Alpha 2023 is concluded after 10 straight weeks beginning on March 8 and ending May 10. As I sat down for a bite to eat on the last night and looked around, I was amazed at what God has done for the participants and for our parish as a community though this program. These are the fruits of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died so that we could be free from sin and born again, which is the core message of Alpha. Here are some of the highlights:
In past years, our program would start out with a dozen guests or so, plus table hosts and helpers, and we would find that as the weather improves the numbers would decline toward the end. This was not the case this year at all; in fact, we had new people join every single week. Even on the last night, a gentleman we had not seen before arrived and ate with us, stayed and participated in the video and discussion. We ended the program having had a whopping 45 people participate in some or all of the sessions, either as participants or team members.
Many guests and team members brought their children, who were cared for in the school gym by a group of adults and youth. We were told by many guests that this was a major factor in being able to attend. Childcare is a challenging ministry to provide, but we feel that it is crucial in allowing families to take part in our ministries. Meals are also a challenge to provide every week, yet we were able to do it thanks to the support of parishioners who were willing to make a large roaster oven full of food for our guests and team.
Another unique characteristic of this Alpha was that many of our guests were actually guests – that is, coming from the larger community with little or no experience being at Church. It was exciting to revisit some of the core tenets of our faith – like forgiveness, sacrifice, prayer, scripture, the Holy Spirit – alongside those learning it for the first time. Many of our guests even brought guests, which resulted in our best numbers ever.
“Where do we go now?” is a question we try to answer near the end of Alpha. We introduce the possibility of continuing on the path to full, Sacramental membership through the RCIA program. We also recognize that God is patient, and that we should be also; many of those coming have had very little or no positive experience with Church in the past, and are looking for a place to belong, for someone to listen to them and to gently guide them along the path to Jesus and his Church. This, like every good work, takes time. We are blessed to have other venues like small groups, Unify and the Chosen to invite guests to as we learn and grow together. I see all of those present at Alpha not just as “future Catholics” but important members of our Parish family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, in communion with all of us in varying degrees.
A big thanks to everyone who made Alpha possible, including:
- Taylor, Sarah, Ambrosia and the Childcare helpers
- Brenda, Sheila, Rose, Lynn, Pat, Krista, Michelle, Christine, Tracie and Susanne for the 10 meals
- Cathy for the vast array of amazing desserts
- Ted, Suzan, Bryan, Aleshia, Niki, Pam, and Randy for hosting groups
- Darcy for doing the dishes so faithfully
- ALL OF OUR PARISHIONERS for making outreaches like this possible through your prayer and financial support.
