Elements of Ultreya

We have seen previously The Group Reunion Structure for the Cursillista after their Cursillo. Many people do not have a Cursillo Leaders Manual with the Essential Elements of the Ultreya and A Typical Ultreya Evening Schedule so I will attempt to go over these topics with this update.

Recapping The Essential Elements of the Ultreya

There are 6 suggested elements to Ultreya that I will list below:

1. Prayer – We begin and end every Ultreya with an acknowledgement that without Christ we can do nothing
2. Floating Group Reunion – This enables each person to experience how others are striving in their own spiritual and evangelistic growth; it helps those who do not have a “friendship group reunion” to find theirs.
3. Witness Talk (Rollo) – The Cursillista elaborates on how he or she strives to live what is fundamental for being Christian. He or she explains how they incorporate the love of God, their neighbor and the world into their Christian life.
4. Echo – This is a brief sharing that provides an echo to the witness talk that has been presented. These should help awaken a desire amongst the other participants to go forth and do likewise.
5. Spiritual Advisors Summation – This is the time for putting the witness and echos in proper perspective with the Gospel.
6. Songs that serve as an interval may be included in the different parts of the Ultreya.

Some Ultreyas have a greeting period or Pot Luck Dinner before or after the Ultreya in order to get to know the other members or new Cursillistas that are now a part of their Ultreya.

I will now share a typical Ultreya evening time schedule with you so you can see how the evening Ultreya could be planned.
7:30 – The Ultreya starts on time. Utilizing the Service Sheet and the same format as the Friendship Group Reunion, the Cursillistas form the floating groups for a general sharing of their tripod.
8:00 - Short Song while everyone takes their place.
8:05 – Lay Witness Rollo (10 to 15 minutes).
8:20 – Two or three brief echoes (2 to 3 minutes).
8:30 – Spiritual Advisor’s Summation (5 minutes).
8:35 – Announcements, closing song and prayer (Before The Blessed Sacrament if possible).
8:45 – Fellowship – soft drinks, coffee, etc. may be served while taking advantage to make personal contact.

In planning and conducting Ultreya, we should always keep in mind the essential parts of the Ultreya and remember its dynamic and active character.

If you are fortunate enough to have a spiritual advisor, they can take advantage of the Group Reunion time to meet with those who desire spiritual direction.

Please encourage all members of your Ultreya to visit the website frequently; it will be used as a venue to have updates on what is recommended in the Leaders Manual.

Decolores and God Bless to All,

Larry F. Reese
Post-Cursillo Chair