Divine Mercy Invites You To Participate In Alpha

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What is Alpha?  It’s a wonderful way to explore life and the Christian faith in an informal, open environment. Alpha runs in churches, bars and coffee shops all over the world. Alpha sessions consist of sharing a meal with other members of the group, enjoying a short video and a discussion where you can share your thoughts in a small group. Alpha is for anybody and everybody who wants to know more about the Christian faith or simply grow in their own faith. There’s no judgement, no pressure, no charge and it’s FUN! Alpha in the Catholic Context is run around the world, and all have three things in common:  good food, a video and good conversation.
Our Alpha Vision

We must

invite

to have a Church.

Jesus’ final command before ascending to heaven, is to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). It’s known as the Great Commission, not “the really good suggestion”. Why? Because Jesus entrusted his disciples with a partnership in the salvation of the world. The transmission of the Gospel message depends on US. Jesus is counting on us to reach a particular person or persons with the message of His love and redemption. But how do we go about this?

Just invite.

Inviting someone to come to Mass might be a little too intimidating for someone who is unfamiliar with liturgy. But inviting them to dinner? That’s easy. And non-threatening. At Alpha you can bring your friend, co-worker, colleague, hairstylist, daughter’s boyfriend, or the UPS driver for a meal. You’ll be greeted by really friendly people and have a great (free) dinner. You’ll watch a video on the very basics of the Christian faith, then have a chance to discuss it with your tablemates. And any and all questions and comments are allowed! Seriously. At Alpha, everyone gets a chance to voice their thoughts and be heard, without judgement. Alpha is a place to have a meaningful conversation, and to explore the biggest questions of faith. It’s a welcoming place to begin a journey that will change a life forever.

Who will you invite?

We believe Alpha is a key component of what the future holds for us as a renewed Divine Mercy parish. It’s a wonderful way to renew your faith.  It’s an opportunity to get to know people in our faith community, whether they are from St. Philip or Sacred Heart. Come and check it out! No matter who you are or what you believe, everyone is welcome...Catholic or not…practicing or not…or simply curious…Join us!  You’ll love the food, the videos and the conversation.
 
Everyone should have the chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view. Take a chance!

Watch for upcoming dates for our next session of Alpha. Come and see what it's all about. Questions? Call the Parish Office at 847-446-0856.

What Parishioners Are Saying About Alpha

"If you yearn for greater purpose and meaning in your every day, consider trying Alpha. After the first gathering, you will sense the potential impact on your life. For me, it was an unexpected and profound gift!"

—  Aimee G.
"I so enjoyed our small group sessions. It was a place to share, support, and strengthen the bonds of our Catholic Community."

— Dona C.
"I had no idea what to expect but  was pleasantly surprised. It helped me review my faith on another level and talk with others about it. I also was very surprised about the number of fellow Parishioners that attended."

—  George K.
"Alpha was the first experience that helped me to find a path to forgiveness in my heart. It would not have happened without the inspiring people I shared the Alpha journey with or the amazing overnight retreat. It was truly a life-changing experience."

—  Kirsten L.
"When I signed up for Alpha, I did not appreciate what I would experience. The program was a great way to get to know other parishioners. We became a closer group as the weeks went by. The videos were very powerful means to remind us of how wonderful it is to be a Catholic."

— Joe M.