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What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the meaning of life and is run over 11 weeks. Each talk looks at a different question concerning faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome. Alpha helps the parish to become an evangelizing community. Those who have experienced Alpha naturally want to invite their friends to the next one. The Alpha small groups help the parish remember the importance of welcome and hospitality for those who come to explore life and faith.
Check out what Fr. Mike Schmitz has to say about Alpha:
“Alpha is one of the best things happening in the Church today. For so many parishes, there is no event or program that we can be free to invite people to. But Alpha for Catholics gives us the chance to be the kind of missionary disciples that God has called us all to be. If any parish is looking for a place to be welcoming and engaging, they must be offering Alpha for Catholics.”
Is Alpha for you?
Alpha is for everyone. Alpha is designed for people who wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves Christian, and Alpha is also for Christians and Catholics. We have people come to Alpha from every different perspective and background- the more diverse our group, the better our conversation! Everyone and every viewpoint are welcome and no background knowledge of (or belief in) Christianity is assumed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-fRXckFlMY
Interested in Alpha Online?
Check out our frequently asked questions and answers to learn more.
WHO SHOULD TRY ALPHA?
Alpha is for everyone! Alpha is for the curious- people from all sorts of different spiritual backgrounds who are searching for God and asking questions about life. Alpha is also for practicing Christians and Catholics. – it is an intense experience that can deepen one’s love for God, the Church, and others. Everyone walks away from Alpha more equipped to have deep conversations with others, no matter what their spiritual background may be.
HOW LONG ARE THE VIDEOS?
Videos are between twenty and thirty minutes.
CAN I TRY ALPHA AS A GUEST MORE THAN ONCE?
We ask that people try Alpha as a guest just once. After that, we encourage you to invite a friend and come along with them- or join the Alpha Team. In fact, many join the Alpha Team to get even more out of the Alpha experience! We invest a lot in our Alpha Leaders, helping them discern their strengths and finding roles where they can shine.
DO I HAVE TO TALK DURING TABLE DISCUSSION?
No, you can remain silent the entire time if you wish. We work hard to maintain a relaxed environment, and you are free to participate however you feel comfortable.
HOW LONG IS AN ALPHA SESSION?
From beginning to end, each session is two hours. The time goes so quickly! We always begin and end on time.
I AM COMING, BUT I WON’T KNOW ANYONE ELSE. IS THAT NORMAL?
Most of those who come to Alpha don’t know many people there. By the end of the course, most people have become friends. The open, honest conversations Alpha is known for are great for bringing people together.
HOW MUCH DOES ALPHA COST?
There is no cost to participate in Alpha.
IS ALPHA OKAY FOR CATHOLICS?
Yes! Alpha offers the absolute core of the Catholic faith, which is known as the kerygma- the initial proclamation of the Apostles on Pentecost. Alpha has been endorsed by many Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Vigneron, Father Mike Schmitz, and Dr. Mary Healy.
While Alpha does not contain the fullness of the Catholic faith, it is an apostolate that focuses on “what is most beautiful, most grand, most appealing and at the same time most necessary. The message is simplified while losing none of its depth and truth and thus becomes all the more forceful and convincing” (Evangelii Gaudium, no.35). Alpha is a first introduction, the first letter in the Greek alphabet.
Pope Francis, Father Cantalamessa, Cardinal Schonborn, and several other well-known Catholic figures are featured in the Alpha Film Series videos.
Questions?
Kate Donohue & George Lane, Alpha Online Co-Chairs
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