The Fourth Day

Winter 2007

Milwaukee Cursillo Newsletter

Lay Directors Message            It was a privilege to serve as assistant coordinator for the men’s Cursillo #172 (see picture). I learned much about the details of putting on a weekend from Wayne. It was inspiring also to have former Spiritual Director Fr. Gene Neuman with us on the weekend-his improved health should be a blessing to all who prayed for him as was his presence to the candidates. I recorded a long list of “Moments closest to Christ”- the Holy Spirit was with us. There was evidence of “seeds planted” or new “bon-fires” burning at the follow-up meeting. I wish to turn now to follow up on themes mentioned in the summer newsletter. Visit with Bishop Sklba      I received the following letter following the visit Naida Reyes and I had with Bishop Sklba Friday morning September 28: “Just a word of additional thanks for your effort to meet with me last week and to present the annual diocesan report of Cursillo activities in Southeastern Wisconsin. I’m both proud and delighted with the efforts of you and your colleagues to reinvigorate the movement and the example of Naida was a powerful witness to the possibilities that Cursillo brings to people’s lives. I shall share the information with Archbishop Dolan, and look forward to helping in any way I can.” At the two hour meeting we discussed numerous items raised at Secretariat- foremost was our desire to have a good relationship with the Archdiocese. I hope these annual meetings continue and if Secretariat has specific requests to make, Bishop Sklba has indicated he will do his best to assist. Leaders School      I have been participating in on-going dialogue with the Regional/National representatives to determine what we can do to revitalize the movement. One proposal would be to sponsor a “Friendship Weekend” [Diocese of Orange Model]. This weekend retreat is aimed at cursillistas who are not grouping or attending ultreya-to re-kindle the memories and spirit of the weekend. This we would hope would help build the number of people willing to serve on team or secretariat. The second idea would be to sponsor a regional team who put on the Leaders Formation Workshop. Both are ways to build groups, so fundamental to the movement. We would try to encourage younger/newer cursillistas to be involved in the LFW workshop to build for the future. More on this will follow soon. Please keep an open mind to participating in these workshops and keep Milwaukee Cursillo in your prayers.      De Colores      Jim Carlson, co-lay director ****************************** Thanks to Clarence & Kathy Weber and Gary and Linda Weber for donating a computer and printer for use on weekends! ******************************

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Co-Lay Directors Jim Carlson 262.473.3130 Jim Stiles 608.883.2049 Spiritual Director Fr. Bill Key 262.656.7373 Secretary June Kobriger 262.639.0282 Treasurer Bob Drefs 262.728.5667 Pre-Cursillo Cursillo Post Cursillo Palanca Tom McManus 262.740.0282 Newsletter Editor Phil Dobrogowski padobrog@wi.rr.com

Men of Christ Event February 23, 2008      The 2008 Men of Christ Conference promises to be one of the most powerful, life-changing and intense conferences to date. Expanding on the theme of “Building a Bridge to Bring Men Home” the 2008 conference will “Challenge Men to Strengthen Their Catholic Faith”, not only now but each and every day. The conference will be Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park. (See www.MenofChrist.net for details and opportunities to help by promoting the event in your parish). It will give you the necessary ammunition, fidelity and hope to live your life with a renewed sense of wonder, joy and faith. It starts out with Mass at 7:00 a.m. followed by Eucharistic Adoration during the entire day. There are excellent presentations with Fr. Larry Richards returning again. Archbishop Dolan will be the main celebratant at the Mass.      At this time, early registration before Jan. 25th will be $5.00 off the fee of $40.00. February fee will be $50.00 and registration at the door will be $60.00.      It is truly a wonderful day. Cursillo will have a table available with information about the movement. We are looking for volunteers willing to work a short time at the table. Many Cursillistas attended last year and had nothing but praise for the conference. So talk it up, invite relatives, friends and neighbors. Last year there were over 3,000 men who attended. Pray for those working together to make this happen and pray for the speakers that they will be filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

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Annual Retreat      The Annual Retreat Will be held at Holy Hill Jan. 11 and 12, 2008. Schedule Friday: 7:00 -8:00 pm Registration and check in at The Old Monastery Inn (same as every year). 8:15 – 9:30 pm, evening conference. Saturday: 7:45 am Morning Prayer. 8:00 am Breakfast 12:00 noon lunch 5:30 pm Supper Departure after the evening meal at approximately 6:30 pm      Our Retreat director is Fr. Emmanuel-Patrick Betasso, O.C.D.      The retreat theme is “God’s Incarnate Love”      Fr. Emmanuel is a dynamic speaker and retreat director. He was ordained just a few years ago and has been stationed at Holy Hill since his ordination. He loves to sing and conveys his love for Jesus and his Church through music, laughter, play acting and prayer. Spread the word! Cost No overnight = $42.00 Overnight (double Occupancy) = $65.00 Overnight (single occupancy) = $76.00      These are slight increases, actually the first rate increase in about 5 years)      The fees include all meals and a retreat stipend given to the retreat director. Reservations      Please contact Tom or Barbara Weiher by phone at 262 628-2807 (eve) or 262 255-2230 (days). By email at: tom@carmelbuilders.com By mail at: 1500 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033      A $30.00 deposit is requested with your registration. Merry Christmas to all! Thomas M. Weiher

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Row 1—Iggie Balistrieri, Hugh Weisensel, Wayne Rolfs, Joe Bidwill, Jim Carlson, Jorge Benavente Row 2—Denis Makiya, Larry McDermott, Fr. Gene Neuman, Clarence Weber, Pat Jacobs, Dan Burmeister Row 3—Jim Von Rueden, Bill Van Offeren, Jack Hollow, Michael McManus, Mark Ackley Row 4—Frank Manthey, John Clair, Rhody Hoerter, Harold Von DeBur, Rick Ahl-Ludwig, Joe Kraus

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Reading our newsletter, "The Fourth Day", online saves paper, stamps, and time.  However, if you need a paper copy sent out to you, please send a request to Jim Stiles: blissmachine@sharontelephone.com (or click here to download the Word document.)

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Please submit articles for "The Fourth Day" to Phil Dobrogowski at padobrog@wi.rr.com