Welcome To 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 environments 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. Via de Cristo recognizes that God’s people are provided with many spiritual gifts. Via de Cristo, however, does not identify with the charismatic movement.
Our History
The movement originated as “Cursillo” in the late 1940’s in the Roman Catholic Church in Spain and moved to America in the late 1950’s. It began in the Lutheran church when lay people and clergy attended Catholic and Episcopal Cursillos in 1971, both in Iowa and Florida. The first Lutheran-sponsored weekends were held in 1972 in both Iowa and Florida and have now been held in over 20 states and some foreign countries. Via de Cristo is the Lutheran expression of the Cursillo method which is currently being used in many denominations, including Episcopal, United Methodist, Presbyterian, and Reformed Church in America. The name “Via de Cristo” was adopted by the Lutheran Community in February l986.
Our Purpose
In today’s world, can we demonstrate our Christian faith in all areas of our daily 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 simple method through which one’s grace-filled life may, in a natural, loving way, be lived and shared with others.
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 that being Christian involves responsibility and who would like to have both the spiritual foundation 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 pilgrims to attend a Via de Cristo.
What Can I Expect?
Via de Cristo begins on 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, its reality in your life, and how you can live the life of grace, imparting 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 the Body of believers.
