CALVERT ULTREYA
LEADERS: Joe and Trudy Mahalick
Joe and Cassie Garcia
In order to share our Ultreya celebration held on December 8, 2008, we are forwarding a brief summarization of our gathering. We met in the Columbus Room of the McFadden Conference Center at St. John Vianney Church at 7:30 PM. There were 21 Cursillistas present from our small group reunions. This month’s gathering was led by Joe and Cassie Garcia.
Gathering: Our opening song was “Soon and very soon”. Music for the evening was provided by Pete Abresch on his banjo, Toni Abresch on guitar, and Carlos Victoria on the bongos.
Welcome and Opening Prayer: In honor of Mary and the Immaculate Conception, our prayers for the evening were the Canticle of Mary from the Advent section in the Small Catholic Prayers book. (Attached)
Introductions: After our opening prayer we introduced ourselves and shared the date and number of our Cursillo weekend and the table we sat at. (This is why it is a good idea to bring and wear your “cookie”)
Small Group Sharing: In order to form into smaller discussion groups, we counted off by 7s. We then shared our spiritual growth and activities since our last meeting by reviewing our actions of piety, study and action. The small groups shared for approximately 15 minutes.
Regathering: We regathered and prayed for several friends that needed special prayers for health and other reasons. Our Gathering Song was “You are near”.
Witness Talk: Our witnesses were Joe and Dot Stein. They presented a very informative and inspiring talk on the Marriage Encounter weekend held in November. Joe and Dot explained their continuing commitment to the Marriage Encounter movement. The challenges it presents and the satisfaction it generates. Two couples in the group that had attended the November Marriage Encounter agreed that the weekend can be a very valuable tool in building strong communications in a marriage.
Old and New News: We discussed several upcoming events:
Sandy Sullivan provided an update of activities for the woman’s weekend. Applications are now being taken. George Sullivan updated us on the team formation activities. Applications are also now being taken.
A short discussion followed concerning how best to identify individuals who would be interested in attending a Cursillo weekend. All believed that inviting those individuals to attend our Ultreya gathering would be a very desirable first step. Cassie and Joe indicated that they would add the names provided to our e mail list so that they could be invited to future Ultreyas and raise their interest in attending a future Cursillo weekend.
Nest Meeting: The next Ultreya meeting will be on January 12, 2009, at 7:30 PM in the McFadden Conference center.
Closing: Our celebration was closed with the concluding Prayer from the Canticle of Mary (attached). Pete, Toni and Carlos led our closing song; “Silent Night”. We also sang “Happy Birthday” to Betty Hodges. Our celebration closed shortly after 9 pm.
Socialization and Refreshments: We all enjoyed the food and drinks provided by everyone attending.
Canticle of Mary
Ant. The angel of the Lord brought God’s message t Mary and she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, alleluia.
Intercessions:
We cry to the Lord, who will come to bring us salvation:
Come, Lord, and save us!
Lord, Jesus Christ, our God, Savior of all,
- come swiftly and save us.
Lord, by your coming into this world,
- free us from the sin of the world.
You came from the father,
- show us the path that leads to him.
You were conceived by the Holy Spirit,
- by your word renew the same Spirit in our hearts.
You became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
- free our bodies from corruption,
Lord, be mindful of all men,
- who from the beginning of time hav placed their trust in you.
Our Father………
Concluding Prayer
Lord our God,
Help us to prepare
for the coming of Christ your Son.
May he find us waiting,
Eager in joyful prayer,
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
One God, for ever and ever.