Alpha Course
The Alpha Course is an effective tool for evangelisation and re-evangelisation, for non-Christians and cradle-Catholics alike. Over the course of 10 consecutive weeks, the fundamental elements of Christian faith will be presented in a non-intimidating and a non-threatening environment that is designed to draw forth open discussion, deep reflection, and honest exploration into what it means, on a very personal level, to be Christian.
The Church of St Mary of the Angels launched her first Alpha Course in 2007 and has completed 5 cycles to date. Our parish is assisted by the recently formed archdiocesan body AACT (Alpha Advisory and Coordinating Team).
Open to all, each session begins with an evoking video presentation by Rev. Nicky Gumbel, after which participants are invited to share their thoughts, experiences, and reflections.
Weekly sessions will revolve around the following:
Who is Jesus?
Why did Jesus die?
How can I be sure of my faith?
Why and how should I read the Bible?
Why and how do I pray?
How does God guide us?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What does the Holy Spirit do?
How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
How can I resist evil?
Who and how should we tell others?
Does God heal today?
What about the Church?
How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
The Alpha Course is for everyone - those wanting to find out more about Jesus Christ as well as those looking to reconnect with their faith.
Registrants will be asked to note their available days and times in any given week. All participants will be grouped together with others according to their availability. This allows greater flexibility in meeting for sessions. Unless noted, groups will meet for sessions in a home setting. Grouping information will be finalised and disseminated before the first session begins.
“I sense the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelisation and mission to all nations. No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples.”
Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio
“John Paul II encouraged us as Christians, at the beginning of the new millennium, in the face of widespread apathy and Godforsakenness among men, not to relent in the task of the new evangelisation. The Alpha course sees itself as committed to exactly this task.”
Cardinal Walter Kasper
President of the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity
“By and large the majority of Catholics have been baptised without being catechised. Many have been sacramentalised without being evangelised.”
“It is my firm belief that what our Catholic Church needs is an effective tool for evangelisation and re-evangelisation – a renewal that is focussed on the proclamation on the person of Jesus Christ.
The Alpha Course seems to answer this need. God has used Alpha to transform the lives of many and develop new leaders – both locally and in communities all over the world. Let us share this blessing with our parishes and communities.”
Archbishop Nicholas Chia
Archdiocese of Singapore