look at the weekend schedules, particularly Sunday, to see "if"or "what" might be done to help us find more "thinking" time in that schedule. Please join us and share your thoughts, bring any schedules and your prayers. We try to finish up about noon.

School of Leaders continues to be a setting where we are able to grow closer to God by sharing prayer, reading and discussing new material as an effort to achieve a deeper understanding of cursillo. Hope to see you there.

On Saturday, September 26, after the 9:15 am Mass at St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax, spiritual director Hope Shaw will present a Quiet Day on "Gift". We will come together to share fruit, bagels and coffee and start the program about 10:00 am. Please bring a brown bag lunch. We will end about 2:00 pm. RSVP's are requested to Trudy Harlow Dervan at tpharlow@aol.com.

Think about spending some time not only to listen to Hope's thoughts, but to enjoy the quiet with God. The fall days fill quickly with many activities. The Quiet Days provide nourishment and graced moments to keep us going in the midst of all that we do.


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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #31 Women's 129th Cursillo 7/31/09

 

Hi all,

 

I greet you from beautiful upstate New York, specifically Inlet - wonderful country, beautiful lakes, brisk walks to early morning Mass and fun to be with family.  This coming Thursday night we begin the 129th  Women's Weekend at Camp Happyland, Richardsville, VA.  There is still space on the weekend.  In the meantime, we keep the women in prayer and send off our palanca to Mary Lou McGonigle or to parish contacts. 

 

Let's join them as we are able at Mananita and Closing.  Please check the website for details and directions on all of these events and information for palanca, www.Arlingtoncursillo.org and Mary Lou McGonigle, respectively.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #30 Women's 129th Cursillo applications AND How you get His Banner 7/8/09

Hi all,

Two items:

1. We must have your confirmed reservation in to Camp Happyland by July 23 for the 129th Women's Cursillo . Now is the time to send in your candidate's application. Our team has been preparing prayerfully and will have their Quiet Night at Missionhurst this Thursday (July 9). Keep them in your prayers.

2. You may be on our His Banner paper copy mailing list. If this is the most convenient way for you to receive His Banner, do nothing.

Otherwise: There are a few ways to get your copy of our Cursillo newsletter:
• Read it online or download it from our website (http://arlingtoncursillo.org)
• Receive it by email
• "Borrow" it from a friend
• Receive a paper copy by USPS mail
If you receive a paper copy, and this is NOT the most convenient way for you to receive His Banner, please email Pete Roth and tell us which method you would prefer, and we'll switch your registration.

If you would prefer to receive it at a different email address, please tell us that, too.

Thanks!
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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
sent from the beach...
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Mimigram #29 5/28/09

What better way to prepare for Pentecost than to take some time out for quiet!!!  Ginny Graham will facilitate the morning at St. Lawrence, 6222 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA.  Morning Mass is at 9:00 and we will gather at 9:30 for coffee, doughnuts and fruit.  We'll finish about 12:30 with lots of time for the usual Saturday errands.  Hope to see you there.

Please keep the team of the Women's 129th in your prayers as they start formation on Pentecost Sunday.  What a special way to be open to the Spirit!!

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #28 5/14/09

Hi all,

 I would like to invite all of you to join us for three special upcoming events  This Saturday, May 16 the Cursillo School will meet at Our Lady of Good Counsel (site of the last closing) at 9:30  Frank McLeskey will facilitate discussion on the 9th Chapter in the Fundamentals of the Cursillo Movement. The Cursillo Movement in the Life and Mission of the Church.  Cursillo School is open and welcoming to all and Frank does an excellent job of keeping the discussion lively.

The Retreat for the Seriously Ill is May 22 -24 at the Dominican Retreat House in McLean.  Details can be found at www.arlingtoncursillo.org under Retreat for the Seriously Ill.  Please consider writing letters and most especially join us for the serenade on Sunday morning at 8:25.  Bring flowers to share with the retreatants.

 Take a couple of hours to join us on Saturday, May 30 at St. Laurence in Alexandria for a Quiet Day.  A time will be posted on the web site calendar.  Ginny Thompson will lead us and it is so good just to spend some time with God  in the quiet in the midst of a busy life.  It is indeed an opportunity to simply be.  Enjoy!!

 Finally we have a Women's Team starting formation on May 31.  And the candidate list is posted also.  Not too soon to start doing some palanca.  It helps me get things done when I would just as soon put it off!!!

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #27 4/16/09

 We are still celebrating the wonderful season of Easter, even if the temperature feels like July 4th.  The story of the early church unfolds each day in the readings and our own stories unfold as we move through our own journeys.  Come and share your stories with new friends from your weekend and others in our community.  Join us at the Diocesan Ultreya this Saturday, May 2 at 7:30  at St. James in Falls Church in Teller Hall.  Bring a friend , bring a snack.  See you on Saturday!!
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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #26 4/14/2009

Friends,

It is truly a wonderful season to call this group together and even more powerful to give us the opportunity to support through prayer and whatever we choose as palanca during this time.

There will be a Palanca box at Missionhurst all weekend for any latecomers. Check with your groups, Ultreyas and parishes as to how to deliver Palanca. Considering the snacks that I have presently in my living room (to be delivered to Missionhurst on Thursday), I would recommend fresh fruit, but then I always recommend fresh fruit!!

Please check the cooking calendar. I think there is one space left for Friday morning breakfast and there are many spaces left on the Palanca calendar.

We will gather at 6:45 on Sunday morning at Missionhurst and Closing is at 5:00(please be seated at 4:45) at Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC). Please check the website for directions www.arlingtoncursillo.org .

Finally, I ask for prayers for the Area II Meeting this weekend in Vineland, NJ. Remember us as we share ideas, prayer and plans for Cursillo and ultimately ways to deepen our relationship with the risen Jesus.


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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #25 4/2/2009

 Friends,

 I don't think I can say this any better than Ellen did yesterday in her e-mail yesterday in sharing the news of the death of her husband Ron Vincoli.

"God called Ron home today to his eternal home.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  The information on arrangements follows.

 Blessings and peace,

Ellen"

 Visitation at Murphy's Funeral Home in Arlington - Friday, April 3, from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm. 
Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua on Saturday, April 4 at 8:30am. 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church or
Halquist Inpatient Center of the Capital Hospice
6565 Arlington Blvd., Suite 500
Falls Church,VA 22042 

Please continue to keep Ron and Ellen and their families in your prayers.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #24 3/17/09

Hi all,

Great weekend for the ladies!! We have started 24 new cursillistas on their journey. Let's keep them connected and help them deepen their relationship with the love of God that they found in a new way on the weekend.

Another opportunity for growth is this coming Saturday, March 21 at Sacred Heart, 12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas, VA 20112. The first part of the morning at School of Leaders will deal with Chapter 8 in The Fundamentals of the Cursillo Movement. Don't worry if you haven't read the other seven, as this simply gives some explanation of School of Leaders and Secretariats.

The second part of the meeting will be a panel discussion on Team Formation and Cursillo facilitated by Frank Mcleskey. We have a variety of panelists who have recently served on teams: Carlos Otal, Phil Kiko(angel), George Brown, Carol Schloss, Carol Eager(angel), and Pat Durkin.

We have a men's team in formation for the April weekend and will shortly be making calls for the August Women's Team and the October Men's Team. If you are interested in working on a team, this will be an excellent experience. Come, bring your questions, and ideas. Join us for mass at 9:00am and for coffee, bagels, fruit and community.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #23 3/3/09

Spring is coming. Right now it is hiding with the daffodils under the snow. The last (?) snow of the season brings with it a certain amount of quiet and we too have an opportunity to experience some quiet this coming Saturday morning, March 7 at St. Ann's in Arlington. Jeanne Sweeney will lead our reflection on "Pondering how to be with the Cross, our own hard times, our friends and those of the world. What's helpful? How do we meet love, receive love at the cross?"

Mass at St. Ann's is at 8:30am and we will gather after that at 9:00 for coffee and bagels and possibly some fruit and begin at 9:30. Join us for the morning. Take some time for yourself and let your errands go until the afternoon. They may even go more smoothly!!

The Palanca Clock is on the website www.arlingtoncursillo.org and our Women's Weekend approaches quickly on March 12. Team and candidate lists are also on the website.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #22 2/24/09 Diocesan Ultreya  at Good Shepherd

Hi all,

 Just one more reminder!  Please join us  on Saturday night for our Diocesan Ultreya  at Good Shepherd in Alexandria from 7:30 to 9:00pm.  (Map on the website: www.Arlingtoncursillo.org under calendar.  Our Spanish speaking sisters and brothers have been invited to join us. 

Two ideas occur to me- we might gather in the spirit of the season.  As we all know, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday-Miercoles de Ceniza (yo estudio espanol and I am practicing) and we come together on Saturday not in a spirit of penance, but perhaps to rejoice in a God who loved us enough to come and live among us.  The other thought is that we might offer our prayers and support as we look toward the Women's Cursillo in just a few weeks.  Bring a friend, perhaps your candidate.  Hope to see you there.
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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #21 1/25/09 Death of Mike Goody and Arrangements -- Update Need Help With The Reception

Apologies if you are getting this message more than once, but I am sure you understand.　 I am simply forwarding Fredddie Wall's message.　 And I ask that you continue to keep Mike and all of his family in your prayers not just tomorrow but in the days ahead.

Subject: MORE Re: Mike Goody Arrangements

Dear Friends,
I am working on coordinating the luncheon/reception following the funeral Mass and burial of Mike Goody (Sandy Goody's oldest son.). The reception will be at St. Ann　 in Arlington (yes, St. Ann, not St. John. SEE BELOW for directions.)　 If you are planning to attend the reception and can bring food or drinks, please contact me either by responding to this e-mail message or by phone 703-356-5706 about what you can bring. It really helps us to know ahead of time what food/drink we will receive. We are looking for salads, fruit, desserts, and wine.
Some of you may have already been called by me - please forgive the duplicate request.
Blessings!
De colores,
Freddie

St Ann's is located is located at 5300 North 10th Street between Frederick and Harrison Streets in Arlington. To reach the church follow the directions below. View maps.

 From Washington Boulevard:
Traveling towards Falls Church, cross over George Mason Drive. Make the first LEFT after George Mason onto North Frederick Street. Proceed past 10th Street and turn right into the church parking lot.

 From Wilson Boulevard:
Traveling towards Seven Corners make a RIGHT onto George Mason Drive (there's a McDonald's on the corner). Make a LEFT onto Washington Boulevard at the next light. Make the first LEFT onto North Frederick Street. Proceed past 10th Street and turn right into the church parking lot.

 From Lee Highway:
Traveling towards Falls Church make a LEFT onto George Mason Drive (there's a 7-Eleven, bank, and Friendly's Ice Cream on the corners). Pass Arlington Hospital and make a RIGHT at the second light onto Washington Boulevard. Make the first LEFT onto North Frederick Street. Proceed past 10th Street and turn right into the church parking lot.

 From Route 50/Arlington Boulevard:
Exit at George Mason Drive North. Continue on George Mason Drive, crossing Wilson Boulevard, until you reach Washington Boulevard. Make a LEFT onto Washington Boulevard at the next light. Make the first LEFT onto North Frederick Street. Proceed past 10th Street and turn right into the church parking lot.

 From I-66 West:
Exit at Glebe Road and make a LEFT at the light at the end of the ramp onto Glebe Road. Make a RIGHT at the first light onto Washington Boulevard (there's a Mobil station on the corner). Cross over George Mason Drive and make the first LEFT onto North Frederick Street. Proceed past 10th Street and turn right into the church parking lot.

 From I-66 East:
Exit at Glebe Road/Fairfax Drive (Exit 71) and make a LEFT onto Glebe Road. Make a LEFT onto Washington Boulevard (there's a Mobil station on the corner). Cross over George Mason Drive and make the first LEFT onto North Frederick Street. Proceed past 10th Street and turn right into the church parking lot.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #20 1/24/09 Death of Mike Goody and Arrangements

Friends,

It is with great sadness that I send this news of the death of Mike Goody on Tuesday, January 20. Mike was a good friend to many in our cursillo community and most recently served as angel on the Men's 116th last April.  His mother , Sandy is also  a special part of this community. Please pray for Mike, for his wife China and his mother, Sandy and all of his family

Friends may call at MURPHY FALLS CHURCH FUNERAL HOME, 1102 W. Broad St. (Rt. 7) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terr., McLean,VA, 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26. Interment Columbia Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Hospice.
Information on the reception following the funeral mass will be passed when venue is decided.

God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #19 1/8/09 School of Leaders

Hi all,

I hope your holidays were truly blessed and that you are enjoying the New Year of 2009. On this Saturday morning, January 10 after the 9:15 Mass the School of Leaders will be meeting in the Upper Room. It is the second in a series of SOLs centered on Team Formation and the CursilloWeekend. I would encourage all those who would like to work on a team who are presently in team formation and those who are experienced team members to join us.

Joan Brown, former Lay Director and current team member and Ken Telesca, presently serving as one of the Spiritual Directors on the Men's Team for the April weekend will be presenting. Joan will share her experiences both as a team member and coordinator for weekends. Ken is presenting on Team Formation as a Group Process and the Impact on Talk Day and the Weekend.

As always we will have group reunion and I am sure a spirited discussion during the morning. Hope to see you there!!

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #18 12/29/08

To all my sister and brother cursillistas, 

One of our longtime Cursillo  priests , Father George Griffin died on Christmas Day.  Fr. George served on a number of teams and we offer prayers and comfort to his family and we rejoice that he now lives with God in eternity. 

There will be a Wake at 5 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, December 30 at St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church followed by a Requiem Mass at 7 p.m.  On Wednesday, December 31 there will be a Wake at 9:30a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Mimigram #17 12/7/08

Happy Second Sunday of Advent!

"Comfort, give comfort to my people says your God". So says Isaiah and we have the opportunity to do that in many ways in this season. We can give comfort to ourselves by taking some time in quiet this Wednesday evening, December 10 at Missionhurst from 7:30 to 9:00pm in the chapel. Father Mike Hann will lead the reflection and we know it is necessary to take care of ourselves in order to care for others.

We have an opportunity to care for others as the Retreat for the Seriously Ill is next weekend, Dec. 12-14 at the Dominican Retreat House. Please check the information on the website, www.arlingtoncursillo.org for details.

Finally, join us at St. Anthony of Padua in Falls Church for School of Leaders next Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 -12 noon. Jack Ligon will be our speaker giving us an overview of the weekend. If you have worked on a team, come and share your wisdom and experience. If you would like to work or are presently starting formation or about to, please join us. Please remember, we are all leaders, at home, at work, in offices and in rectories wherever our lives and ministries lead us.
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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi #16 More Palanca Requests

How quickly the days move. We have just finished celebrating Thanksgiving, for many spending time with family and friends, serving others, participating in the annual Turkey Trot for SOME and many expressions of being grateful for all the gifts and blessings that we have.

Today we lit the candle marking the first Sunday of Advent, a wonderful season of prayer and joyful preparation for Christmas. We remember the Spanish Women's Cursillo coming up the weekend starting on December 4 and add the following candidate names to the list:
.the additional ones are as follows:
Alba Regalado
Sandra Flores
Mayra d. Fuentes
Dolores M. Dominguez
Orlinda Turcios
Dinora Beatriz Romero
Violeta Ponciano
Nidia Hernandez
Sandra Castillo
Maria Idaly Najarro
Maria Virginia Ayala de Contreras
Maria Osorio
Paty Lopez Llanos.....................Thank you in Christ our Lord .....Deacon Noel
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Palanca may be e-mailed to noelvivaldisr@cox.net

Our March Women's Team will start formation this coming Sunday, December 7. Please keep them in your prayers. Information on the team will be posted on the web site shortly.

To help us on our Advent journey there will be a Quiet Night at Missionhurst on December 10 at 7:00pm with Father Mike Hann. Take some time away in this season of preparation to prepare yourself for God 's coming.

And finally please check the web site www.arlingtoncursillo.org for details on the Retreat for the Seriously Ill on December 12-14. What a great gift to share a bit of ourselves with people so close to God!!

Cursi

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #15  11/25/08 Palanca Request!!

Hi all,

At the Diocesan Ultreya at St. Laurence this month, we welcomed Deacon Noel Vivaldi, Sr. who is the Spiritual Director for the Spanish Cursillo in the Arlington Diocese. We look forward to continued sharing with our Spanish brothers and sisters.

We have the opportunity to support them with palanca for the Women's Cursillo which starts December 4. The team and candidate list will follow. Remember the power of prayer and the gift that you received on your weekend and continue to receive as you move through your fourth day. Please send your palanca to noelvivaldisr@cox.net.

Please disseminate this request for Paqlancas for our Spanish Women's Cursillo Dec. 4th to 7th
TEAM
Father Larry Hayes, Spiritual Director
Maria Eugenia Garza, Rectora
Ana Rivera
Siomara Lopez
Aida Duran
Ana Aparicio-Gonzalez
Blanca Arias
Gilma Esperanza Najarro
Lourdes Salazar
Maria Alicia Garcia

Kitchen Team....Amilcar Rodriguez, Teresa and Constantino Covarruvias

Candidates to this date:
Gabriela M. Turcios garcia
Patricia Mejia
Maria Melinda Fuentes
Maria Eliselda Ortega -Larios
Teresa de Jesus Gomez
Milagro del Carmen Guerrero
Maria Teresa Palma Serrano
Ana Zelaya
Ana Elvia Hernandez
Milagro Perez

In Christ our Lord, deacon Noel....................Thanks

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #14  11/21/08
There are many different gifts but it is always the same Spirit." 1Cor 13
And, thus it is with Team Formation.

During the next four months the School of Leaders will be conducting very important sessions for ALL Cursillistas who have been team members and for ALL those who ever hope to be on a team. Even if you never thought of yourself as team material (most of us felt that way), please join us for these meetings. You will gain a tremendous insight as to how the weekend comes to be. Perhaps you will even pick up some of the points you missed during your weekend. Even though some of us have been on teams, we always feel that with each team we learn and we become more committed to doing God's will. Teaming is indeed an honor, a commitment, a time of brotherhood and sisterhood that cannot be compared, a time to deepen our love for God and for each other.. You are all strongly encouraged to "Come and see."

Dec. 13, 2008 *9:30 a.m. to noon St. Anthony's
Deacon Jack Ligon will give us an overview of the weekend, the way the talks flow and fit together.

Jan. 10, 2009 *9:30 a.m. to noon St. Mary of Sorrows
Joan Brown and Ken Telesca will give us pointers about conducting and understanding Talk Days.

Feb. 14, 2009 *9:30 a.m. to noon St. John the Beloved
Fr. Paul Scalia will be our guest speaker.

March.21, 2009 *9:30 a.m. to noon Sacred Heart in Manassas
Panel discussion by first-time team members regarding the weekend experience

*If there is a 9:00 a.m. Mass, the meeting will begin after that Mass.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #13 11/3/08 Coming Up: 

I was  struck by the questions given to the candidates on the 117th cursillo?  "What have I discovered ? and  What am I going to do about it/"  These are questions that we might ask ourselves daily.  I was also awed by the honesty and sincerity of the answers.  We are all on that long journey and there are struggles every day, but we are hopefully aware of God's love with us.  We need to discover more each day about our God who loves us so concretely through the people we encounter in our families, in our offices in all the people and places we move through.   

We can encounter Him in our fellow cursillistas along the way.  Our next School of Leaders will be at St. Charles Borromeo in the Parish Center at 9:30am on this coming Saturday, November 8.  There is a 9:00am Mass in the Chapel.   

We will be discussing "The Fundamental Ideas of the Cursillo Movement", Chapter 5   and Emelda August will be our additional speaker on "The Road to Emmaus Movement"  Emmaus is an ecumenical form of Cursillo and I think would provide opportunities for sharing in interfaith marriages.   

There will be a Diocesan Ultreya on Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 pm at St. Laurence Parish in Springfield.  Sponsors, please bring your new cursillistas.  It is a good time to rejoice in all that we have to be thankful for, experience group reunion, a witness by one of our community and as always good food.  Check the web site www.arlingtoncursillo.org for addresses and I hope to see you there

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi, #12 10/18/08 Awareness of Cursillo beyond our weekend

Awareness of Cursillo beyond our weekend, our group, Ultreya, even our diocese.: Last weekend I traveled to Vineland , NJ for the semi- annual meeting of Area II representatives. Area II encompasses Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia, English, Spanish and Portuguese Cursillistas. Both the English and Spanish cursillistas were represented at the meeting. Tom Silva from St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax is the Area II rep to National and Father Joe McCloskey is the Spiritual Director for Area II.

We gather twice a year to spend some time reflecting on the message of Cursillo. The theme for this meeting was “Christ Is Our Light”. Presentations by Fr. Joe, Tom and other members of the service team focused on the three encounters of the weekend, self, Christ and others. We shared thoughts in small groups after each presentation. It is in these small groups as on the weekend where growing takes place as we listen to other ideas, feelings, beliefs.

A few thoughts from one of the small groups-
Do we give the Lord permission to use us? Are we open to what the Lord asks? Are we aware of God’s presence in our changing attitudes, our approaches to people in our families, our offices, anywhere in our everyday lives?. What have been our miracles this week? Some of our miracles begin with our surrender to God. Can we listen, believe, and give up?

In addition to time for spiritual growth, we shared practical information about the state of Cursillo in each of our dioceses. This was really helpful as we exchanged information about basically what has worked and what has not. It is also interesting to note that there has been a Men’s Weekend in Newark and will be a Women’s Weekend in Trenton this month, so we are continuing to share the message and bring friends to Christ.

I simply wanted to share what I have gained from the time spent with others outside of our diocese. Sometimes it is hard to make the time to go to Ultreya whether it is in the parish or a diocesan evening, but I would encourage you to try to make that extra effort, because it does nudge us, inspire us and give us an extra boost toward deepening our friendship with Jesus which opens us to boundless possibilities!! One of those in addition to driving through the countryside in beautiful weather was lunch with Ed and JoAnn Bisone, long time cursillistas who have retired to Middletown, DE, enjoying life and starting to get involved in their parish and community!!

Quick reminder!!

We have a Men’s Weekend starting October 23 – next week! Please check the website –www.arlingtoncursillo.org for details and join us in prayer and presence!!
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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #11  9/10/08 Opportunities:

 Please join us this Saturday, September 13th for School of Leaders at Nativity Parish, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke at 10:00am.  Frank McLeskey will facilitate and we will be discussing Chapter 3, The Method of the Movement in "The Fundamental Ideas of the Cursillo Movement."  Mass is at 9:00 and there will be coffee, bagels and fruit.  Directions  can be found on the Church of the Nativity, Burke,VA website. 

Cook crew volunteers for Men's 117th

Looking for a great palanca opportunity for the upcoming men's weekend? Consider signing up as part of the serving crew! Following our women's weekend breakfast debut, Arlington Cursillo is cooking and serving all meals in October. Pete Roth has created an online signup for two volunteers per meal to help with serving and cleanup - pick a date and time just like our world-famous palanca clock. Go to: http://arlingtoncursillo.org/MealHelpers/M117MealHelpers.asp

Also, Peter Hadinger is looking for two other dedicated Cursillistas who love the stove (and oven) to join him as the "core crew" for that weekend. Requires commitment pretty much full time Thu nite-Sun afternoon. Consider it like being on team but instead of stirring talks you'll be stirring pots. He can be reached at: hadinger@cox.net

 Oops!!  For the Community Quiet Day at Bristow, I mistakenly stated that  the offering of $10 included lunch.  It is simply an offering for the day and We are asking that you bring a bag lunch. 

Finally - I am missing a large round glass platter which usually holds pineapple from the Women's Closing at St. Ann's.  If someone knows of its whereabouts, I would appreciate its return and that can come at the  Men's Closing in October or let me know and I'll come and get it.  Thanks much

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #10  9/9/08 Time spent!!

It has been a busy Cursillo weekend for me. Saturday night's Ultreya at Our Lady Queen of Peace was a time of nourishment, sharing with friends, song, prayer and always good food!!

Yesterday, I had the honor of sitting in on the evaluation for the 127th Women's Team. We spend some time after each weekend with the team to see where and how we can work in a different way on team formation, the weekend and the follow-up. How did they do it? Were there problems? Can we help as a Secretariat? The members of the Secretariat are here to serve our Cursillo community and, further, to help each one grow in a relationship with Christ. And so this afternoon was time well spent and I thank Marylee Girardi and the team of the 127th Women's Cursillo for their time, energy and gift of grace.

Coming Up! Join us!

Quiet Day for Rectors: September 23, 2008, 10:00am to 3:30pm
Led by Jane Duffy, the day will be held at Mt. Tabor. It is open to all who have served as rectors, those who are presently serving, and those who would like to serve. Please RSVP to Freddie Wall at wallflower64@gmail.com as we will be providing lunch. Come and spend some time in quiet, grateful to the God who has been present to you as you have, will, or would like to serve.

Community Quiet Day on Centering Prayer: October 13, 2008, 9:30am to 2:00pm
This day will be held at the Benedictine Monastery in Bristow. Jim and Diane Bayne will be leading us, sharing the retreat they attended this summer with Fr. Thomas Keating at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO. Please join us for this very special opportunity. There is an offering of $10.00, which includes lunch. RSVP to Freddie Wall at wallflower64@gmail.com.

In addition, please check the website at www.arlingtoncursillo.org for many other activities, SOL's, parish Ultreyas, and volunteering for the cooking team for the Men's Weekend in October.

Finally, please remember to pray and do palanca for our team now in formation, the 117th Men's, and especially for their Talk Day on September 20. Notes of support and about palanca being done can be sent to rector Jack Finnerty at jjfinnerty@cox.net .
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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald

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Message from Mimi  #9  8/29/08 Diocesan Ultreya

This was written on Monday morning, but not sent out because I wanted to make sure that the new cursillistas were on the list, so

As I spent some quiet time with today's scripture this line reminded me of all of you.  "We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing."  2 Thessalonians 1:2 or 3.    And it can continue.  As I thought about it this morning, so many of the new cursillistas talked of the amazing sight of the joyfilled people coming over the hill on Sunday morning. You are part of that community and can be one of those people for many years to come

 You can come to share your love of God and of life or come when you need the support and strength of others.  Simply come and join us!  And we are fortunate to have an opportunity soon.  The community will gather for a Diocesan Ultreya on Saturday, September 6th at Our Lady Queen of Peace.  Please check website, www.arlingtoncursillo.org for time and directions.  Please bring a snack, bring your sponsor and be one of those people walking over the hill!!!

More good news:  Joan Sheppard from St. Anthony's Parish has agreed to serve as chair of the Pre-Cursillo Committee.  We will have contact information for Joan and the other committee members at the end of September.  I thank Jack Finnerty for his patience and all of his attention to detail in this job and his many hours of work .  Thanks Jack and congratulations, Joan.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #8  8/20/08 Women's 127 Cursillo

Hi all,
Just a quick reminder that tomorrow evening the 127th Women's Cursillo begins at the Dominican Retreat House in Mclean.  The Palanca Calendar and all information pertaining to the weekend is on the website www.arlingtoncursillo.org and in the Aug.-Sep. issue of "His Banner". 

I am delighted to let you know that Marilyn Krause has agreed to serve as rectora for the Women's Team in March, 2009 and  Tony DeCristofaro will lead the Men's Team  in April 2009.  Please keep them in your prayers.  The Team Selection Committee will begin shortly to make calls for the teams.  If you are called, please consider the requests pray fully and also consider joining us at the School of Leaders  around the diocese.  We will be scheduling sessions on team  formation and the information from "The Fundamentals Ideas of the Cursillo Movement" provides us with tools to assist in our growth not simply as cusillistas but as Christians.

Hope to see you this weekend at mananita and closing.

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #7  8/12/08, SOL at St. John the Beloved

I meant to write this on Saturday afternoon and did indeed put it together once and lost it. Such is the joy of computers. So it is Monday evening at the beach, the Outer Banks of North Carolina with 28 members of my family, some watching the , Olympics, some tucked in bed and a couple in various stages of meltdown.

We had an exciting morning on Saturday at the SOL at St. John the Beloved. Thanks to Mark and Sue Clemente for gathering many members of that community, to Freddie Wall for the presentation on the purpose of Cursillo , to Jean Sweeney on the Why and How To Draw Near to Suffering and to Father Scalia for giving us his blessing. In particular , Jean asked us to consider being present to others in their hard places of pain, to find and share the vision of Christ who will bring something good out of these times. We need to believe in the reality of Easter resurrection after the pain and death of Good Friday. So many of us have experienced this in our lives and hopefully it leads us to a deeper relationship with our God. It is indeed an ongoing journey. Consider joining us at next month's SOL: at Nativity.

If you haven't already, please check out the Palanca Calendar and the website for the candidate list for the Women Weekend. I know that Palanca from the beach doesn't sound very authentic, but consider 14 cherubs under the age of 13!!!!

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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald
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Message from Mimi  #6  8/05/08  SOL 8/8/08

For God and for each other, we would love to see you at the next School of Leaders' meeting at St. John the Beloved in McLean on August 9, 2008 at 9:30 a.m..

Our School of Leaders is coming to YOU. Instead of your traveling far and wide to take advantage of what the School will do for you, we come to YOU.

The agenda for Saturday morning August 9 is as follows:
    Meet and greet - Coffee, fruit, bagels, etc.
    Leaders' Prayer
    Group Reunion
    Discussion of the second half of Chapter 2 of, The Fundamental Ideas of the
    Cursillo Movement", The Purpose of the Movement..led by Sue and Mark Clemente
    Books will be provided.
    Guest Speaker is Jean Sweeney speaking on,
    Why/How To Draw Near To Suffering
    Q&A for Jean
    Closing Prayer.

The last School of Leaders at St. Charles provided a lively and thoughtful
discussion. All of you who were there please come and continue.it was great!
The Kairos presentation by Angela Dinkle spread good seed on fertile ground. We
expect to see more Cursillistas doing prison ministry.they need us.
ALL are invited to participate.

Please Join Us -
Mary Lou McGonigle
SOL Director

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Message from Mimi  #5  7/29/08  Feedback

I meant to do this yesterday, but there were other things to do then. We often as for your prayers and then forget to follow-up and particularly to say "thank you".

It was a busy weekend for some cursillistas and I always know when we ask for palanca , prayers, sacrifices and notes are sometimes written and sometimes simply offered.

For the members of the Secretariat, it was a prayerful, peaceful time at Mt. Tabor on Friday night and Saturday. It is a beautiful place, tucked in the woods, and Father Paul Weyant's hospitality is as wonderful as it was for those who remember his days at Missionhurst. It is good to come away and spend time in quiet in the company of our brother, Jesus and His friends. Jean Sweeney guided us and hopefully we will be better servant leaders for this community because of this time.

The 127th Women's Talk Day went well and their smiling faces are on the web site as is the Palanca Calendar for the weekend and there is still some space on the weekend.

Sunday, the October Men's Team met for the first time/ Their journey has just begun. Please remember them palanca during formation. The team list is now on the website.

The National Encounter begins on Thursday and there is an opening Mass on Friday. Again take a look at the website.

And so , I do say "thank you" for prayers and all of the "yes's" of this community. I am constantly aware of the support that you give and I keep you in my prayers, daily.


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God bless
Mimi Fitzgerald