What to know about the Alpha program
Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly and informal environment. It is compatible with the Catholic faith and is used by many parishes worldwide.
A typical Alpha session includes:
- Food: Sessions usually begin with a shared meal.
- Talk: A short talk is presented, often in video format, that explores a topic related to the Christian faith, such as “Who is Jesus?” or “Why and how do I pray?”.
- Discussion: After the talk, participants break into small groups to discuss their thoughts and questions. All questions and perspectives are welcome in an open and non-judgmental atmosphere.
How to inquire about the next Alpha course
To find out if/when your Parish will next run an Alpha course, you can take one of the following steps:
- Contact the parish directly. The church office can provide the most current information about upcoming sessions and sign-up dates.
- Check the parish website. Their “Programs & Workshops” or “Ministries” sections may have details on upcoming Alpha courses.
- Watch the weekly bulletins. You can find the most recent bulletin on their website, which will announce registration for upcoming programs.
- How to find an Alpha group at a Catholic Church:
- Search Online: Look for Catholic parishes near you by searching online for “[Parish Name] Alpha”.
- Contact Parishes Directly: Call or visit the websites of nearby Catholic churches and ask if they host an Alpha course.
Ask for the Alpha Team: If a parish does host an Alpha course, you can ask to speak with the “Alpha Team” or the person running the program to learn more.
