The Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is a spiritual renewal retreat. It consists of presentations, reflection, group prayer services, opportunity for Reconciliation, and Sunday liturgy. The renewal of one's life in Christ is the focus as each participant examines his or her relationship with self, others, and God. In John 10:10, Jesus says: I came that they might have life and have it to the full." The Christian Experience Weekend gives adults an awareness and appreciation of this fullness of life.
WHY A CEW?
Many adults today have not experienced the Christian life in a significant way. Since the Christian life is a community life, it must be experienced in community in some manner. One way to keep that community spirit alive and growing, is to continue to feed our individual spirituality and be a part of the kingdom that Jesus came to earth to establish.
Jesus came and helped the early Christian disciples form a community and be energized by one another in community. That process continues through CEW.
WHERE DID CEW COME FROM?
The Cursillo movement was active for many years. It provided an excellent program of spiritual leadership training. Its intensive program and follow-up commitment have equipped many people with a deep and active spiritual life. In 1972, the Cursillo movement in the Dubuque Diocese initiated a two year moratorium to study and re-define the true nature and purpose of Cursillo. The fruit of that dialogue was CEW, the first of which was held in 1974.
CEW has taken the best parts of Cursillo and developed another wonderful weekend experience.
HOW IS THE CEW PRESENTED TO OUR COMMUNITY?
Weekends are held separately for men and women (ages 18 and older).
Weekends begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and close at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Participants will sleep at the retreat site to maintain the community experience. Special arrangements will be made for those with special needs.
The weekend is conducted by a team of lay people, priests, deacons, and sisters.
(A total donation of $50 is suggested for the weekend with $10 requested at time of registration. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.)
THE NEXT CEW DATES (2009)
Women - January 23, 24, 25
Men - February 20, 21, 22
INQUIRIES
Inquiries about CEW or requests for registration forms can be directed to cew@olih.org.