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The Alpha Course is a 15-session introduction to the Christian faith designed to be used by parishes who want to reach out to non-churchgoers and people who are disconnected from the Church. It is also an effective tool for awakening faith in people who are on the fringes of the parish as well as faithful Catholics.
In a Catholic Context, Alpha is a practical tool that parishes can use to respond to the call of Christ and His Church to “go and make disciples of all nations” and to fulfill our mission to evangelize. Alpha is a basic presentation of the Gospel, the Kerygma. The Alpha process provides an opportunity for people of all ages to explore the basic foundations of Christianity, experience Christian community, engage in discussions in a safe and friendly environment, and encounter the love of God in a personal relationship through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Alpha does not cover Catholic teaching and ecclesiology and is not meant to be a substitute for other catechetical programs. Alpha is most effective when used as the first step in an ongoing process of evangelization and lifelong faith formation. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and other follow-up materials should be used to help people to grow in the Catholic faith.
Benefits for the parish
- Alpha helps to reach the non-churchgoers and the disconnected
- Alpha feeds adult faith formation programs (such as RCIA)
- Alpha often encourages people to become more involved in the life of the parish
- Alpha provides a witness to Christian unity
- Alpha builds community – friendships grow
- Alpha encourages parishioners to look outwards
“The Person who has been evangelized goes on to evangelize others.”
Pope Paul VI
Evangelii Nuntiandi
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