Alpha for Families

What is Family Alpha?

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

1. To provide a place of encounter so as to equip, our parents, and grow them in their confidence to be the primary influence of their child(ren)’s faith.
2. To further accompany our parents so that they don’t feel alone in being the influencers of the Catholic faith to their children, parents are grouped with fellow parents in the same age level into “Households of Faith” (Galatians 6:10) where not only a friendship with Jesus is explored personally, but also an opportunity to develop and grow in Catholic friendships with fellow parents facing the same family life-journey.  An after Alpha further accompaniment into Households of Faith Grow Groups will be presented after the Alpha season.

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.  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?

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.

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).

What About the Children?

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.