SECRETARIAT MEMBERS
2023-2025 TERM OF OFFICE
Deacon Adviser/Weekend Clergy Team: Deacon Dave Lehman Lived his Cursillo in 2008 in the Sacramento Diocese Parishioner at St. Mel Parish in Fair Oaks since 1969 Ministries/Community Service/Professional Background: Ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Sacramento in 2000, Dcn. Dave is a retired Real Estate Broker and is involved in many ministries in the parish as well as serving in some on the Diocesan level. Family Life: Married to Michelle for 45 years, with 2 sons and their spouses and 3 grandchildren.
Parishioner at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove since 2003
Ministries/Community Service/Professional Background: Former Coordinator for the RCIA Program and Catholics Returning Home, Homebound Ministry, Parish Advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal, Past Chair of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Former Board Member of Cristo Rey High School. Retired Litigation Paralegal and Nonprofit Development Consultant and Grant Writer.
Family Life: Married to Jerry Bowers with one son, daughter-in-law and 2 granddaughters.
Parishioner at SS Peter and Paul since 2014
Ministries/Community Service/Professional Background: Served on Last 3 Cursillo Teams, Bible study leader for 2 yrs; Cursillo Parish Rep. Have 2 culinary Degrees and Truck Driver for 19 yrs.
Family Life: Married to Jenny Williams for 18 yrs.
Parishioner at Divine Savior since 1996
Ministries/Community Service/Professional Background: Parish Pastoral Council member; Parish Welcoming Committee member; former CFF Catechist and Marriage Prep and Engage Encounter; Winter Sanctuary for the homeless. Works as a Call Center Representative
Family Life: Married to Ron Bauer for 28 years with 2 adult children.
Ministries/Community Service/Professional Background: Served as a music minister/cantor for 40 years; Catechist in the Catholics Returning Home ministry; Served in 2021 and 2022 women's weekend team; Asst. Rectora for the Women's 2023 weekend team; retired public school Math Teacher.
Family Life: Married to John for 35 years with three grown children.
How’s Your Group Going?
The other day I met with my Group. Sometimes it is still called our 4th Day Group. As we talked, we all remarked on how much our lives have changed simply due to the fact that we are grouping every week.
In life’s busy schedule, it is often hard to maintain this relationship. Sometimes we have to skip a week. Sometimes we have to put it off for an hour until one or the other of us fits in that much needed exercise class or runs an errand. Sometimes we meet at Café Americano, and they graciously let us sit there for hours on end. Once I had breakfast AND lunch there, because different people joined us at staggered times!
But the absolute best group experiences we have are when we meet in one of our living rooms. We light a candle, say our prayers, and share from our hearts the struggles we make to fully live the gospel. We encourage each other, laugh and sometimes weep with each other, and help each other to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. This year we are talking a lot about the New Evangelization, and what that means in our little spheres of influence.
The very act of grouping motivates us, holds us accountable for being better Christians. Mass means so much more to me now; my prayer life is better; and my outreach is improved because of my group experience. In fact, grouping has turned out to be the very heart and soul of Cursillo for me.
There are many kinds of groups out there in Cursillo Land. There are big groups that meet at restaurants. There are couples groups that meet for wine and cheese, or sometimes a simple meal. There are small groups that meet in living rooms. They all have one thing in common: the very act of meeting encourages us to continue our journey toward Christ, to more fully live our faith.
If you don’t have a group, contact your secretariat for help in joining one. Remember your sponsor? Ask your sponsor to help you find a group that is a good fit for you. Or just invite a couple of your close friends to form a group with you. The format for grouping is in your Pilgrim’s Guide, and you can loosely follow it. Remember our motto, make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ. Happy grouping!
Ultreya!
Patty
Finding a Group Reunion
The Cursillo Method will be made clear during the Cursillo weekend. A part of that method suggest that we meet regularly with a small group to talk about progress, successes and areas to improve. This progress is based on the foundation of Piety, Study and Action.
An important resource for finding a group reunion is your sponsor. The sponsor will be able to introduce you to a number of groups such that you can find a one in which you are most comfortable.
In addition to your sponsor we have included a list of Group Reunion Coaches. These contacts can work with you and your sponsor to find you a group reunion with which to meet.
OPENING PRAYER
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of us your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and we shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PIETY
"Without Me you can do Nothing"How have you fed your relationship with Jesus Christ this week? When did you feel closest to Christ?
STUDY
"If you knew the gift of God"
How did you study this week?
ACTION
I will make you fishers of men
What apostolic success did the Lord accomplish through you:
- in your family?
- in your work?
- in your Environment?
With what apostolic failure were you tested with this week?
- How are we fulfilling our group''s mission?
As we pray, let us pray for those who are not with us this week.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We give You thanks Almighty God, for all the benefits You have given us. You Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Sacramento Cursillo