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.
Register & Join an Alpha Course Today!
Just pop along for the first session and see what you think. No pressure, no follow-up, and no charge.
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.
Begin with 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? Click here to 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. 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.
Endorsements from Catholic Clergy
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.
Hear from Hear from our pastor, Fr. Michael Kearney, 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.
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.
Joe Glasgow | All because I Said Yes to My Friend
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?
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.
Fr. John Riccardo | Nothing More Fruitful than 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.”
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.
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.
How Can I Invite Others?
We want to make it as easy as possible to invite people to try Alpha, so we’ve prepared some tips that will help you prepare to invite your friends, family, or co-workers to Alpha. Swipe through the images to learn more.
Click or tap the image to expand it for better readability.
Curious About What the Talks Are?
Click on the photos below to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can I just “come and see” for the first week?
Yes. Just register to let us know you’re coming (so we have enough food prepared for you).
What if I go for a week or two and don’t want to continue?
If you don’t want to continue after a week or two, no worries. We will not call you or bother you if you don’t come back.
Is childcare available?
Yes, we offer free childcare.
If you have further questions, please contact Zara via phone (331) 707-5381 or email.