WHY EVERYONE SHOULD GO ON

ANGLICAN 4TH DAY

Glossary of Terms:

Anglican 4th Day (aka A4D)—a 3 day retreat for men and

women designed after the original message and intent of

Cursillo.

Cursillo de Christianidad—a movement begun by Bishop Juan

Hervaz intending to revitalize the Church in Spain in 1947.

In Spanish, it refers to “a short course in Christianity.”

Ultreya—a Spanish word meaning “onward” it is both a

greeting of encouragement to those who are or have

attended an Anglican 4th Day weekend, and also a

gathering of those who have or will attend and Anglican

4th Day weekend.

Palanca—in Spanish, a “lever,” on the weekend it represents

the prayers of those who are in support of those

attending an Anglican 4th Day Weekend.

Clausra—a Spanish word meaning “closing,” it is a public

service at the end of the weekend.

This past weekend I was with 25 men on Anglican 4th Day #3. We drew men (there are also women’s weekends but this one was for men) from all over Massachusetts and New England, including Attleboro, Franklin, Marlboro, the Cape and New Hampshire. A4D is a national movement among Anglicans who seek to renew, and in some cases, instill for the first time a deep understanding of the Christian faith. This is achieved through what is called the 4th Day method, a way of learning about and living the faith we uphold. It is a relaxed weekend, enjoyable and completely devoid of anything coercive. No one is asked to do anything which would embarrass them, although everyone is asked to have an open mind and to participate as fully as possible. As is true in so many other endeavors, the 4th Day begins with the caveat: you get out of 4th Day what you put into it.

What do you do on a 4th Day weekend? Eat. A lot. Pray. Enjoy one another’s company and usually laugh quite a bit. Sing, some. And listen, then in small groups, respond to several talks given on how to receive and live the Christian life. All of this is done in an atmosphere intended to make you open to the possibility that Christ not only needs you in His Church, but calls you personally.

So many today have a completely befuddled notion of what it means to be a Christian. They draw conclusions

based on fictional books they have read, or from television shows which have a distinct anti-Christian bias.

Many in the Church have forgotten or never learned the basic lessons of authentic Christianity. They believe in a religion they have largely invented which has no basis whatsoever in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is probably more the fault of the church than it is the individual’s, but when an opportunity like A4D comes

around, it becomes the individual’s responsibility to take the time and to become informed.

I attended my first Cursillo in Rhode Island in 1979. I thought it was the most amazing weekend I had ever been on. Mine was RI #4, but the Cursillo movement swept RI like wildfire and the weekends grew in both number and frequency. The same happened in Massachusetts and throughout New England. And then, as can happen,

people started to tinker with what was not broken. And in tinkering, in changing the content, the message and the method, they broke it. Cursillo in New England eventually was no longer recognizably the renewing instrument intended by Bishop Juan Hervaz,. Oh, it was still fun and all that. But it was just fun and all that. And so it began to wither and die, everywhere. Up until two years ago, there was just one tiny remnant of Cursillo

still alive throughout all of NE. So we decided to do something about that! We joined with Anglicans from all over the nation to re-present, in its original context and form, Cursillo as an Anglican expression. A4D New England was born!

How successful has this been? Judge for yourself. These are just some of the comments made about this past weekend (somewhat paraphrased):

? I resisted this kind of weekend for 9 years. Before A4D, I thought I knew what it meant to be a Christian. I thought it was about being just a good person who does good things. Now I know it is much more.

? I am a retired Marine Sergeant, and I don’t much give in to my emotions. But (and here his emotions began to show) for the first time in my life I know all of my sins have been forgiven, all the things I have ever done and all of my burdens are taken away by Christ.

? It began for me on RAYV (a weekend for high school youth and above) but it wasn’t until this weekend that I fully gave my life to Christ. My life is going to be different. I’m going to live for Jesus.

As I said, these are just some of what was said at our closing service. Everyone comes to A4D with a different attitude and a different need. But somehow God brings it all together and through the power of the Holy Spirit, meets everyone right where they are.

If you would like to know more about A4D, or the next weekend, talk to Jack Duffy or one of the clergy. We will do all we can to help you discern if this weekend is for you. My guess is, it is. And if you are someone who once went on a Cursillo and have grown cold, give A4D a try. You can come, and you can bring a friend with you!

Personally, I think everyone should attend an A4D weekend. Because I believe in Jesus. How about you?

Fr Lance