This publication lists and explains a variety of Biblical, ecclesiastical, and foreign language terms that are used in Tres Dias publications, as well as terms that have come into common use within different regions of the country and internationally. The goal is to facilitate communication and understanding among the many Christians from different church affiliations and traditions that make up the membership of Tres Dias. By understanding and respecting differences in terminology, we are able to respond to Christ’s call for unity.
Written definitions can never fully capture the richness and complexity of how language is actually used. Readers are encouraged to consult their local pastor, priest, or spiritual director for further clarification if needed.
- abrazo Spanish word usually translated as “an embrace.” A better translation is “a hug,” as there is a feeling of wishing well-being, one to another, in the use of this word and the passing of Christ’s love between members in the form of a greeting.
- Assembly of Tres Dias Secretariats The Assembly is one of the two governing bodies of Tres Dias, Inc. Composed of all chartered Tres Dias local secretariats, the Assembly is responsible for the election of officers and members of the International Secretariat of Tres Dias (see below) and approves recommendations made by the International Secretariat in matters affecting local secretariats. The Assembly must also approve any changes to the Constitution and By-laws and to the Essentials. Business is conducted by responding to proxy ballots and by delegate action at the annual meeting held in July.
- agape (ag′∙ a ∙ pe) One of several Greek words for love. As used in the Bible, agape love refers to the unconditional love of God for man. An agape ceremony, used by some Tres Dias communities, refers to a sharing of this love, often with a simple meal.
- apostolic action/apostolic hour An Apostle in the Bible was a “sent one” by Christ. In Tres Dias, apostolic action refers to activities by followers of Christ that continue to reflect the actions and teachings of the Apostles. “Apostolic hour” refers to the ceremony on a weekend wherein the candidates are commissioned (sent) to go forth to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in their world. Communities may choose to present crosses at this time.
- auxiliary Often abbreviated as “aux,” this term refers to those team members assigned and trained to handle specific support services on a weekend (as, for example a kitchen aux, music aux, palanca aux, etc.). Some communities use the alternative term, cha (see below).
- baptism A practice in the New Testament church that is still used by Christian churches today. Baptism involves the application of water to the body of a person, and many interpretations of the act exist among Christian groups. In Tres Dias, it is recommended that each person should be baptized according to the traditions of his or her chosen church.
- candidate In Tres Dias terms, someone who has entered a weekend but has not yet completed the three-day program.
- cha A term used by some communities instead of auxiliary or aux. It is believed to be an acronym for Christ’s Hands in Action. It describes those who are in a support service position on a weekend.
- Christian ecumenical movement For the purpose of Tres Dias, this refers to a Christian movement of unity for all people who accept the Biblically based Tres Dias Statement of Belief. This movement is based on the belief that the Body of Christ is to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God (Eph. 4:3, 13). This unity is for all regardless of denominational, non-denominational or independent affiliation.
- clausura/closing “Clausura” is a Spanish word meaning “a closing” and is used by some communities to refer to the last ceremony on a weekend wherein the community comes together to support the new pescadores in the start of their fourth day.
- clergy/pastor A person ordained by his/her church or denomination. See spiritual director.
- cloistered environment An essential feature of each weekend is that it be a time of focus and concentration on the Lord’s teachings for both candidates and the team members. A cloister (from the Latin, claustrum, meaning an “enclosed space”) was that part of the monastery that the general public could not enter. As far as physical facilities permit, weekends are held in a cloistered (enclosed) space where team and candidates are insulated from the pressures of everyday life and distractions of the outside world. The rollo room should be completely cloistered, with the wearing of watches and use of telephones, PDAs and other electronic devices that allow intrusion from the outside world strongly discouraged.
- covenant The concept of a covenant, or binding agreement, between God and His people is one of the most important theological truths of the Bible. A covenant, in the Biblical sense, implies much more than a contract or simple agreement. While a contract always has an end date, a covenant is a permanent arrangement. Another important difference is that a contract generally involves only one aspect of a person, such as a skill, while a covenant envelops a person’s total being.
- crucifixion The method of execution used by the Romans for Christ’s death, considered to be the most cruel form of execution. Out of the ugliness and agony of crucifixion, God accomplished the greatest good of all – the redemption of sinners.
- cursillista Used by some communities instead of pescador to refer to a person who has completed a weekend sponsored by a fourth-day organization.
- cursillo/ cursillo de Christiandad Cursillo is a Spanish word that means “a short course,” referring to the three days of a weekend. It is an abbreviation for “Cursillo de Christiandad,” which means a “short course in Christianity.” Cursillo was the first of the fourth-day movements. It originated in Spain, founded by members of the Roman Catholic Church under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
- de colores Spanish words that literally mean “of colors.” In addition to being the title of a song used by Fourth Day movements, the words are widely spoken as both a greeting and way of bidding farewell. The many colors can be thought of as referring to the many weekends and the variety of people, from different nationalities and church affiliations, who have participated in Tres Dias. In addition, the song uses “colors” to describe the life of grace and the many facets of God’s love, as shown in both the beauty of nature and in the joy that His love brings to the hearts of men.
- decuria A term used by some communities that refers to small discussion groups (as, for example, a table discussion during a weekend). Also refers to the evening period on a Tres Dias weekend when rollo summaries and posters are presented.
- Essentials of Tres Dias As its name implies, this document lists those elements that are essential for an authentic Tres Dias community and Tres Dias weekend. The document specifies essentials in three areas: the guiding principles of the movement, the Tres Dias method (including the pre-weekend phase, the weekend phase, the fourth day phase), and the local secretariat organization.
- evangelistic/ evangelical Refers to the effort and action of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world.
- fourth day/Fourth Day Movement The “fourth day” refers to the day after, and every other day after a three day weekend. The “Fourth Day Movement” includes those organizations that base their program on the original Cursillo de Christiandad (see above) developed in Spain in the 1940s. All use a three-day sequestered and concentrated study of Christianity, followed by the fourth day, encompassing the rest of the pescador’s life.
- International Secretariat of Tres Dias The International Secretariat is the board of directors of Tres Dias, Inc., one of the two governing bodies of Tres Dias. The twenty members and seven officers conduct the day-to-day business of Tres Dias. The board represents Tres Dias on a national and international level, charters local secretariats, protects the Tres Dias name, assures adherence to the Tres Dias Essentials, proposes changes in the Constitution and By-laws, and supports local secretariats with materials as well as counsel and advice. The method of electing the board ensures that the widest possible number of communities are represented, and each member agrees to make decisions that are in the best interest of Tres Dias, Inc., regardless of his or her community affiliation. In keeping with the lay-led essential of Tres Dias, Inc., clergy may serve as advisors to the board but are not permitted to serve as board members.
- lay-led movement A movement led by the laity vs. by ordained clergy/pastors. Tres Dias is primarily governed by God through the laity (laymen) with pastoral counsel
- liturgy A prescribed form or ritual for public worship, often involving the use of preprinted prayers and procedures.
- mañanita A Spanish word that literally means “little morning.” It refers to the very peaceful time in the early dawn as the rays of the sun break through, when people feel especially close to God. This time was chosen, and this name was selected, to refer to a surprise practice by pescadores from the larger community of serenading the candidates with a special song on the morning of the last full day of a weekend. Originating in the Philippines, the mañanita was added by many communities as a non-essential feature of the weekend.
- ordained Commissioned by a denomination/local church and given the responsibility and authority to perform certain religious duties.
- ordinances A collective term for Baptism and Communion used primarily in Protestant churches. Some churches add other rites.
- palanca A Spanish word that literally means a “lever.” A lever enables a person to lift or move something far beyond his or her natural strength. In Tres Dias, spiritual palanca signifies the tremendous spiritual elevation provided by Grace that is realized following a small effort from humans. Such spiritual leverage is achieved for candidates on weekends when members of the community pray for candidates, write letters and cards, attend the mañanita, serenade, and closing, and otherwise express God’s love to the candidates. Service palanca includes volunteer participation on teams, serving in the kitchen, and the hosting of an international meeting.
- pescador/pescadores Spanish words that mean fisherman/fishermen. Jesus called Peter and Andrew by saying, “Come, follow me … and I will make you fishers of men.” A candidate is called a pescador after completing a weekend.
- piety A word usually defined as devotion and reverence to God and the directing of a person’s life to God and making the life of Grace his/her ideal.
- professor/silent professor Some communities give the title “professor” to a table leader who also delivers a rollo. A “silent professor” is a table leader who does not deliver a rollo.
- rector/rectrix/rectora The lay leader for a weekend, who works under Christ and the local secretariat. Some communities use the feminine form “rectora” (Spanish) or “rectrix” (Latin) for the leader on the women’s weekend. Other communities use “rector” for both men’s and women’s weekends.
- reunion group A small group of pescadores who meet periodically to minister to each other during their fourth day, using prayer, scripture, sharing, and open discussion of piety, study and action. There are several other forms: “Working reunion groups” are groups that meet on a regular basis to accomplish the work of Tres Dias; examples include secretariat meetings and team meetings to prepare for a weekend. “Floating reunion groups” are temporary and formed for a purpose as, for example, the small discussion groups formed during a secuela.
- rollo/rollista A rollo is a continuous, extended talk. Derived from the Spanish, it is used to refer to the many integrated presentations on a weekend that make up one continuous message. Each is delivered by a layman or clergyman/pastor who is called a rollista.
- sacraments Formal religious acts in which the actions and materials used are viewed as the channels by which God’s grace is communicated, either actually or symbolically. While there are different understandings of the significance and meaning of these actions among Christian churches, there is general agreement that baptism and communion are the two clearly commanded by Christ and observed by all.
- secretariat In Tres Dias, this refers to the administrative board of a local community. The board of directors for Tres Dias, Inc. is known as the International Secretariat of Tres Dias (see above).
- secuela From the Spanish word meaning “sequel,” the term refers to regularly scheduled meetings of the Tres Dias community as part of the fourth day phase of the Tres Dias method (see below). The meetings generally involve worship, Bible study, fellowship, small group discussion, praise singing, and refreshments. Some communities call this gathering an ultreya.
- serenade A special blessing of song, performed by the men for the ladies, and by ladies for the men, during a weekend. This is typically done on Saturday evening following dinner. Spouses of candidates are traditionally not permitted to attend.
- spiritual director A person who is qualified to teach and counsel on spiritual matters and who serves on the weekend as a spiritual counselor. At least one of the spiritual directors be ordained and authorized to regularly celebrate Holy Communion by his or her denomination.
- table leader A team member who facilitates discussion at the table and may give a rollo. See professor.
- Tres Dias, Inc. Tres Dias, Inc. is a non-profit organization that administers the day-to-day activities of the Tres Dias communities. As an organization in the Fourth Day Movement, Tres Dias, Inc. began in New York State in 1972 and was the first of these movements to invite interdenominational participation. There are now more than 50 communities worldwide.
- Tres Dias method An approach to helping Christians develop a closer relationship with their Lord and Savior, based on the original Cursillo. As described in Article 3 of The Essentials of Tres Dias (see above), the method involves three sequential phases: a pre-weekend phrase to prepare a candidate for a weekend, a three-day weekend in a sequestered environment, and a fourth-day phrase (the rest of the candidate’s life).
- Tres Dias Statement of Belief A document enumerating nine articles of faith, adopted as part of the Tres Dias, Inc., Constitution. The articles affirm fundamental Bible based beliefs in the Triune God, inspiration of Scripture, and salvation by grace; the articles also recognize the need for Christians to strive for a unity of the Spirit, witness God’s love to others, and live holy lives pleasing to God. All persons who serve as officers on the International Secretariat are asked to express their agreement with the Statement. The International Secretariat recommends that communities provide prospective candidates with a copy of the Statement of Belief along with the application for a weekend.
- ultreya A term used by some communities instead of “secula” (see above).