I have called you by name. . . because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you. —Our good heavenly Father who loves us in Isaiah 43:1, 4
Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them: for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. —Jesus Christ in Matthew 19:14
Alpha gives everyone the opportunity to hear the kerygma, the Great Story of Jesus and His Life-Saving grace and power. For our parents it is a place and intentional opportunity for both Dad and Mom to encounter Jesus, exploring where they are at in their relationship with Him in a relaxed, friendly setting with fellow parents while their children are also experiencing similar offerings to encounter Jesus.
The Prayer & Vision for the Parents at Family Alpha are two-fold
Three key things at Family Alpha
1. Awesome food and live music.
2. A talk.
3. And good conversation.
Gathering for 11 weeks from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
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. We start with food, because it’s a great way to encourage community and get to know each other.
The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Generally, 25 minutes long. Talks explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? or How can we have faith? and Why and how do I pray?
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. It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and open environment.
During the discussion, everyone is welcome to contribute their opinions and no question is considered hostile or too simple. Questions might include– How can I grow in confidence in becoming the primary influence of our Catholic faith to my child(ren)? What is my task as husband and/or father/wife and/or mother for my family?
Parents will have simple guided conversations to bring home to break open during the week with each other and their child(ren). These are aimed to equip and help parents grow in confidence in becoming the primary influence of their Catholic faith to their child(ren).
The children will go through similar topics their parents are going through so as to grow in their faith together discussing what was covered at home.
The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The adult reflects with the child on the questions generated by the presentations with the materials offered to the child to aid the child’s reflection.
With our Worship Leader, Josh Goodman, the children weekly encounter and experience the power of the Holy Spirit through Praise & Worship.
You are the single greatest influence on the spiritual and religious life of your children. Nothing else even comes close. Some of you may read that and find it daunting; I certainly did when our oldest child was born! But don’t worry, you are not alone in this journey, we are committed to equipping and supporting parents and families in living their faith inside and outside of their homes.
Families are the heart of any society is also the “domestic church” and is the first and most important setting for evangelization. Family is the “vital cell” for transforming the world. It is our privilege to journey in faith with every family; let’s encounter Jesus Christ together!
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to connect at zara@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org or 331-707-5381. The Alpha team is looking forward to ministering to you.
Eyes Fixed on Jesus,
zara
Zara is the Evangelization and Communications Director at our parish. As a Catholic evangelist, she loves to share her greatest passion – helping others to come to know the love of Jesus Christ and how to share that love with others.
Before being a full-time agent of rescue for the Holy Spirit, she was a partner and an operations manager for a boutique investment management firm for 13 years, and prior to that tenure was at Morgan Stanley for 6 years.
The most important part of her life and vocation is being a wife and mother. Zara and her husband John have two children.