Alpha

Is there more to life?

Alpha gives everyone the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course usually meets once a week for 11 weeks. Sessions begin with a meal, followed by a short talk, and time to discuss the topic.

During the discussion, everyone is welcome to contribute their opinions and no question is considered hostile or too simple. Questions might include–Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going?

Alpha is for everyone –no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. We don’t assume any background knowledge or belief in Christianity and everyone is welcome.

Alpha Thoughts

What people are saying about Alpha

STORIES FROM OUR GUESTS

STORIES FROM OUR HOSTS

PICTORIAL FROM ALPHA JANUARY 2019

JONATHAN O’BRIEN’S ALPHA STORY

PHIL ZWICK’S ALPHA STORY

NAOMI KIBLER’S ALPHA STORY

HILDA CARILLO’S ALPHA STORY

An Invitation To You

Silverio Perez | Was Not In My Comfort Zone

In this heartfelt testimony, Silverio shares his story of deepening his faith through the Alpha experience at Our Lady of Mercy. Initially hesitant, Silverio felt a strong call to grow closer to God during the pandemic. Encouraged by his wife, he started attending Alpha in 2021, and it became a transformative journey for him. Over time, he not only grew in faith but also felt called to serve, eventually becoming a key volunteer in the kitchen. Silverio invites others to say “yes” to God’s call and experience the spiritual nourishment that Alpha offers. Ready to explore your faith? Join us at OLM for Alpha!

Tie Hardaway | What A Simple Yes Can Do

Tie was very much on the fence about responding to the Alpha invitation, the thought of being in a room full of people she didn’t know in an unfamiliar place sounded intimidating and made her feel uneasy. Listen as she shares how she ended up taking part in Alpha and how it changed her life. WHO WILL YOU INVITE TO ALPHA THIS SEASON? Never underestimate what a massive impact a simple invitation can achieve.

Max Runkle | Overwhelmed with Love

Hear from Max who didn’t know who Jesus was and didn’t believe in Him. On how he went from one sad day, he was lifting at the YMCA and saying yes to a simple invitation…. turned into encountering the life-shaping good news of Jesus that speaks into the deep questions around identity, belonging, and purpose. Jesus gave Max new life; just like Max, see what Jesus can do in your life, come to Alpha @ OLM. OR WHO WILL YOU INVITE TO ALPHA THIS SEASON? Never underestimate what a massive impact a simple invitation can achieve.

Gerri Frey | Feeling behind in her spiritual life

From feeling, she is way behind in her spiritual life and at her age, there was no way to catch up; listen to Gerri’s story on how Alpha had changed her life. The same opportunity exists for you, sign up now.

Joe Glasgow | All because I said yes to my good friend Bob

How does one go from leaving God behind after college, never stepping foot inside a church, never thinking about Jesus or God or the Holy Spirit to a life-changing encounter with Jesus?

Tommy Lachat | Surprising Community in Alpha

The pandemic life became challenging for any type of communal gathering. It was certainly something Tommy didn’t realize he missed, let alone needed until it was completely taken away because of COVID. Listen to how his small virtual group in Alpha ended up being a gift for him.

Matt Kubanda Alpha Story | It Doesn’t Matter How You Start

Raised Catholic, and then leaving the faith during college, Matt subscribed to a mantra of complete self-reliance. Listen as to how two invitations to Alpha have led Matt to see an old but true adage from his youth, of God, essentially saying the very same thing to him at Alpha.

What to expect

A typical Alpha

Alpha runs in cafés, churches, universities, homes, bars — you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have three key things in common: food, a talk, and good conversation.

First up, there’s

Food

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.

Then a

Talk

The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Generally, 25 minutes long, they are given as a live talk or played as a video. Talks explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith?

WATCH A TALK

Followed by

Discussion

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.

Is Alpha

OK for Catholics

If you have any questions about Alpha and how it relates to Catholics, check out this video from Fr James Mallon.

WATCH VIDEO

Additionally, check out endorsements from Catholic Clergy such as from the Vatican like Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.

CATHOLIC CLERGY ENDORSEMENTS

FR DON’S CHRISTMAS HO MILY (Alpha)

FR MARK’S CHRISTMAS HOMILY (Alpha)

Hear from Fr. John Riccardo on how fruitful Alpha was during his time when he was the pastor at his parish in Michigan. “I’ve never seen anything be as fruitful as Alpha is in leading somebody into an encounter with the person of Jesus and then being able to build on that friendship that begins to develop.”

Hear from our pastor, Fr. Michael, as he encourages us to take a deeper step. Listen to his homily where he explores the profound impact of Love, illustrating how it captures our hearts, transforms us, and sends us forth with renewed purpose.

He challenges us to reflect on whether our faith in Christ has truly done the same in our lives. He strongly encourages everyone to take a deeper step into community and spiritual growth through Alpha.

How Can I

Invite Others?

We want to make it as easy as possible to invite people to try Alpha, so we’ve prepared a page with tips and videos that will help you prepare to invite your friends, family, or co-workers to Alpha.

Click on the following “Top Tips for Inviting Others to Alpha!“

FAQs

Do I have to talk and share my thoughts?

No. You may remain silent the entire time if you wish.

How long is an Alpha session?

In-person Alpha Sessions last 2 hours. Virtual Alpha Sessions last 1.5 hours. They go by quickly. We start on time and always end on time.

How much does Alpha cost?

There is no cost, Alpha is free!

I am coming and will not know anybody else. Is that normal?

Yes. Most people come to Alpha without knowing anybody else in the course. By the end of the course, most people become good friends. Alpha is a great way to meet new people.