C&SI - What is the Alpha course? - 5 September 2021 (S01E06)

So on this weeks podcast our old friend Fr Chris O'Donnell returns to talk to John about what is the Alpha course. In addition we have some regular items including saints of the week and of course our reflection on the Sunday gospel.

Alpha is a parish tool for evangelisation based on hospitality, sharing and open conversation. The same Alpha content is run all over the world by Christians of all traditions and provides a common expression of faith. Last year alone, more than 5,000 people in Ireland experienced Alpha, and millions more have attended Alpha in over 100 countries and over 100 languages around the globe.

It started in London in 1977 in a small parish with the idea of creating a space for encounter, people come to discover a relationship with Jesus and experience the Holy Spirit. Guests explore life, faith, and meaning in an open and welcoming environment. Fr Chris tells us that Alpha serves two purposes - it gently introduces the good news of Jesus who never find themselves inside a church and those who are in the church to reflect and deepen their faith. Fr Chris says that courses run by Alpha are gentle, reflective, welcoming and gives people a chance to chat, to think, to experience and learn from each other!

More info on Alpha at -  https://alphaireland.org/alpha