Alpha is a series of talks about various aspects of our Christian faith. Each Alpha session begins with a meal, features a video with more food (for thought!), and ends with small group conversation - a place where you can ask questions, delve into different issues and find out what others think.
The last Alpha course (held at St Bruno in the fall) ran at the same time that the John 10 high school ministry program was using the Alpha Youth Series. Our high schoolers are engaging in conversations about Jesus, the Bible, evil, etc just like the Alpha guests at our parish sessions. If you're thinking about Alpha, here's what one of our guests had to say: "As a lifelong Catholic, I liked that the session topics went back to the basics. The videos were all great foundational reminders using relevant stories and examples. I also liked the group discussion aspect and the fact that it was a non-threatening atmosphere to share one's thoughts." If you have/know a high schooler and sometimes feel like you don't know how to talk about Jesus, the Bible, evil, etc., consider joining the next Alpha course to get some conversations started.
The Alpha course has been offered all over the world for over 25 years. It was originally designed for people with little or no faith to introduce them to Christianity, to Jesus, to the Bible and prayer and the Holy Spirit and more. Alpha is utilized in many different Christian denominations including the Catholic Church. There are many parishes using Alpha in our own Archdiocese and the Green Bay Diocese is working toward offering Alpha in every parish. We begin with a simple meal, we watch a video that features content about a particular facet of faith and includes scripture, conversion stories, etc. and then we have a chance to discuss anything that comes to mind from the video or in conversation with one another. There are 11 sessions, please come to as many as you can, if you have to miss a couple, don't assume you have to stop coming! Bring a friend, a neighbor, come with your spouse - all are welcome.
Alpha topics include:
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 should I read the Bible?, How does God guide us?, Holy Spirit, How can I resist evil?, Why and how should I tell others?, Does God heal today?, What about the Church?
Have questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions and stories below or contact Mary to learn more about this amazing opportunity.