Colorado Via De Cristo
Helping Christians discover a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and a desire to share the Good News to the world!
What is Via de Cristo?
Via de Cristo is a three-day spiritual renewal weekend proclaiming the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. Via de Cristo is one of several methods available to the Church to help renew the faith that is already a gift to believers. Through Via de Cristo we are encouraged to persevere and grow in our faith.
Who should attend Via de Cristo?
- Any Christian who would like to experience the love of God in a very unique manner.
- Any Christian who believes their spiritual life may need strengthening.
- Any Christian who may have questions about prayer, study and sharing their faith.
- Any Christian who is willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner.
What happens during a Via de Cristo weekend?
Colorado Via de Cristo holds coed weekends. Much of the time is spent at separate table groups then coming together for meals and worship. Comfortable lodging and dining is provided. The three day progression includes worship, songs of praise, prayer, messages followed by discussion, and unique fellowship events. Communion is served on a daily basis. An essential part of every weekend is the Spiritual Team which provides spiritual guidance and insight. The Spiritual Team, like the laypersons who organize and facilitate the
weekends, have attended previous weekends as participants.
What happens after a Via de Cristo weekend?
You may attend VIA de CRISTO only ONCE in your life, but you are asked to build on it for the rest of your life. After you have attended a VIA de CRISTO weekend you are considered living in the Fourth Day (meaning the rest of your life), and you are encouraged to:
• Expand your inner spiritual life through
study and church participation.
• Become more active witnesses for Christ
in your daily life.
VIA de CRISTO also offers two ongoing
means of perseverance:
• RENEWAL GROUPS, small groups of
men or women who meet regularly to
study, pray, share and help one another in
their quest for spiritual development.
• ULTREYA, gatherings of the local VIA de
CRISTO community for encouragement
and fellowship
The History of Via de Cristo
Via de Cristo is the Lutheran expression of the Roman Catholic spiritual renewal experience, Cursillo® de Cristiandad, or ‘short course in Christianity.’ The original Cursillo® had its beginning in the 1940’s after the Spanish Civil War when church leaders wanted to bring healing to both the Church and the nation. A three-day study course was designed to give life to the teachings of the church. It was so successful that it spread, eventually reaching the United States.
Lutheran pastors who attended Cursillo® felt the renewal experience was excellent, and in 1972 the first Lutheran weekend was held. The Spanish name, Via de Cristo, means ‘Way of Christ.’ Similar expressions have formed such as Kairos , a cursillo prison ministry, the United Methodist Walk to Emmaus, and Tres Dias, which has a nondenominational focus.