Bishop Gilmore appoints Deacon Sigala

spiritual director of Cursillo Movement

Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore has appointed Deacon Ruben Sigala as Spiritual Director for Cursillo in the Diocese of Dodge City. He replaces Father John Fahey-Guerra, CSsR. Deacon Sigala was ordained to the diaconate Dec. 9, 2001, and has served in ministry at St. Anthony, Liberal.

Cursillo, which means, “short course,” began in Spain and moved to the United States in the 1950s. The hope was to create a three-day experience that conveyed the fundamental teachings of Jesus as lived with other Christians, and then to continue that enthusiasm through ongoing programs.

Cursillo follows the motto, “Make a friend; be a friend; bring a friend to Christ.” With this as a basis for every Cursillo weekend, men and women are united in an effort to bring the world to Christ.

As spiritual director, Deacon Sigala will give addresses, counsel the participants and generally make sure everything is moving smoothly.

Because a Cursillo Weekend can only be attended once in a lifetime, it is only the beginning of a new Christian life for many -- an experience lived throughout the rest of their lives.

Soon after he was ordained in December 2000, Deacon Sigala said that as part of his ministry, he wanted to “be a source of information for immigrants -- whether it’s housing, jobs, laws -- anything that would relate to coming to a new country.”

He said he wanted to make immigrants feel welcome in the Catholic Church, which they will find different in style from what they are used to.

At his side is his wife, Lupe, who said, “I’m in love with my faith and I want to transmit that to others.”

The couple reside in Liberal and have three children, Norma, Ruben, Jr., and Mary, and several grandchildren.