The Cursillo Movement is a movement of the Church which by means of its own method makes possible for people to live what is fundamental for being Christian. By living it with others, it helps people discover and fulfill their personal vocations. The Cursillo Movement promotes the creation of core groups of Christians who leaven their environments (Home/Family - Place of Work - Social Life) with the Gospel. The Cursillo Movement therefore is in the mainstream of the Church, sharing the common goal, while advancing the unique method to enable youth and adult men and women to work together to Christianize their environment.

The word Cursillo (kur see' o) is of Spanish origin and means short course. The Movement takes its name from the fuller title "Cursillo De Christiandad" literally short course in Christian Living. This course lasts but three days, and just as three days is a small part of a person's life, so too the Cursillo weekend is a small part of the Cursillo Movement.

The Essence of Cursillo Spirituality is living the message of Christ and sharing that "Good News" with others, thereby encouraging an awareness of Christ in our environments.