Via de Cristo
Via de Cristo is a three-day school which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a life style. It is a highly structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them, their families, congregations and the environment in which they live, work, and play. Via de Cristo is a combined effort of laity and clergy working together to bring renewal to the Church.
The History of Via de Cristo
The movement originated as "Cursillo" in the late 1940's in the Spanish Catholic church and moved to the United States in the late 1950's. It began in the Lutheran church when lay people and clergy in Iowa and Florida attended a Catholic Cursillo in 1971. The first Lutheran sponsored weekends were held in 1972 in Iowa and Florida. Via de Cristo weekends have now been held in over 25 states and some foreign countries. Via de Cristo is the Lutheran expression of this method which is currently being used in many denominations including: Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian and Reformed churches. The name “Via de Cristo” (Way of Christ) was adopted by the Lutheran Community in February 1986.
The Purpose of Via de Cristo
In today's world, can Christianity penetrate all area of our secular lives? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it transform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past, yet in keeping with the times? Those in the Via de Cristo movement think so! Via de Cristo proposes no new type of spirituality – only a simple method through which one's grace-filled life may, in a natural, loving way, be lived and shared with others. Via de Cristo uses the fundamentals of Christianity as understood in Lutheran theology. It is a combined effort of lay people and clergy toward the renewal of the Lutheran church through personal spiritual growth using a retreat atmosphere of talks, sharing, prayer, worship, fun, and small group fellowship to look at ourselves, our relationship with God and others and develop our understanding of God’s grace through Christ, the Holy Spirit, and community. The objective of the movement is to provide an inspiring and challenging retreat, away from distractions, that equips people for Christian growth and action in their homes, churches and communities.
Who Should Attend?
Christians who believe their spiritual lives need strengthening; who have many unanswered questions about prayer, study and sharing their faith; who understand being Christian involves responsibility and would like to have both the spiritual foundations and moral reserve to carry this out in their lives; who are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an on-going manner, are the best candidates to attend a Via De Cristo. In other words, if you have a strong faith or questions about your faith, you are probably the best candidate to attend!
What Happens At a Weekend?
Via de Cristo begins on a Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. While you are attending you spend three busy but very enjoyable days. You live and study together with much singing, prayer, worship and discussion. Discussions center around the talks given by laity and clergy. The talks center around the grace of God, it's reality in your life and how you can live the life of grace, and imparting that grace to others. You have the opportunity to participate in the daily celebration of Holy Communion and you begin to understand the real presence of Christ in His body of believers.
What Happens After the Weekend?
You may attend a Via de Cristo only once in your life, but you are asked to build on it the rest of your life. Some say it is “three days that last a lifetime.” This post weekend activity is known as the Fourth Day. Those who have attended are asked to do two things during their Fourth Day: (1) Expand their inner spiritual life through study and congregational participation and (2) Become more active Christians in their daily lives. The Fourth Day community offers two means of perseverance: (1) Ultreya (meetings of the local community for encouragement and study), and (2) Group Reunions (small groups of men or women who meet for a short period weekly to help one another in their quest for spiritual growth and development). Participation in these two activities is an integral part of Via de Cristo and is strongly suggested, but, as are all activities in Via de Cristo, it is voluntary.
Summary
We ask you to keep an open mind and heart in making your decision. Many of those who have attended also wondered whether they should go. Now that they have attended, they want to share this wonderful gift from God. Please understand that their experience was unique, and all the discussions in the world will not become a substitute for YOUR weekend. You need to experience it yourself to obtain it's full and life-enriching value.
