Request for Palanca

What's Palanca?

Palanca is a Spanish word that means, "lever."  Just as a lever enables a person to move something, which is beyond normal strength, Palanca empowers the accomplishments of things which would not be possible without the grace of God.

Palanca involves writing letters of encouragement to people attending a Cursillo.  This is what I'm requesting, that you write letters with words of inspiration, and also offer sacrifices for the success of that person's "walk."  This particular Cursillo is special.  It is called a REC (Residents Encountering Christ).  REC is Cursillo inside a prison, South Middlesex Correctional Center for Women.  Due to the rules and exigencies of the prison environment, variations of Cursillo have to be adopted.  No names can be used.  Crosses and rosary, etc., can't be in your letter.  Here are some guidelines:

The letter should be addressed to Sister in Christ or Dear Friend.  It should include the actual palanca that you will be providing to the weekend - such as:

A gift of prayer.  Let them know that you will be praying for them.  Perhaps you will pray for the weekend everytime you have to stop at a red light, or something like that.  They should know it.  (And you should be sure to honor your commitment).

A gift of sacrifice: Perhaps you will give up sweets for the weekend, or a visit to a nursing home.

Try to include an encouraging scripture or inspirational quote.

The letter shouldn't be too long - a maximum of one typewritten page.  Handwritten letters are more meaningful.  Keep in mind that palanca is read by the candidates throughout the weekend when time permits, so letter should not by too long or comples as its meaning may be lost.

Because the weekend takes place within a prison, no gifts such as religious medals or rosaries are permitted.

Please do not use stickers of any kind.

Sign your letter with your first name only.

You may email your letter to Sister Ruth and she will make copies for all the women.  (We are expecting at least 50-60 women who will walk their journey this weekend.  bethanyosfop@aol.com

The weekend is Feb. 19, 20, and 21.  Palanca is needed by Feb. 16.

De Colores!

Cursillo is a short course in Christianity.  It is a three day working retreat. REC, Residents Encounter Christ is Cursillo in prison.  Like Cursillo, the REC team are volunteers who go in, sit with prisoners, give talks, and share their lives.  They try to show the residents that there is hope in following Christ.  The goal is to try to break the cycle of recidivism and to encourage prisoners, many of whom were victims of abuse who turn to alcohol and drugs to consider the hope offered by following Christ. 

 We will be having a REC retreat (Residents Encounter Christ) on February 20, 21 and 22 and March 15, 16 & 17 at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Massachusetts. This is a super maximum prison. I will like to request prayers for the men participating in these weekends.

If you are a cursillistas you know what palanca is.  Please consider writing some palanca for the REC.  Palanca are letters of support promising prayers of support during the REC.  Please send them to:

Bethany House
1049 Main Street
Millis, MA 02054
USA

The letters can be addressed to dear brother or dear brother in Christ. For some, this is the only letter that they will ever get while incarcerated.
Thank you all for your prayers in advance.
Sister Ruth, Sister Kathleen, and Faith