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

Alpha is run by local parishes

Alpha is a form of evangelization that is thoroughly parish-based and does not require big-name speakers or the booking of football stadiums. People come to Alpha because their friends and relatives invite them. Then they in turn invite their friends and relatives. When people come to Alpha, they find themselves among people who are the local Church. It is the local parish community that is opening its doors in an unthreatening way. Alpha communicates the Gospel and shows others that churchgoers are normal, friendly people.

Alpha is a 10-week course

The Alpha course provides sufficient time for many of the participants to go through a significant conversion process. There are 15 talks in the course, allowing for one talk per evening and additional talks for a weekend away that is part of the overall program.

Alpha works through relationships

Alpha was created specifically for inactive Christians and non-churchgoers. But when the first Alpha course is held in a parish, it is usually filled with regular churchgoers. When these parishioners find themselves renewed in their faith, they then invite their friends and relatives to attend the course. Alpha gives ordinary parishioners a chance to tell those around them about their faith in a new and comfortable way.

Alpha evenings start with a meal

The meal can be as simple as bread and soup, yet it is a vital part of the evening because it breaks the ice and brings people together.

Alpha talks appeal to the mind and heart

After the meal, everyone watches a video-taped talk, which is fun to watch and helps avoid an "us and them" syndrome. The early talks show that it is reasonable to believe, and they show it in a very respectful way. The talks are persuasive, yet they do not apply pressure.

Free-flowing discussion follows the talk, with the help of a manual that serves as a reminder of key points for discussion. Group leaders often observe that, over the period of the course, participants switch from an atheistic to a Christian viewpoint.

Alpha includes a week-end away

There is also a one- or two-day retreat, during which participants experience the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

“The Person who has been evangelized goes on to evangelize others.”

Pope Paul VI
Evangelii Nuntiandi