What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of 11 interactive sessions with a retreat day away in the middle that freely explores the basics of the Christian faith. There are three components to each Alpha session – a meal, a video talk, and small group discussion. Alpha enables people to ask their questions, share ideas, build friendships, and experience the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. No assumptions are made about a persons’ level of knowledge, understanding, or engagement with Christianity.
Topics Covered during Alpha:
Is there more to life than this?
Who is Jesus?
Why did Jesus die?
How can I have faith?
Why and how do I pray?
Why and how do I read the Bible?
How does God guide us?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What does the Holy Spirit do?
How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
How can I resist evil?
Why and how should I tell others?
Does God heal today?
What about the Church?
Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for all adults; all backgrounds, all contexts, all ages. Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. Alpha is particularly attracting many young adults who are asking the question, “Is there more to life than this?”
How does it work?
Each session includes food, a short talk and a discussion at the end where you can share your thoughts. There’s no pressure, no follow up, and no charge.
How much is it?
There’s no charge to do Alpha!
How does our parish community benefit from Alpha?
Alpha helps the parish to become an evangelizing community. Those who have experienced Alpha naturally want to invite their friends to the next Alpha. The Alpha small groups help the parish remember the importance of welcome and hospitality for those who come to explore life and faith.
Alpha helps the parish to foster a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Through the simple model used in Alpha for prayer ministry, people learn how to pray for one another and it becomes a normal part of life in the parish.
Alpha engages lay people in the life and mission of the Church. A core team takes ownership and hosts Alpha in the parish. Often guests who have experienced
Alpha go on to become effective and confident evangelizers themselves as they share the impact that their encounter and relationship with Jesus has had on their lives.
When will Alpha begin?
ALPHA will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 5th at 6:15, and will run the next 10 Wednesdays (skipping Sept. 12th) at 6:15pm. All sessions will be held in the Church Hall.
How do I sign up?
Register at this link: https://waterloocatholics.org/alpha-registration