Jill Wheeler

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Arlington Diocese

National Cursillo

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Grouping the Family Way
By Jill Wheeler, St. Raymond of Peñafort Parish

Cursillo has become a very important part of our very busy lives. We are all on our Fourth Day Journey with the Lord, living our lives according to Piety, Study, and Action. We wanted Grouping to be more than “fitting it in” with CCD, Choir practices, and service to the Church. We wanted it to be more than “squeezing it in” between soccer, swimming, and the ever-present and ever-necessary homework. How?

We began to build a Group Reunion of three couples. We would share, pray, and support each other. We have been friends for years, sharing in First Communions, singing, and teaching CCD. We share similar busy schedules. Our children (“adopted” grandchildren to some in the group) are around the same age, and while very different in some ways, all have a love of Jesus. Why not include them? Why not have a “kids grouping” while we have our “adult grouping”?

We meet at one of our homes each Thursday. The families share dessert and drinks. The kids then (sometimes) share a short prayer, and (always) share games, television, and help with homework. The adults share moments with Christ, prayers, laughter, and even a few tears. We have become a family, rooted in Christ. We are on our journeys together, with all of the struggles and joys of raising families in this day and time.
One of the deepest moments as a family group was the time we prayed with and for our children’s school year. It was one of the first times that adults and kids all prayed together in the “Group Reunion Way”. We prayed for their teachers and friends. We prayed for their minds and their hearts. We prayed for the choices that they would face. It was truly one of the “Closest Moments to Christ” for us as a family group reunion.

The kids have been involved in the whole Cursillo movement. We have “Palanca Parties” to write love letters to the people on weekends. We share the joyful and colorful singing at Mañanita. The kids will ask, “Are we grouping tonight?”

Yes, there are interruptions, noises, and even an argument or two during our grouping. Yes, there are PTA meetings, soccer games and other time restraints to our meetings. However, that’s the reality of life. The joys that we receive and the lessons that we are learning with our grouping families are much greater.

Recently, another couple (family) has joined our group reunion. We look forward to the rewards of living, loving, and laughing as our Family Group Reunion grows in the love of Jesus. De Colores!