What is Alpha?
By now you have heard the word Alpha floating about in relation to the Divine Renovation and renewal of our parish. So, you may be wondering, What is Alpha?
Alpha is a program that started in 1977 in London, England, in a church called Holy Trinity Brompton (known as HTB). HTB was very theologically rooted and developed Alpha as a course for new Christians or those who were new to the church. It was very well received, and what they discovered was that Alpha was effective at connecting with people outside as well as inside the church. The format and lack of pressure resonated with most people.
Many assumptions about faith in God, the Bible, and Jesus are being abandoned in our culture today. Some no longer assume that God is true or that the Bible is trustworthy. But Alpha takes people from wherever they are and creates a highly relational and intentionally safe environment where people can share their opinions and points of view, no matter what they might be. It is currently being run in over 100 countries around the world and has been translated into over 100 languages.
Every Alpha session has three key elements: a delicious meal, a video talk, and discussion. It is a key component in our movement to bring a Divine Renovation and renewal to St. Agnes.
Since September 2022, we have run eight Alpha courses with over 180 people involved in some way – some by attending, some participating on the team as leaders, and others on the Alpha Prayer and Hospitality teams. Going forward, we will continue to run Alpha twice each year (once in the Fall and once in the Winter/Spring), reaching out to our current parishioners and their spouses as well as to our unchurched family members, neighbors, and friends. The program is free, and is for everyone – not just Catholics, and is not a catechism program. It is a great way to connect with fellow parishioners, meet new people, enjoy a meal, and grow in relationship with God. We think you’re going to love Alpha! For any questions, please reach out to Deb Lennon, Evangelization Ministry Coordinator at lennondebra26@gmail.com.
Sign up for Alpha
We hope you'll join us for our next Alpha course, which be held on SUNDAYS from 11:15-1:15 starting on Feb. 22 and run through May. Lunch will be served and childcare will be available so bring the whole family! Please fill out the form below and Deb will get back to you with a link to the registration form. All are welcome!!
frequently asked questions
-
A: Our Alpha #9 course begins on Sunday, February 22, 2026. We will meet from 11:15 to 1:15 for eleven Sundays, with a break for Easter (no Alpha on March 29 or April 5), as well as a break for Memorial Day weekend, and will conclude on Sunday, May 31. There will also be a special Day Away on April 26 that you will not want to miss!
*On the weekend of May 9 (Mother’s Day), we will meet on Saturday instead of Sunday.
-
A: Each Alpha gathering lasts for 2 hours. We’ll gather in the St. Agnes school cafeteria at 11:15 for a wonderful hot lunch , then watch a short movie, and share thoughts on it in discussion groups. During the discussion time, you can share your opinions (no matter what they are) and ask any questions you want. You’ll be headed home by 1:15 pm.
-
A: You don’t have to share if you don’t want to, but you’ll find that everyone is respectful, non-judgmental, and is committed to keeping any comments and questions within the group.
-
A: Absolutely! Alpha is for everyone! It is not a catechism program.
-
A: We ask that you commit to attending all sessions but know that life happens, and we understand this.
-
Yes! We will have childcare available. Kids will love the opportunity to play at St. Agnes School, while parents attend Alpha.
-
A: The cost of Alpha is paid for by the parish. It is Fr John’s gift to us, and he is 100% supportive of Alpha.