What is the Alpha Course?

Alpha is an invitation to explore the meaning of Life and better understand one’s faith through the wisdom of knowing the meaning of life.

Alpha leads participants to embrace their faith with pride and realize the depth and sacredness of the faith into which one is baptized.

Alpha is a practical introduction to our Faith. It presents the core truths of the Christian faith. Alpha is Kerygma, a term when put simply, means the core message of Christian Faith which all believers are called to profess. Alpha is an invitation to the living hope that Jesus has been raised from the dead.

When will it occur?

Thursday Evening’s September 12th through November 21, 2024
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Port Matilda, PA

Alpha begins with dinner each evening at 6:00pm
Video at   6:40 pm
Small Group Faith Sharing at   7:15 pm
Closing at    8:00 pm 

Alpha is a series of sessions which explore the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question and is designed to create conversation. No two Alpha’s look the same, but generally it has three key experiences in common: Food, Presentation, and Conversation.

FOOD: Food has a way of bringing people together. Most Alpha Sessions begin with Supper which is a great way to build community and to get to know one another.

PRESENTATION: Designed to engage and Inspire conversation. A video is shown at each dinner, usually thirty minutes long, and explore the big issues around faith while unpacking the basics of Christianity, and addressing questions from “Who is Jesus?”, to “Who is the Holy Spirit?”

DISCUSSION: The most important part of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topics presented in a small faith sharing group setting. Participants need not be knowledgeable on any topic. There is also no obligation to say anything. It is an opportunity to hear from others and contribute in an honest, friendly, and open environment. Alpha is an encounter which opens the heart to grasp what it means to be loved by God while creating a desire to be in an intimate relationship with the Lord.