Sponsoring a Candidate

Selecting a candidate for the weekend should not be taken lightly. Keep in mind the purpose of Via de Cristo: identify those who will be salt, light, and leaven for God — candidates who have already committed to faith and are looking to strengthen their relationship with Christ.

Before You Decide

A female can sponsor a male and a male can sponsor a female with a co-sponsor of the same sex.
You are responsible for establishing your candidate in a Reunion Group, or reuniting with them until they find one.
Explain the weekend cost to your candidate and determine who will cover it.
If the candidate is married, it is preferred that the husband attend before the wife. Exceptions can be made with the approval of the candidate’s pastor, the Spiritual Director, and the Lay Director.

Who should attend

Leaders or potential leaders in their environments or churches
Clergy
Christians with strength of character and maturity
Those who desire to deepen their understanding of God’s love
Those who desire to deepen their relationship with God

Who should not attend

Anyone who has suffered a recent life crisis (recent divorce, drug or alcohol problems)
Those who are mentally or emotionally fragile — the weekend can be emotionally draining
Those we think need a “conversion” experience — VdC is for those who have already committed their lives to Christ

Inviting Your Candidate

Explain Via de Cristo so your candidate becomes enthusiastic about attending — but remember, the weekend is like a gift wrapped with a big bow: you don’t explain what’s in the box. For those who don’t like surprises, share that it’s a retreat where they will be fed by the Holy Spirit, where they can plug into God and unplug from day-to-day distractions. Share your own experience and how your relationship with Christ has grown.

“Without giving the surprises away, be as open as you can… Above all, trust the Holy Spirit! Always remember: talk to God about man before you talk to man about God.”

The Sponsorship Journey

Apply together

Fill out the online application with your candidate — most sponsors complete the whole thing in one sitting. Note any medical information and medications, and include medical-only special diets.

Pastor signs electronically

The candidate’s pastor automatically receives a short, pre-filled acknowledgment they can sign right on their phone. No printing, no scanning, no chasing.

Confirm your candidate

Closer to the weekend, sponsors and candidates will receive an email confirming attendance and details for the upcoming weekend.

Once accepted

Collect Palanca letters from family and friends, explain what to pack (no electronic devices!), arrange transportation to Sendoff, carry their luggage — “be Jesus with skin on.” Deliver Palanca letters before the serenade begins Saturday, be present on the weekend, and provide transportation home after closing.

After the weekend

Get your new Cursillista into a reunion group — the real purpose of the VdC weekend. Bring them to the team/candidate post-meeting and their Reunion Ultreya, and remain active in their spiritual growth until they are fully incorporated into their own Christian community.

Special diets: the sponsor is responsible for providing food for special diets and allergies — please label containers clearly.

Start an Application Sponsorship FAQ