What is Paseo?

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The Paseo Movement is a worldwide movement of the Christian church, which seeks to bring environments to Christ through Christian communities in action. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but simply a method by which one’s spirituality can develop and grow and be shared. Paseo works to form groups of men and women who are Christian leaders and who will provide backbone for Christian life in the world. Paseo is designed to make it possible to live in what is fundamental to being a Christian – to live in union with Christ and to share Christ with others. Our mission is to “Turn churchgoers into disciples for Christ.”

The three-day weekend provides a living experience – meeting Christ and meeting fellow Christians and sharing Christ with them. It begins on a Thursday evening and ends on the following Sunday evening. During these three days, those attending live and work together, listening to and discussing talks given by the clergy and laity. The talks on the weekend have a specific purpose to present a vision of the Christian life, and, therefore do not provide a general introduction to Christianity or a summary of all Christian doctrine.

 

THE BASIC atmosphere of a Paseo weekend differs from the individual solitude of a retreat. During the three days, the teachings of Christ are discussed in a climate of joy. The talks and discussions are interspersed with prayer, Eucharist, songs, recreation, laughter and moments of reflection and silence. There is nothing dull about a Paseo weekend! It is full of work enjoyed in the name of Jesus Christ. It is a joyous workshop in the fundamentals of our Christian faith where everyone learns by experiencing a living Christian community.

 

A Paseo weekend is an encounter with Christ. If that is understood, then the power, beauty and joy of the Paseo movement will be understood. The Paseo method described on the weekend provides a means to continue in Christian growth after the weekend. The resulting Christian community is a group of men and women who live the Christian life, linked with Christ and supporting one another in their environment. This support is found in two post-Paseo activities. Individuals meet frequently in small groups with close friends for mutual sharing, encouragement and support. This is called reunion groups. The larger Paseo community comes together in monthly “Ultreyas” meeting for worship, sharing and fellowship.