The Alpha Course
In the spirit of evangelism and following Jesus’s message of the great commission to invite others to a relationship with him, we will be offering Alpha in person. If you or someone you know, is searching for more, we invite you on this journey.
Alpha is a series of 10 sessions that explore life, spirituality and the christian faith in a fun and non-judgmental environment.
This is a great opportunity to invite those who might not have wanted to or been able to attend at our parish before. there’s no geographic limit on those who can attend!
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What is the Alpha Course?
The Alpha Course is a practical introduction to the Christian faith, a place where guests have an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The course usually meets once per week for 10 weeks and includes a day or weekend getaway in the middle. Each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning about the teachings of Jesus in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile. There is no charge to attend the Alpha course.
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Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for anyone. People attend Alpha from all backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, what happens after death, the teachings of Jesus and more. Many guests have never been to church; others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith; others attend church regularly. Everyone is welcome.
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How did Alpha start?
The Alpha course began at Holy Trinity Brompton Church in central London in the late 1970s as a means of presenting the basic principles of Christianity to new Christians. The Alpha course teaches only the basic biblical teachings on which all Christians agree. Alpha has spread around the world, as more churches and courses found it an effective way to answer people’s questions about the Christian faith.
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What is Alpha for Catholics?
Alpha for Catholics is simply the Alpha course hosted in a Catholic setting. Alpha is a practical tool that parishes use to inspire Catholic renewal and answer the call of Christ and His church to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The Alpha course is often lay-driven and has proven to be an effective tool for awakening faith in people who are on the fringe of parish life, faithful Catholics and those outside the faith.
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What happens in an Alpha Course?
The Alpha course lasts for 10 weeks, with a retreat-type session in the middle. The talks each week cover the following topics, acting as a springboard for the small group discussions:
Week 1: Life – Is This It?
Week 2: Jesus – Who Is He?
Week 3: Cross – Why did Jesus Die?
Week 4: How Can I Have Faith?
Week 5: Why and How Do I Pray?
Week 6: Why and How Do I Read the Bible?
Week 7: How Does God Guide us into Full Life?
Week 8: Does God Heal Today?
ALPHA Day Away:
-Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does He Do?
-How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
Week 9: How Can I Resist Evil?
Week 10: What About the Church and Telling Others?
Our next course which will start on Tuesday, March 12 and continue for 10 sessions. We meet from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.