There are many different definitions for the purpose of the Via de Cristo (Vdc) Movement. While the wording of the definitions may vary, the idea is the same. This is due, in part, to the fact that the purpose of Via de Cristo is multi-faceted. No one definition can truly explain what Via de Cristo is all about. However, all the definitions can give a much richer meaning to the purpose of Via de Cristo.
If you are looking for information about what happens on a weekend, your best source of information is the local Parish Representative or your sponsor. There are also the following resources to provide additional information.
Still have questions?
You will receive a letter about 1-2 weeks before your weekend. It will list all items that you will need to bring. In short, you will want to bring bathroom amenities (toothpaste, toothbrush etc), a wash cloth and towel (for shower), pillow and sleeping bag, change of clothes, and medications.
What to bring?
After you have completed a three-day weekend, you are considered to be a part of the Fourth day community. This simply means that you have been through one of the weekends and are part of the movement of Via de Cristo.
What is the Fourth Day?
Your sponsor is your personal worry relief system. Your sponsor will help you with your application and get you set up for your weekend. Your sponsor will drive you to the meeting place on Thursday night and will drive you back home on Sunday evening. Your sponsor will help take care of your responsibilities at home during your weekend. This should allow you to be worry free for the weekend.
What role does your Sponsor play?
In an egg-shell, the Via de Cristo Movement is a vehicle that is focused to help us as Christians come to a closer walk with God and to fulfill our Baptismal promises and live out our lives to the fullest, and enable us to go out into our environment and proclaim the Gospel with our every-day life. It is important to remember, Via de Cristo is not for everyone. There are other methods available and they should be considered as well.
- VdC IS a weekend spent renewing the basic Christian ideas and the Gospel message, through prayer, study, and action.
- VdC IS a deepening of your faith - The kind that is quiet and real - and the kind that takes you by storm.
- VdC IS a personal experience with God - both alone and in community.
- VdC IS a means of making true Christian community possible in neighborhoods, parishes, workplaces and families - where life is lived.
- VdC IS a presentation of an authentic and natural way of living the Christian life in the real world.