National Secretariat Executive 2026-27

the National Cursillo committee

Individual contact details for Secretariat executive members are available on the password protected Resources page.

Bishop Carol Wagner

Episcopal overseer

I made my Cursillo in the early 1990’s at Women’s 6 in the Sydney Diocese. It didn’t really have much impact at the time. It wasn’t until I went back on team that I became more engaged. When I moved to Canberra, I subsequently served as the musician on Cursillo and Kairos weekends and as spiritual director after I was ordained.
Cursillo has had a significant impact on the lives of many in the church for whom the flame of faith has been burning low, and for many congregations, the ministry of Cursillo has been transformative. By God’s grace, may Cursillo continue to fan the flame of vibrant Christian faith.

Paul Doyle

National Lay Director

My Cursillo journey began in 2002 when I attended Men’s 32 in the Diocese of Perth”. It was a deeply meaningful experience that strengthened my relationship with Christ and connected me to a vibrant Christian community.

Since that time, I have been blessed to serve in many different ways within the Cursillo movement—on weekend teams, in parish and diocesan ministry, and through ongoing community support. Each role has given me the privilege of walking alongside others as they encounter God’s transforming love, and witnessing the unique ways the Holy Spirit works in people’s lives.

The Cursillo Method continues to shape my daily faith journey. It provides a practical framework for living out the Gospel—encouraging, supporting, and building up others in their “Fourth Day.” The friendships, shared faith, and encouragement found in the Cursillo community have sustained me through challenging seasons and brought great joy and hope in times of blessing.

As National Lay Director, I am honoured to serve the wider movement across Australia, working with dedicated leaders and communities in each diocese. Together, our shared mission is to nurture a living, growing Cursillo presence—encouraging every person to deepen their faith, share the Good News, and live as intentional disciples of Jesus in the ordinary.

I encourage us all—walk in love. Be true to our relationship with God. Let that love for Him overflow into how you care for others.

Let’s not underestimate the quiet moments. Sometimes the greatest ministry is in the way we carry Christ with us into the ordinary.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The Rev Joy Harris

National Spiritual Advisor

Bio to come.

Raelene Weissel

National Secretary

Bio to come.

Alison Wooden

National Treasurer

I made my Cursillo on the table of Mary, Women's 16, Newcastle in 1995. Yet, it wasn't until I was on team a few years later that I really began my Cursillo journey. I think that being part of the process helped me understand it all more. I have now been on team three times; once as a Spiritual Adviser. Currently, I am Prayer Coordinator for Newcastle Secretariat.

It is truly a blessing to come together as community, sharing how God works in and through us, and witnessing the power of prayer.

Shirley Tongue

National Web Coordinator

I made my Cursillo in 1994 on Women's 19 at Moree, NSW, on the table of Miriam. It was another 11 years and after moving to Tasmania before I first went on team. Since then I have been on team several times, including having the privilege of being a member of Hong Kong 1 in 2018. It was also a joy and privilege to be Diocesan Lay Director for Tasmania from 2016 until 2020. My Cursillo connections span Tasmania, the mainland and extend overseas in an amazing fellowship of Christians serving Jesus, putting his love into action and having our lives transformed by his Holy Spirit. Ultreya!