What is Alpha?

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​Alpha is a series of interactive gatherings where guests have the opportunity to explore life, faith and meaning in a friendly and inviting atmosphere where no question is seen as too simple or too complex. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome to participate regardless of religion and level of faith.

We invite you to come check it out.  Just come and see.  Try it.

A Message from Fr. Steve

Learn About Alpha
From 2 Divine Mercy Moms!

New Alpha Sessions Starting May 12, 2022

​​These sessions take place in the Divine Mercy Parish Center located at Sacred Heart Church, at the corner of Burr & Gage streets in Winnetka.
Want to be a part of Alpha?  Click here.
Looking for more information?  See below or contact Liz McGowen with any questions at 847-446-0856 or lmcgowen@divinemercynorthshore.org


​Want to Learn More Before You Attend?

To help you get a better sense of what Alpha is, we’ve included a number of helpful resources below.
Watch the first video, Try Alpha to learn about former Alpha guest Bear Grylls’ “Greatest Adventure”.
We've included some Alpha Stories testimonial videos if you're curious about other people's experiences,
along with our Alpha FAQs, and what our own parishioners have shared about Alpha.
And if you have more questions after that, feel free to email Liz McGowen or call 847-446-0856.

Watch These Powerful Alpha Stories Testimonials

​A Message for Parents of Young Children about Alpha from Fr. Steve

​A Message for 7th & 8th Grade Parents from Fr. Steve

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of gatherings where guests have the opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly and inviting atmosphere where no question is seen as too simple or too complex. Today, more than 29 million people have attended Alpha in more than 169 countries. It runs in every part of the worldwide church. Alpha first started in 1977 in England and it started at Divine Mercy in the spring of 2019.
Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for anyone at any point in life – no matter what you believe or don’t believe! Those who attend Alpha come from all backgrounds, religions, ages, and viewpoints. Whether you consider yourself a skeptic, curious about faith, a growing Christ-follower, or a life-long Christian, Alpha is a place to interact with others and learn from different perspectives. Alpha is where you can grow in your understanding and knowledge of who God is, and what the Bible communicates about His purpose for all of us.
What happens at Alpha and how many times will we meet?
Alpha meets once per week for eleven weeks (this includes an optional “Day Away”). Every 1-1/2 hour session has three key elements: welcoming and greeting, a thought-provoking video and a small group discussion.
What kind of video will we watch?
The videos are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Generally 25 minutes long, they explore different aspects of the Christian faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions that apply to our current lives such as: How can I have faith? How does God guide us? Who is the Holy Spirit and what does the Holy Spirit do? Does God heal today? How can I resist evil?  The Alpha films are engaging and feature inspiring stories and interviews with people from across all denominations all around the world.
What happens in the small group discussion?
This is the best part of Alpha! Alpha is a safe place to explore all your questions! It’s the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the video topic and simply discuss it in a small group. There's no obligation to say anything (you may listen and remain silent the entire time if you wish) and there's nothing you can't say. This is a judgement free zone. It’s simply a platform where you can express yourself, question beliefs, and find answers. It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and open environment. Questions that might come up during a small group discussion may revolve around forgiveness, suffering, temptation, life’s purpose, or having faith.
What's this about "No commitment. No follow up.  No Pressure.
​No Charge"?
That’s right! No one has to commit upfront to all 11 sessions. You can just “come and see” for the first week. We won’t follow-up with you when it’s over. There is no pressure to say anything during the small group discussions and yes, it’s all FREE!
What if I have a conflict and have to miss a week occasionally?
No worries! If you miss an Alpha session, you can catch up with the videos online. You won’t be behind or lost when you are able to rejoin us. Anyone is able to register up until session 3 (week 3); after that we would encourage you to check back on this website and sign up for our next Alpha course and start from week 1.

​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 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 others. The videos were very powerful means to remind us of the basics of our faith.

— Joe M.