Alpha
Notifications
- Quote of week:
“We love because he first loved us"
1 John 4:19 - Alpha 2019 has ended:
Sadly and joyfully we ended our Alpha on Wednesday, June 12. Grateful thanks to every single person for making it the special experience it was. - Our Next Alpha - Let us know if you are interested:
We plan to run regular Alpha courses in the parish. We will shortly announce the timing of the next Alpha. If you are interested in attending a future Alpha course, please let us know so we can put you on a list and we will keep you informed. - Thanksgiving Mass:
We will have mass offered in thanksgiving for our Alpha at mass on
Saturday, June 29 - 5:30 pm - Donations:
Thank you for the donations towards the costs of Alpha that we have received.
If anyone wishes to make a donation it can be done by one of three ways - see below. Thank you in advance for your much appreciated support.
(1) Cash (2) EFT - Constantia Catholic Church, Standard Bank, Branch 025309, Current Account No 07 169 8965 or (3) Snapscan.
Alpha Story
Millions of people have tried Alpha in 169 countries, and it has been translated into 112 different languages. Developed as a short course at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London, UK, in 1990 Nicky Gumbel took over running Alpha and found that many people outside of the church wanted to explore the Christian faith. Alpha now runs in every part of the global church, including the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and all mainline Protestant denominations.
About Nicky Gumbel
Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha and Vicar of HTB in London, one of the largest Church of England churches in the UK. He is the author of many books and is married to Pippa.
- Studies: After attending Hill House and Eton College, he read law at Trinity College, Cambridge, from 1973-1975 (M.A. Cantab) and practised as a barrister from 1977-1983. In 1983, he went to Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, to read theology (M.A. Oxon) and train for ordination in the Church of England. In December 2007, Nicky received an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to church life from the University of Gloucester.
- HTB: Nicky joined HTB as curate to Vicar Sandy Millar in 1986. In 2005 Nicky became Vicar of HTB in succession to Bishop Sandy Millar.
- Alpha: Developed as a short course at HTB London, in 1990 Nicky Gumbel took over running Alpha and found that many people outside of the church wanted to explore the Christian faith. In 1993 the first Alpha conference for church leaders was held and was attended by 1,000 leaders. The course spread all over the UK in churches of every denomination.
What is Alpha About?
Mission
We equip and serve the Church in its mission to help people discover and develop a relationship with Jesus through Alpha.
Endorsed by Catholic Leaders
Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open, safe and informal environment. It runs in churches, bars, coffee shops and homes all around the globe. Typically, Alpha has around ten sessions and each includes food, a short talk followed by a discussion where you share your thoughts.
Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage debate and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, honest and informal environment.
Alpha is a unique way to introduce the Kerygma, the message of the gospel, and is a proven means to fulfill the call by Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI to the “New Evangelization.” Parishes running Alpha have seen significant growth in numbers and deepened relationships with Christ. Alpha is endorsed by many Catholic leaders including Fr James Mallon, Papal teacher Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, and Cardinals Marc Ouellet, Gérald Lacroix and Christoph Schönborn.
How it works
Food
Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, or a quick catch-up over coffee and cake, food has a way of bringing people together. It’s no different at Alpha.
Talk
The talks are designed to engage guests and inspire conversation. Usually around thirty minutes long, they can be given as a live talk or played as a video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? and How can I have faith?
The Alpha Film Series is designed for today’s audience. It was filmed all around the world, and features interviews with world-famous leaders and inspiring stories.
Discussion
Probably the most important part of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, safe and open environment.
Testimonials
“Alpha is both wise and deep. It offers an unapologetically solid gospel presentation with a safe space for dialogue, leaving room for God, by His Spirit, to change people’s hearts and lives. If you want to mobilize your church to reach out, this program will help!” Danielle Strickland, The Salvation Army
“Alpha does something that is really, really rare in our culture. It provides a safe space for people to ask whatever questions they have without fear of judgment.” Jon Tyson, Church of the City, NY
“We have been doing Alpha for over 10 years at New Life. Alpha is the best way I know that allows a local church to effectively keep outreach and evangelism as a top priority.” Pete Scazzero, Author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and founder of New Life Fellowship Church, NY
“I think the secret behind Alpha is the safe community it creates. Relationships are always relevant. A place where you can ask anything, you can say anything and you know you are not going to be judged.” Dave Ferguson, President of Exponential, Community Christian Church, IL
“Alpha is one of the best things happening in the Church today. For so many parishes, there is no event or program that we can be free to invite people to. But Alpha for Catholics gives us the chance to be the kind of missionary disciples that God has called us all to be. If any parish is looking for a place to be welcoming and engaging, they must offer Alpha for Catholics.” Father Mike Schmitz, Roman Catholic Diocese of Duluth, MN
“I especially appreciate the ecumenical spirit of Alpha: there is no pressure on anybody to join a different denomination, but just to join Jesus.” Father Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household
“Over the years, I have come to appreciate the profound effects that Alpha has had on so many people. Alpha provides a warm, welcoming environment where people can grapple with the deep questions of life: where do I come from; what difference can I make; where am I going; how can I find my purpose and meaning for my life, etc. Since these questions are human questions, all people are welcomed.” Bishop Eduardo Nevares, Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, AZ
Contact Us:
The parish co-ordinator for Alpha is Barry Smith. He can be contacted on 071 360 9969 / bjksmith60@gmail.com or via the office - click here to contact the office.
Dates and Topics?
- Alpha #1 - 20th March
Is there more to life than this? - Alpha #2 - 27th March
Who is Jesus? - Alpha #3 - 3rd April
Why did Jesus die? - Alpha #4 - 10th April
How can I have faith? - Alpha #5 - 17th April
Why and how do I pray? - Alpha #6 - 2nd May
Why and how should I read the bible? - Alpha #7 - 9th May
How does God guide us? - Alpha Retreat Day - 18th May
- Alpha #8 - 22th May
How can I resist evil? - Alpha #9 - 28th May
Why and how should I tell others? - Alpha #10 - 5th June
Does God heal today? - Alpha #11 - 12th June
What about the Church?
Where?
Steenberg Golf Club, Steenberg Golf Estate
Alpha Retreat Day - Saturday, 18 May
Venue - Springfield Convent, Primary School
- Introduction to the weekend
- Who is the Holy Spirit?
- What does the Holy Spirit do?
- How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
- How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
Downloads
