Since 2010, Alpha has been a significant tool of evangelization for Saint Benedict Parish. This was important to help the parish establish itself as a welcoming community of faith. Alpha at Saint Benedict welcomes all — not only parishioners, but also those who come from other faith traditions, and those who are simply searching for a faith connection. You don’t have to be Catholic to do Alpha — you can just be curious. We’re so excited that the next season of Alpha is upon us, beginning on Wednesday, September 27th at 7pm.

Alpha can be described as more of an experience than a program or course. Here is what a typical Alpha evening is like: guests arrive at 7pm and are placed at a table with a group of people. The table leaders greet and welcome guests, then show them to their table, where they meet the group members they will be with for the next 10 weeks. The night kicks off with some food, which helps people get acquainted. The MC welcomes the group and introduces that evening’s theme. For many of the sessions, there will be a talk given by a speaker who will explore one of life’s big questions. For some evenings, there will be a video to introduce the subject. After hearing the talk, the table has 45 minutes to freely discuss the topic
and consider the subject, and other peoples’ thoughts, in a free-flowing conversation.

Over the course of 10 weeks, a special bond often forms within groups. Heartfelt discussions exploring the questions of life help develop strong relationships. Many of those who have completed Alpha attest to the fact that these bonds are long-lasting. Alpha has affected many of the ways we do ministry at Saint Benedict Parish. The welcoming hospitality and prayer partners at Mass, Praise & Worship at Proclaim nights, and prayer ministry after Mass can all trace their origins from Alpha. When Fr. Dan recently preached about the horizontal dimension of worshiping at Mass as a community, I thought of how our Alpha experiences have fed our desire to worship together.

As we approach each season of Alpha, we are blessed to hear testimonies from past Alpha participants at Mass. Many of them are moved by the Holy Spirit in a life-giving way, while others find that faith and devotion have connected their head and heart, receiving a more profound experience for a faith that used to be more intellectual. As you listen to these testimonies at Mass this month, I invite you to listen with your heart. Members of the Alpha team will be wearing red t-shirts in the foyer after Mass in the coming weeks to answer any questions you may have.

We all share a very important role with Alpha, which is to be invitational. As Alpha season approaches, we need to let others know that this is a wonderful opportunity for them. You will find Alpha invitation cards in the pews, which you can give to anyone you invite to Alpha to experience these wonderful nights.

You can visit saintbenedict.ca/alpha to register for Alpha, as well as watch a video and get more information. Alpha has been
a continuously life-changing experience at our parish; we see its effects all around us. You can invite people in your life to Alpha knowing that in the end, they will thank you!